Father Brown Returns: Beloved Cosy Crime Drama Confirmed for Thrilling 13th Series

By Entertainment Correspondent The Daily Telegraph December 16, 2025

Fans of the quintessential British cosy crime drama can rejoice: the BBC has officially confirmed the return of Father Brown for its highly anticipated 13th series. Starring the inimitable Mark Williams as the unassuming yet brilliantly intuitive Catholic priest, the show – loosely inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s classic short stories – will grace screens once more with its signature blend of clever mysteries, period charm, and heartfelt human insight.

Set in the picturesque fictional village of Kembleford in the Cotswolds during the 1950s, Father Brown has captivated audiences since its debut in 2013. The series follows the mild-mannered clergyman as he unravels baffling crimes not through brute force or forensic science, but via his profound understanding of the human soul, compassion, and razor-sharp observation. What began as a daytime staple has become a global phenomenon, consistently ranking as the UK’s top daytime drama and exporting its gentle thrills to viewers worldwide.

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Interview: What playing ‘Father Brown’ taught Mark Williams …

The announcement comes with exciting details that promise to elevate the show’s enduring appeal. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and the new series is slated to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday, 9 January at 2pm – perfect timing for post-festive season viewing. Executive Producer Neil Irvine has teased that this will be “the most exciting to date,” featuring a mix of familiar faces, fresh twists, and groundbreaking adventures for the Kembleford gang.

Father Brown Returns: Beloved Cosy Crime Drama Confirmed for Thrilling 13th Series

By Entertainment Correspondent The Daily Telegraph December 16, 2025

Fans of the quintessential British cosy crime drama can rejoice: the BBC has officially confirmed the return of Father Brown for its highly anticipated 13th series. Starring the inimitable Mark Williams as the unassuming yet brilliantly intuitive Catholic priest, the show – loosely inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s classic short stories – will grace screens once more with its signature blend of clever mysteries, period charm, and heartfelt human insight.

Set in the picturesque fictional village of Kembleford in the Cotswolds during the 1950s, Father Brown has captivated audiences since its debut in 2013. The series follows the mild-mannered clergyman as he unravels baffling crimes not through brute force or forensic science, but via his profound understanding of the human soul, compassion, and razor-sharp observation. What began as a daytime staple has become a global phenomenon, consistently ranking as the UK’s top daytime drama and exporting its gentle thrills to viewers worldwide.

americamagazine.org

Interview: What playing ‘Father Brown’ taught Mark Williams …

The announcement comes with exciting details that promise to elevate the show’s enduring appeal. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and the new series is slated to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday, 9 January at 2pm – perfect timing for post-festive season viewing. Executive Producer Neil Irvine has teased that this will be “the most exciting to date,” featuring a mix of familiar faces, fresh twists, and groundbreaking adventures for the Kembleford gang.

At the heart of the series remains Mark Williams, whose portrayal of Father Brown has become iconic. Known for roles in The Fast Show and the Harry Potter films, Williams brings a rumpled warmth and subtle wit to the character, making him endlessly watchable. “I’m delighted that Mark Williams is back,” Irvine said. “Mrs McCarthy’s return, a rock’n’roll invasion, and a trip to the seaside are just a few of the treats in store.”

Indeed, one of the biggest draws is the special guest appearance by Sorcha Cusack reprising her role as the no-nonsense Mrs Bridgette McCarthy in the opening episode. A mainstay from series 1 to 9, her return for an emotional reunion is sure to delight longtime fans who have missed her sharp tongue and steadfast loyalty.

The core cast returns in full force: Tom Chambers as the newly promoted Chief Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as his bride Isabel Sullivan (fresh from their series 12 wedding), Ruby-May Martinwood as the plucky Brenda, and John Burton as the ever-reliable Sergeant Goodfellow. Recurring favourites like Nancy Carroll as the glamorous Lady Felicia, John Light as the charming thief Hercule Flambeau, and Lex Shrapnel as the enigmatic Father Lazarus will also feature.

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Plot teases hint at heightened drama. Following the jubilant wedding of Inspector Sullivan and Isabel, the couple navigates married life, with Isabel joining the Policeman’s Wives Society. Brenda embarks on a journey of self-empowerment, stepping up as Parish Secretary and even learning to drive under Goodfellow’s guidance.

But darker clouds loom. A request from Flambeau sends Father Brown to visit Father Lazarus in prison, sparking a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Meanwhile, Bishop-Elect Canon Fox (Roger May) harbours revenge against our hero, threatening to reshape Kembleford forever as his consecration approaches. Adding levity, a rock’n’roll invasion shakes up the village, and – in a series first – the group ventures to the seaside for an episode of sun, sand, and suspicion.

Guest stars promise star power: Dame Maureen Lipman, Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous), Phil Daniels (EastEnders), Debra Stephenson, Davood Ghadami, Kevin Harvey, George Rainsford (Call the Midwife), and Timothy Watson join the fray, ensuring a roster of memorable villains and victims.

Filming locations continue to enchant, with the Cotswolds providing that idyllic backdrop. Highlights include the historic Fleece Inn in Bretforton, the Baroque splendor of Great Witley Church, and charming stone villages – plus that groundbreaking seaside excursion.

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With over 140 episodes produced, Father Brown remains a beacon of cosy crime in an era of grittier dramas. Its appeal lies in the comfort: no graphic violence, just intelligent puzzles wrapped in morality tales, stunning period costumes, and a celebration of human redemption. As Williams notes, the role allows him to explore beautiful architecture and human nature alike.

Commissioning Editor Helen Munson assures fans: “They are NOT going to be disappointed.” In a television landscape hungry for feel-good escapism, Father Brown‘s return feels like a warm embrace. Mark your calendars for 9 January – Kembleford awaits, with secrets aplenty.

At the heart of the series remains Mark Williams, whose portrayal of Father Brown has become iconic. Known for roles in The Fast Show and the Harry Potter films, Williams brings a rumpled warmth and subtle wit to the character, making him endlessly watchable. “I’m delighted that Mark Williams is back,” Irvine said. “Mrs McCarthy’s return, a rock’n’roll invasion, and a trip to the seaside are just a few of the treats in store.”

Indeed, one of the biggest draws is the special guest appearance by Sorcha Cusack reprising her role as the no-nonsense Mrs Bridgette McCarthy in the opening episode. A mainstay from series 1 to 9, her return for an emotional reunion is sure to delight longtime fans who have missed her sharp tongue and steadfast loyalty.

The core cast returns in full force: Tom Chambers as the newly promoted Chief Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as his bride Isabel Sullivan (fresh from their series 12 wedding), Ruby-May Martinwood as the plucky Brenda, and John Burton as the ever-reliable Sergeant Goodfellow. Recurring favourites like Nancy Carroll as the glamorous Lady Felicia, John Light as the charming thief Hercule Flambeau, and Lex Shrapnel as the enigmatic Father Lazarus will also feature.

radiotimes.com

tellymix.co.uk

Plot teases hint at heightened drama. Following the jubilant wedding of Inspector Sullivan and Isabel, the couple navigates married life, with Isabel joining the Policeman’s Wives Society. Brenda embarks on a journey of self-empowerment, stepping up as Parish Secretary and even learning to drive under Goodfellow’s guidance.

But darker clouds loom. A request from Flambeau sends Father Brown to visit Father Lazarus in prison, sparking a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Meanwhile, Bishop-Elect Canon Fox (Roger May) harbours revenge against our hero, threatening to reshape Kembleford forever as his consecration approaches. Adding levity, a rock’n’roll invasion shakes up the village, and – in a series first – the group ventures to the seaside for an episode of sun, sand, and suspicion.

Guest stars promise star power: Dame Maureen Lipman, Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous), Phil Daniels (EastEnders), Debra Stephenson, Davood Ghadami, Kevin Harvey, George Rainsford (Call the Midwife), and Timothy Watson join the fray, ensuring a roster of memorable villains and victims.

Filming locations continue to enchant, with the Cotswolds providing that idyllic backdrop. Highlights include the historic Fleece Inn in Bretforton, the Baroque splendor of Great Witley Church, and charming stone villages – plus that groundbreaking seaside excursion.

rosehilltravel.com

tripadvisor.com

With over 140 episodes produced, Father Brown remains a beacon of cosy crime in an era of grittier dramas. Its appeal lies in the comfort: no graphic violence, just intelligent puzzles wrapped in morality tales, stunning period costumes, and a celebration of human redemption. As Williams notes, the role allows him to explore beautiful architecture and human nature alike.

Commissioning Editor Helen Munson assures fans: “They are NOT going to be disappointed.” In a television landscape hungry for feel-good escapism, Father Brown‘s return feels like a warm embrace. Mark your calendars for 9 January – Kembleford awaits, with secrets aplenty.