Grantchester star Robson Green has revealed a poignant new storyline in the show’s ninth season, as his character DI Geordie Keating faces relationship challenges with wife Cathy.
The ITV drama, which has already gripped viewers following the emotional departure of Vicar Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), is set to explore sensitive territory as Cathy experiences menopause.
Green disclosed that his character struggles to handle the situation, saying: “At home, things get tricky when Cathy hits the menopause and it becomes a challenge for her and for Geordie, who doesn’t handle it well.”
The actor explained the historical context of the storyline, set in the 1960s, when discussing such matters was uncommon.
“I think in the Sixties, the notion of men and women talking about how they’re feeling, both physically and mentally, was taboo,” Green revealed.
He continued: “I remember my mother calling menopause ‘the change of life,’ but let’s say it how it is – all that oestrogen is leaving the body and in Cathy’s case it’s having a catastrophic effect on her mood.”
The storyline aims to portray a realistic depiction of the era, with Green noting: “I quite like the fact that Geordie’s a bit stuck in his ways. It’s realistic.”
The emotional toll of this storyline becomes evident as Green describes its impact on the beloved couple.
“The storyline has slight levity to it because they’re both trying to understand what’s going on, but the actual pathos of it is that Geordie feels he’s losing Cathy,” Green shared.
“She’s not smiling anymore and that really upsets him,” he added.
However, help arrives in the form of a familiar face at the vicarage.
“He seeks advice from the one and only Mrs. C, who comes to the rescue,” Green revealed, suggesting a supportive resolution to the couple’s struggles.
Amid the dramatic storyline, Green has firmly dismissed any speculation about following his former co-star Tom Brittney’s exit from the show.
Speaking during a press session, he stated: “I never get itchy feet because I’m at a stage in my life where I want to work with people who make me genuinely happy, in front of the lens and behind it.”
The actor emphasised his contentment with the role, adding: “I’m not chasing awards. I’m not chasing fame. I’m just being present in a very enjoyable and healthy environment, and that’s what Grantchester is. It’s one of the nicest jobs I have ever done in my career.”
Since Brittney’s exit, fans of the ITV series have made their feelings clear on the new lead Alphy Kottaram, played by Rishi Nair, and claimed it just wasn’t the same.
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One penned on X: “I’m still missing Will. It’s not the same without him but yes Alphy is growing on me and it’s hilarious #Grantchester.”
“I don’t dislike Alphy at all, I just can’t get over Will not being here. I will, eventually, I’m just still in denial that he’s gone,” a second admitted.
A third shared: “We’re all pining for Will,” while another commented: “Don’t think I’ll be used to Will not being around for a while.”
“I’m sorry, Alphy is fine but please bring back Will! It is just not the same without him!” one fan wrote. (sic)