Grantchester star Rishi Nair has shared a special detail about his time on the show that even the most eagle-eyed fans may have missed. The actor is known for starring in the show as vicar Alphy Kottaram, first appearing in season nine.
But what many fans of the drama series may not know is that Nair actually appeared in the very first season as an extra.
Reflecting on his time on the show, which comes to an end with its 11th season, Nair wrote on Instagram: "A real privilege to come on board as an Executive Producer for the final season of Grantchester.
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"What makes this even more special, and something many people don’t know, is that I first appeared on this very show in season 1… as an extra!!
"So when I landed the lead role in Season 9, it really felt like a dream come true. To now be an Executive Producer is beyond anything I could have imagined."
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Nair posted a selection of pictures from his time on the show, including one of him as an extra in season one, as well as in character as Alphy and behind the cameras filming for season 11.
He continued: "From once standing in the background to now helping shape the final chapter. I guess this is what they call a full-circle moment. Beyond grateful."
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The 11th season of Grantchester began airing in the US on PBS earlier this month, marking the end of the beloved drama.
Speaking to Yours, Nair explained why the show was coming to a close, saying that it "feels like it's the right time."
"It’s been on for 11 years, and I think - us and the producers - just felt the show is in such a good place at the minute. Sometimes it’s better to go out on a high," he said while at the TV Choice Awards.
He went on to tease: "I guess what I can say for the next series is that the relationship between Gordy and Alphy is more strained than before.
"There are a couple of fallings-out, but of course they get back together - it makes for an interesting storyline."
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