Al Weaver, the actor behind the beloved character Leonard Finch in ITV's long-running drama Grantchester, has candidly disclosed his initial trepidation about being let go from the role on his very first day of filming. The revelation came during a recent appearance on Alan Titchmarsh's weekend television programme, where Weaver reflected on his journey with the series as it approaches its conclusion.
From Comedy Relief to Complex Character
Weaver elaborated on the evolution of Leonard Finch, describing how the role has transformed significantly since its inception. "When we started, he was kind of just the comedy relief, along with Tessa and a couple of other people. It was kind of just all sorts of light stuff," he explained. However, the narrative soon delved into deeper, more personal territories, exploring Finch's sexuality and intricate personal struggles.
"But then it started going into his sort of personal life and his sexuality and all that sort of stuff, and then they just keep throwing everything at him, and it's great," Weaver continued. He expressed enthusiasm for the character's development, noting that each season offers new challenges and dimensions to explore. "For me, every year we come back and we talk about it in the offseason and say, 'What can we do?'"
The Moustache That Sparked Panic
The conversation took a humorous turn when a clip from Weaver's first episode was played, showcasing him with a distinctive moustache. "We had all forgotten the moustache," Weaver admitted with a laugh, after Alan Titchmarsh remarked on its brief appearance. The facial hair was specifically grown for the script but lasted only a single episode.
Recounting the experience, Weaver shared his immediate fears upon seeing his transformed appearance. "And it takes me a while to grow a moustache, and then you shave it off after a day," he said. "But I remember that was my first day, the first time I had met James [Norton] at the read-through, but that was our first scene together."
"And, they put the stuff on, did my hair, did the moustache, and I thought I was gonna get fired. Honestly, I was just like, I look ridiculous," Weaver confessed. He vividly recalled thinking, "This is it. I'm just gonna walk on set, and they'll be like, we've made a mistake."
Producers' Reassuring Response
Despite his anxieties, the production team had a completely different reaction. Weaver revealed that the producers at the time considered his look "perfect" for the character, ultimately validating his portrayal and allowing him to continue in the role that has since become a fan favourite.
Weaver's reflections highlight the often-unseen vulnerabilities actors face, even in successful television productions. His story serves as a reminder that behind-the-scenes moments can be filled with as much drama and uncertainty as the scripts they perform.
Grantchester continues to air on ITV, with new episodes captivating audiences and further developing the intricate lives of its characters.
