ITV Grace star Craig Parkinson's life from famous ex-wife to quitting ITV drama

Grace has returned for another series of the gripping ITV drama. Doctor Who and Life on Mars star John Simm is back in the title role as DS Roy Grace, the lead character of Peter James's ever-popular crime novels, who is attempting to move forward with his life in season four.

For years, he has been haunted by the unexplained disappearance of his first wife, Sandy (Clare Calbraith), but has found love once more with the now-pregnant Cleo (Zoë Tapper).

However, as Sandy re-emerged in season three, it seemed his attempt at turning over a new leaf would be more difficult than Grace could ever have imagined.

Actor Richie Campbell has also returned to the ITV crime drama as DS Glenn Branson alongside Line of Duty star Craig Parkinson as DS Norman Potting.

However, Parkinson, 48, has confirmed the current series of Grace will be his last.

Last month, Parkinson announced via Instagram he is hanging up his detective coat after its current season. In a statement, he wrote: "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 1st September but it will also be my last. It’s been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen and updating him for a new audience."

Parkinson continued: "There was a huge sense of responsibility in portraying such a character from Peter James's 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."

The actor, who is also known for Doctor Who and Renegade Nell, thanked his co-stars Simm, Richie Campbell, Brad Morrison, Zoë Tapper, and Laura Elphinstone, as well as the "brilliant" behind-the-scenes crew who help bring the show to life.

He added: "It’s been a wonderful journey playing Norman Potting, chasing around the streets of Brighton and dangling bad guys off Brighton Pier. I really hope you enjoy this season, it’s been a blast.

"Massive thanks to everyone that’s watched, supported and also those that have said hello when we’ve been filming around Brighton and Hove. New Grace season for you, last one for me. Really hope you enjoy." (sic)

Parkinson has appeared in series such as Temple, Everything I Know About Love, The English Game, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and The Winter King.

Away from acting, Craig was married to Northern Irish actress Susan Lynch for 12 years, who television fans will recognise as Alison Garrs in Happy Valley, Liz Baildon in series four of Unforgotten and Miss Lawton in the first Downton Abbey film.

Susan, 53, also played DCI Heather Pentland in the first series of BBC One drama Bloodlands. The actors share an eleven-year-old son named Hardy.

Grace airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.