JOHN SIMM has said he is “more than happy” to continue playing the starring role in ITV’s Grace.
The 51-year-old - whose television credits include Doctor Who and Strangers - plays Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace in the adaptation of Peter James’s crime novels.
John, who lives in Brighton, told Radio Times he didn’t feel hesitant about taking on a role that he could be attached to for years to come.
He said: "In this day and age, we should be thankful to be working, and when this role came to me straight after the pandemic, I was just so keen to work.
“Maybe if I was younger, it might have been a thing – back then, I didn't want to hang around projects for too long because I wanted to do different stuff, but I've been doing this job for 30 odd years."
"I've played loads of different characters, and I'm sure there'll be loads more coming up, I'll do other things as well.
“But Roy Grace is such an intriguing part and to have the whole world of the novels to immerse myself in has been invaluable. I'm more than happy to keep playing him if people want to keep watching the show.”
Grace returned to our screens last month and author Peter James said he was “thrilled” with the audience response.
Most of the filming was completed between late 2020 and early 2021, with sweeping shots of the two piers, Hove beach huts and the South Downs delighting Sussex viewers.
Peter said: “I think the way they are filming the series is just sensational. The drone shots over the city and some of the landscapes are just incredible.
“I love that it really does show the beauty of Brighton but also its ugly parts too, but they somehow look quite beautiful too.”
Richie Campbell reprised his role as DS Glenn Branson alongside John.
Line of Duty star Craig Parkinson has made his debut in the series, playing unconventional police officer Norman Potting.
Peter praised the cast for their performances and said they were a “joy to be around” during filming.
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