ITV crime drama Grantchester is returning for a seventh season, with a release date much sooner than you'd think.

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Adapted from the fictional Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie, the seventh series is set in 1959, just before the Swinging Sixties take off, and will see Detective Inspective Geordie Keating as busy as ever investigating a range of mysterious murder cases.

But there’ll also be plenty of drama in his personal life, actor Robson Green – who plays Geordie – has teased, revealing his character is “lost” and "almost a bachelor again” following on from the breakdown of his marriage to Cathy at the end of season 6.

“It’s a very simple tale for Geordie, a long time ago he met the love of his life in Cathy, then he lost her and now he has to try and win her back," he said.

And that's not all. Green also teased a surprising development for Mrs Chapman in season 7, which will "pull the rug out from everyone's feet".

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"That situation that occurs with Mrs C which really pulls the rug from everyone’s feet because they’re such a close knit family who depend on one another and if one of them becomes detached, the rest start to fall apart," he teased.

The official season 7 synopsis reads: “With a new decade just around the corner, the question of what the future holds is on everyone’s minds, not least Will’s, but before the 50s roll over into the swinging sixties there are some crimes to solve and some life-changing decisions to be made that might change life in Grantchester forever.”

So, without further ado, read on for everything you need to know about Grantchester's next instalment. But be warned: some spoilers for Grantchester season 7 follow.

Grantchester season 7 release date

Tom Brittney, Grantchester (ITV)
Tom Brittney in Grantchester (ITV) ITV

It’s official: Grantchester season 7 will kick off on ITV on Friday 11th March at 9pm.

Episodes will air weekly at the same time and subsequently become available on ITV Hub.

The series was renewed for season 7 and began filming before season six even aired, with Tom Brittney stepping behind the camera to direct an episode.

Speaking about the return to filming – and his move behind the camera – Brittney said: “I’m thrilled to be back on set with my Grantchester family and back in our happy place. I’m also absolutely over the moon to be given the opportunity to direct an episode this series, it’s been a life ambition of mine and I can’t wait for the audience to see it (and also I can finally order Robson about!).”

Robson Green added: “Great to be back in the world we all refer to as our ‘HAPPY PLACE.’ This new series is the best yet and is testament to the outstanding creative team that make this extraordinary, likeable, charming and entertaining tale what it is… Class!”

Grantchester season 7 cast

Grantchester
Filming for Grantchester season seven (ITV) ITV

Of course, Tom Brittney and Robson Green will each reprise their roles as Reverend Will Davenport and his crime-solving partner DI Geordie Keating respectively.

Talking about what's in store for Will in season 7, Brittney teased: "This series really tests Will’s romantic life and relationships. A person comes into his life and causes a lot of problems because when Will falls in love, he falls hard."

He added: "Then someone else comes along, who Will wasn’t expecting and they throw a spanner into the works and he has a real dilemma on his hands of what to do. He needs to choose between following his head or his heart."

We'll also see the return of Nick Brimble (Jack Chapman), Tessa Peake-Jones (Mrs. Sylvia Maguire/Chapman), Al Weaver (Leonard Finch), Kacey Ainsworth (Cathy Keating) and Oliver Dimsdale (Daniel Marlowe).

Talking about the shock diagnosis her character receives in season 7, Peake-Jones revealed: "She hasn’t been feeling her best and is visited by the doctor and from this point life changes quite radically for Mrs C. She is a very private woman and keeps this personal illness to herself for as long as possible. She will be faced by some demons this series and will be challenged with how she’s going to handle this."

Grantchester season 7 guest stars

The upcoming series will also feature a number of special guest appearances, including Charlotte Richie (Feel Good, Call The Midwife) as Cathy's niece Bonnie.

Talking about Ritchie joining the cast, actor Robson Green said: "No matter how serious a situation Charlotte can bring humour where, on paper, there is none. She brings a really likeable aspect to the arc that Tom is pursuing in terms of true love."

In addition, Ellora Torchia (The Split), Emma Cunniffe (Roadkill), Janie Dee (Official Secrets), Philip Whitchurch (Holby City), Rowena King (Emergence), Anna Wilson-Jones (Victoria) and Michael D. Xavier (Gentleman Jack) are set to make an appearance.

Is there a trailer for Grantchester season 7?

Unfortunately, there's no trailer yet for Grantchester season 7.

But with season 7's release date fast approaching, we hopefully won't have too long a wait.

Watch this space!

Want more show content? Find out where Grantchester is filmed with our location guide.

Grantchester will return to ITV on Friday 11th March. You can order the Grantchester Mysteries books from Amazon.

Find out what else is on with our TV Guide, or visit our Drama hub for more news and features.

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