UPDATE: |Grace’s Alison Vosper exit explained as ITV series returns News

Grace will be back on ITV this week

The ITV series Grace is all set to make a comeback with its fifth season this evening (April 6), leaving fans eager to see what new cases will unfold. The Brighton-based drama, which is adapted from Peter James’ novels, remains strong with John Simm and Richie Campbell taking on new challenges.

In the upcoming season, four new two-hour films will delve into a variety of cases, ranging from bomb threats to catfishing, all set in and around the seaside town. Alongside the intriguing cases, the personal lives of the primary detectives will also come under the spotlight.

Grace, in particular, will be dealing with the aftermath of Sandy’s (Clare Calbraith) death and the loss of his child with girlfriend Cleo Morey (Zoë Tapper).

Meanwhile, Branson will face his own family dramas, which will likely cause further friction. As fans revisit previous seasons, they may have noticed changes in the cast and departures throughout the series.

In Season 3, ACC Alison Vosper (portrayed by Rakie Ayola) departed from the show as her farewell celebration was depicted in the opening episode, Dead Like You.

Her character was succeeded by Cassian Pewe (played by Sam Hoare), a change that may have piqued fans’ interest. So, what prompted Rakie Ayola’s departure from Grace?

Speaking about her character’s exit, Richie Campbell, the actor behind Glenn Branson, shared with the media and Express.co.uk in 2023: “In the books, she leaves, her character leaves.”

This development is indeed consistent with the novels, where Vosper leaves and Roy Grace (John Simm) encounters a new, menacing adversary in Pewe. Pewe has now assumed the role of Grace and Branson’s superior, leading to some friction with the detectives.

It appears that the departure was more a result of narrative direction rather than the actor’s personal decision, who has been a part of the show since its inception. The cast and crew expressed their disappointment at her departure and admitted they would miss her.

Attempts were made to persuade the star to stay, but ultimately, the scripts remained true to the original source material, resulting in Vosper’s exit.

The third season will explore Branson and Grace beyond their police roles, delving into their personal lives and their relationship dynamics.

Reflecting on the allure of Grace and crime dramas in general, Campbell stated: “It’s just trying to get into people’s psyche and trying to understand why people do things and if you can do that from the comfort of your home, it’s quite nice.”

It’s almost like voyeurism, you’re watching it. You’re trying to understand, it’s a puzzle you’re trying to fix it and there’s that gratification of ‘I fixed it’, alongside the detectives or whoever is there.

“Campbell continued: “I guess that’s the appeal when I watch things like Luther and that kind of stuff.

“I’m always putting myself in John Luther’s shoes and asking, ‘Why are they doing this and why are they doing that?’ I guess that’s for most viewers.

“In a separate comment, Campbell also mentioned that Branson and Vosper had a “love/hate thing”, but things would be different with Pewe. The actor stated: “There was the banter between the boys about her but ultimately they knew what she was about.

“I think with Cassian he has come with baggage. There is a conversation about who he is and what he’s done previously at the Met and obviously him and Grace don’t get along.”

For Branson that’s all he knows of him but in the final episode this series he sees the human side of him and he appreciates him I think. “Campbell continued: “What is really good about Grace as a drama is it shows there are pressures at every level.

“We knew that Vosper constantly had people down her throat but with Cassian he really starts to explain to Grace and Branson that it’s not just about us guys going out and arresting people.”

Since her departure from Grace, BAFTA winner Ayola has appeared in the Netflix series Kaos, Gavin & Stacey, and Hedgehog. She has also featured in the web series The Chat, produced by the charity Breast Cancer Now, to raise awareness of the disease.

According to IMDb, her upcoming projects include Diamond Sky, Bad Apples, and Hope is Lost.

Grace season 5 airs on ITV on Sundays at 8pm