In an exclusive interview, actor Rishi Nair has recalled the shocking moment he had to punch his Grantchester co-star and now firm friend, Robson Green, squarely in the face for his very first scene on the hit ITV drama.
From Nerves to Friendship: A Rocky Start
Joining the established cast in 2024 for the show's ninth series, Nair admitted to intense nerves. His debut as the new vicar, Reverend Alphy Kottaram, involved a violent encounter where Green's character, DI Georgie Keating, mistakes him for a burglar. "I was so nervous being the new kid," Nair confessed. "My first scene was punching Robson in the face and I was like 'don't break his nose as I will get my P45.'"
Fortunately, no noses were broken and a genuine off-screen friendship was forged. The crucial 'chemistry check' before filming was eased by a shared passion. "We both love football," Nair explained. "Robson supports Newcastle United and I support Manchester United." Green broke the ice with a welcoming hug and a fifteen-minute football chat that sealed their on-screen partnership.
Navigating Race and Reality in 1960s Grantchester
As the third actor to play the village priest, following James Norton and Tom Brittney, Nair brings a new dimension to the role. His character is an Indian vicar navigating a predominantly white Cambridgeshire community in the 1960s. The show doesn't shy away from this reality.
Nair highlighted a powerful scene where Alphy walks into a local pub. "Everyone just stops drinking and they go silent and turn their heads," he described. His character's response is to offer to buy a round, disarming prejudice with kindness. Nair felt it was vital to portray this authentically, drawing on stories from his grandmother about her early experiences in England.
The Real Star of the Show and What's Next
While the human cast receives plaudits, Nair insists the true star is Dickens, the black Labrador retriever. "The days when Dickens was on set were my favourite," he laughed, praising the dog's professional timing. "I remember thinking 'man, this guy's a better actor than I am'."
With the penultimate tenth series now airing on ITV1, Nair's time in Grantchester is treasured. The show has given him prime-time exposure he once only dreamed of, despite early doubts about seeing leading men who looked like him on screen. His risk has paid off, with a new role in an upcoming TV adaptation of the musical comedy Bonny Chip already lined up.
While the current ITV contract runs until 2027, producers are open to a Netflix deal which could see the show continue. For Nair, the experience has been familial. "I have loved Grantchester," he said warmly. "Grantchester has been a family to me." Series 10 continues on Wednesdays at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
