EVER since film crews arrived in the county, there has been eager anticipation surrounding the filming of new ITV Drama, Grace.

So, what can viewers expect from the TV adaptation of Peter James’ Roy Grace novels?

Filming on the series is now complete, so The Argus has complied a handy guide to everything we know about Grace.

Who is involved?

John Simm, known for his appearances in Doctor Who and Life on Mars, will star in the lead role as tenacious, Brighton detective, Roy Grace.

Starring alongside Simm will be Richie Campbell (Liar, Blue Story, Top Boy) who takes the role of DS Glenn Branson, Rakie Ayola (Noughts + Crosses, Shetland, No Offence) as ACC Vosper and Craig Parkinson (Line of Duty, Misfits, Whitechapel).

Sussex author Peter James is an executive producer on the ITV crime drama.

The Argus: John Simm filming in Sydney Street, Brighton.John Simm filming in Sydney Street, Brighton.

He has previously expressed his delight at the casting of John Simm.

Peter said: “John Simm, who actually looks like the Roy Grace of my imagination, is inspired casting.

“With John in the lead, the brilliant scripting by Russell Lewis, and our wonderful production team, I’m confident that fans of my novels and of TV crime dramas in general will be in for a treat.”

The series is being brought to the small screen by acclaimed screenwriter and Endeavour creator, Russell Lewis.

Speaking before filming began, Russell said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be involved in bringing Peter James’ brilliantly gripping series of Roy Grace novels to ITV.

“Each story is a fantastic, hair-raising, twisting, switch-back of a roller-coaster ride that grips the reader from first to last, and the opportunity to translate that best-selling magic to television is like all one’s Christmases and birthdays come at once.

“As his millions of fans and admirers are well aware, Peter's meticulous research and eye for detail is the stuff of legend.

“His long established, close relationship with the police, taken together with a knowledge of Brighton and the South Coast that is the sole preserve of the born and bred lends his stories an unimpeachable veracity of place and procedure.”

Kiaran Murray Smith is one of the show’s producers, having previously been involved in the production of other well-known crime dramas including ITV’s Marcella and BBC’s Silent Witness.

What is it about?

Grace is based on Peter James’ first two books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead.

According to the ITV synopsis, the first film, Dead Simple, “opens with Grace running enquiries into long forgotten cold cases with little or no prospect of success.

"He is fixated by the disappearance of his beloved wife, Sandy, which haunts his thoughts.

"His unorthodox police methods have come under scrutiny once again and Grace is walking a career tightrope and risks being moved from the job he loves most.”

Where has the series been filmed?

The series has been filmed entirely at locations in Sussex.

In September, John Simm was spotted walking down a busy Sydney Street in Brighton with a small crowd of extras and camera crew following.

Shopkeepers said they were asked to temporarily remove signs about face masks and social distancing, as the drama is not set in the Covid-19 era.

The Argus: Craig Parkinson filming for ITV at Shoreham Port. Photo by David Ashdown.Craig Parkinson filming for ITV at Shoreham Port. Photo by David Ashdown.

Just a month later, the star was seen shooting a scene in a shelter in Western Esplanade, Hove.

Ferndale Road, a residential street in Hove, has also been used as a filming location.

Just around the corner in Silverdale Road, crews filmed a dramatic hit and run scene involving a pick-up truck and a police car.

Other filming locations include a Southern Rail train carriage, the Van Alen building in Marine Parade in Brighton, Shoreham Port and spots along the seafront, as well as Woodingdean and Peacehaven.

When will it be on TV?

The series is due to hit the small screen early next year, with a date due yet to be confirmed.

ITV have reported that the series will air in two parts, with both episodes lasting for 120 minutes.