Tom Brittney, who played Reverend Will Davenport in the ITV drama Grantchester, has confessed he questioned his decision to leave the show after the Hollywood strikes derailed his career plans. The actor departed in 2023 after four years on the series, hoping to pursue new opportunities overseas, but found himself unable to work for months when production across Hollywood ground to a halt due to the writers' and actors' strikes.
Regret and Reflection
Speaking to Metro, Brittney recalled: "I actually left, funny enough, at the time when the Hollywood strike happened. I was just sat there unemployed for months and months, going, 'What have I done?'" He had expected to move straight into another acting role but instead faced an extended period without work.
The actor took over from James Norton in 2019, playing the village's crime-solving vicar alongside Robson Green's DI Geordie Keating. His departure marked a significant change for the long-running detective series.
New Role in The Westies
Despite the setback, Brittney has now landed one of the biggest roles of his career in the upcoming gangster drama The Westies, starring opposite Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. The series follows the notorious Irish-American crime gang that operated in New York's Hell's Kitchen, with Brittney playing Jimmy Roarke, one of the group's key members.
Discussing working alongside Simmons, Brittney admitted he was initially intimidated by the Oscar-winning actor's reputation. "He's such a presence," he said. "He has this terrifying aura because we've seen him do some really scary roles." However, he revealed the Whiplash star quickly put him at ease, describing him as "the warmest guy" and praising him for creating a relaxed atmosphere on set.
Grantchester Legacy
Although Brittney has now found success across the Atlantic, Grantchester remains one of his best-known roles. His departure in 2023 came after four years as the resident priest, a character that had become a fan favourite. The show continues to air on ITV, with new episodes featuring a new vicar.
