Grace spoilers follow.
Craig Parkinson has announced his departure from ITV1's Grace.
The crime drama is due to launch its fourth season next week, but Parkinson has already confirmed the new episodes will be his last playing DS Norman Potting.
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Posting a heartwarming goodbye message on Instagram, the former Line of Duty star explained: "Some #Grace news… After a very happy few years I've made the decision to hand in Norman Potting's detective badge. The new season of #Grace begins on @itv on September 1st but it will also be my last.
"It's been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen & updating him for a new audience. There was a huge sense of responsibility in portraying such a character from @peterjamesuk [series creator Peter James] much-loved book series but with a few tweaks here and there from our excellent script team and the support from Peter, I’m really glad that he resonated with the audience."
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Parkinson also reflected on working with the "wonderful [and] talented guest directors" as well as the "brilliant crew" during his five years on Grace.
"It's been a wonderful journey playing Norman Potting, chasing around the streets of Brighton and dangling bad guys off Brighton Pier," he added. "I really hope you enjoy this season, it's been a blast. A huge thank you to @kiaranms [producer Kiaran Murray-Smith] @tall_story_pictures @itv @danieledwardscasting and, of course, @peterjamesuk for trusting me with this role.
"Massive thanks to everyone that's watched, supported and also those that have said hello when we've been filming around Brighton & Hove. New #Grace season for you, last one for me. Really hope you enjoy."
Grace has been adapted for the small screen from Peter James's Roy Grace detective novels, with Doctor Who's John Simm taking on the title role as the hard-nosed detective. Liar's Richie Campbell and Holby City's Rakie Ayola co-star in the drama series.
The show will continue on following Craig Parkinson's departure, as ITV renewed Grace for a fifth season earlier in the year.
Grace returns on Sunday, September 1 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
