ITV's Grace Returns for Series Six with John Simm in Lead Role
The long-running ITV crime drama Grace has made its highly anticipated return for a sixth series, with John Simm once again starring as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. The show, set in Brighton and Hove, follows Grace as he navigates a series of complex cases while grappling with personal demons, including the unresolved disappearance of his wife.
New Series Premiere and Plot Details
The sixth series premiered on Sunday, March 29, 2026, on ITV1 and ITVX. It picks up in the aftermath of ACC Cassian Pewe's betrayal, which casts a shadow over East Sussex Police during an anti-corruption enquiry. Roy Grace faces a moral dilemma over whether to trust Cassian's intelligence regarding the murder of Sandy and threats to Bruno's life. Simultaneously, his team investigates a missing persons case involving a Brighton property developer's wife, unearthing a web of secrets.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Within minutes of the premiere, fans flooded social media with positive reactions. On X, formerly Twitter, viewers expressed their excitement for the show's comeback. One fan posted, "Time for a new series of Grace Amazing! #Grace," while another commented, "Such a great series isn't it, glad it's back! #grace." Many praised John Simm's performance, with one noting, "John Simm is a ridiculously underrated actor #Grace."
Crossover Appeal with Grantchester
The opening episode, titled Left You Dead, featured Rishi Nair, known for his role in Grantchester, playing the morally ambiguous character Neel Siddiqui. This sparked reactions from fans of both shows. One viewer remarked, "Didn't know Alfie had left the priesthood and moved away from #Grantchester," while another said, "Crossover of our two @ITV detectives tonight with Rishi Nair appearing on #Grace in a completely different role #Grantchester."
Series Structure and Creative Departures
The new series includes four standalone films adapted from Peter James' bestselling novels:
- Left You Dead
- Capture You Dead
- Dead Man's Game
- One Of Us Is Dead
Cast and Scheduling
The series stars Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey, with returning actors like Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy. Guest stars include Ali Khan, Sara Powell, and Amir Wilson. Grace airs on ITV1 on Sundays at 8pm and is available on ITVX for streaming.
