Huge ITV drama returning to screens next month as bosses drop first spoilers for new season

A HUGE ITV drama is returning to screens next month as bosses drop the first spoilers for the new season.

With a New Year comes lots of new TV and ITV has a number of shows lined up for post-festive viewing.

One of these is series eight of Grantchester - starring Robson Green and Tom Brittney.

Now the Radio Times has confirmed the series will begin on Thursday, January 11 at 9pm.

The show first aired in 2014 and has become a firm favourite among ITV viewers in that time.

It sees Robson, 59, play DI Geordie Keating, while Tom plays Reverend Will Davenport.

The synopsis for series eight reads: "It’s 1961 and life is good for Will and Geordie. The families are always together, from Sunday lunches to planning summer holidays and with honorary Grandparents Mrs C and Jack, and adopted uncles Daniel and Leonard, it’s one big happy family!

"But when Will is approached with a life-changing offer, can he leave Grantchester and Geordie behind?

"As Geordie struggles with personal loss and ever-growing family conflict between Cathy and teenage daughter, Esme he has no one to turn to.

"But when he arrests an intruder breaking into the Vicarage, he may find his days of working with a Vicar are not over."

The news comes after Tom, 33, revealed series eight would be his final outing as the vicar.

His replacement was later announced as former Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair, who joins as vicar Alphy Kotteram.

Announcing his departure, Tom said: "I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years. I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for. I’ll miss it more than anything.

"But it’s time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I’m so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."

Grantchester returns on Thursday, January 11 at 9pm on ITV1.