THE CASE IS NOT CLOSED: JOHN SIMM RETURNS AS ITV GREENLIGHTS SEVENTH SERIES OF GRACE

ITV has officially confirmed the highly anticipated return of its blockbuster detective series, Grace, with a seventh series commission.

The popular Brighton based drama will return next year, to answer the desperate questions left hanging after series six’s unforgettable finale, which culminated in the dramatic, edge-of-your-seat kidnap at the wedding of Roy Grace and Cleo Morey. Viewers were left desperately wanting to know what happens next and the new series promises some answers and explosive new cases.

John Simm reprises his iconic role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. He will be joined by co-stars Richie Campbell, returning as the ever reliable DI Glenn Branson, and Zoë Tapper, who plays the newly imperilled Cleo Morey, as they reunite for series seven.

The new series will feature four gripping, brand new standalone films, based on characters from the best-selling Roy Grace novels by globally renowned author Peter James.

These new investigations will include the titles: ‘When You Are Dead’ and ‘Picture You Dead’, with the remaining titles to be confirmed as the series is developed.The stellar supporting cast is also set to return, including Laura Elphinstone as the tenacious DS Bella Moy and Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl.

Commenting on the series' enduring success, John Simm said:

“Honestly, if someone had said we’d be doing this for seven seasons when we first started this in lockdown I would never have believed it. But the reason I and many others have remained part of this series for so long is down to the team and the writing. It continues to excite and be such a joy for all and we can’t wait to see what's coming next…”

Grace continues to prove its status as an ITV viewing favourite: Episode 1 of the current series attracted ITV's biggest overnight drama audience this year and has since part consolidated to 5.7m, making it the second most watched drama on ITV after Gone. This month all six series are in the top 40 most watched (two in the top 10) on ITVX as viewers discover or rewatch the earlier series. This year alone Grace has been streamed 11 million times, with all of the series generating over 16.6 million views.

The series is commissioned by Director of Drama Polly Hill, who will oversee the series with Louise Ogunnaike on behalf of the broadcaster.

Commented Louise Ogunnaike: “Grace has become a cornerstone of the ITV schedule, and the audience’s appetite for Roy Grace’s world only seems to grow with every season. Reaching a seventh series is a testament to the incredible partnership between Peter James’ world, the brilliant scripts from the writing team, and the dedicated cast and production team who bring this series to life. We are delighted to be returning to Brighton for a seventh season and to bring four more gripping investigations to our screens.”

Grace is produced by Tall Story Pictures, part of ITV Studios and Vaudeville Productions.

The Executive Producers are Phil Hunter for Tall Story Pictures, Andrew O'Connor and Paul Sandler for Vaudeville Productions, Kiaran Murray- Smith, Peter James and John Simm. The creative team returns with acclaimed writers for this series: Jess Williams, Guy Burt, Ed Whitmore and Caroline Carver.

Executive Producer Phil Hunter said: “Straight off the back of the success of series 6 on ITV and ITVX, I’m thrilled that we are back for a 7th series. Following Cleo’s kidnap, we pick up Grace and his team under more pressure than ever for what promises to be another propulsive and explosive run of episodes. I can’t wait to see our brilliant cast and crew rise to the challenge of shooting another four stories based on Peter James’ iconic characters.”

Kiaran Murray-Smith returns as Series Producer and Mathew Hamilton will co-produce the series. Grace is also a BritBox Original, available on BritBox in North America and Australia.

Grace is produced in association with, and distributed internationally by, ITV Studios.

Series 1-6 are all available to view on ITVX.