The popular daytime drama returns to BBC One shortly…
Mark Williams is back as Father Brown, the charismatic clergyman sleuth based on the classic character created by GK Chesterton.
The cosy-crime series also sees the return of popular cast members Tom Chambers as Chief Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as Mrs Devine, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow.
Mark Williams:
“In this series, we have another Flambeau episode, and this time we are on a secret mission from the Vatican. I love the Flambeau episodes, it feels like we are in a 1950s thriller and John Light plays him to the hilt. We also have a battle re-enactment in which I got to fight a duel with an expert swordsman, although Father Brown was somewhat handicapped by only having an umbrella. We also have a long awaited wedding, although it isn’t easy getting the happy couple to the altar!”
Following the exciting proposal at the end of series 11, the sleepy village of Kembleford is abuzz with good news as Mrs Devine (Claudie Blakley) and Chief Inspector Sullivan (Tom Chambers) look forward to their upcoming wedding. But when a surprise visit from the father of the groom quickly throws preparations into turmoil, will they even make it to the church?
With a medieval death at a Tudor battle re-enactment, Mrs Devine finding herself accused of murder, Sergeant Goodfellow’s professional future thrown into question and Brenda ballroom dancing on national television, Father Brown and the gang are busier than ever. And when a Cardinal from the Vatican arrives with a top-secret mission for Father Brown, the priest must request the help of his old adversary Flambeau, while a new nemesis lurks in the shadows…
Father Brown, which first aired on BBC Daytime in 2013, is now a global success with 130 episodes made.
Mark Williams:
“We broadcast the 12th series of Father Brown this January, which means we have made 130 episodes. I was feeling quite impressed by this, I thought there can’t have been many people who’ve played the eponymous character in a series for 130 shows. Then I read about Jack Warner who played Dixon of Dock Green 432 times, so that took the wind out of my sails a bit.
“Making 12 series of Father Brown has enriched my life immeasurably. There have been many friendships made and we have quite a few children born during our time filming to cast and crew which makes us a real tribe. And I give thanks to G K Chesterton’s creation because Father Brown has kept me fascinated.”
Father Brown’s 11th series recently concluded on screen and averaged 2.5 million viewers. The series continues to be a hit internationally and is viewed by audiences in US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, India, Italy, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, South Korea and Japan. The series has also been recommissioned for 13th series on BBC One.
Mark Williams:
“As well as my friends in the regular cast, we are blessed with a wonderful set of guest stars every week! I love having new actors that bring such skill and energy to the characters our writers create. It’s one of my chief pleasures watching them work. It makes my job very joyful having such talent to play against.”
Catch up with previous episodes of Father Brown on BBC iPlayer