ITV Grace fans 'gutted' after beloved character confirms exit

Fans of ITV series Grace have been left disappointed after actor Craig Parkinson announced he has left the show. Craig portrayed DS Norman Potting in the show, which began airing back in 2021.

However, he's revealed that the latest series of Grace is his last and he won't be returning in the next instalment, due to air in 2025. Craig shared the news on social media after the final episode of the fourth series aired on ITV on Sunday, 22 September.

"Over, out & onwards. Thanks for watching #grace. That beautiful team will be back with you next year but for Norman, he’s done. It’s been a blast x," Craig penned, alongside a behind the scenes photograph of himself in character.

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Fans were left saddened by the news of Craig's departure. One person wrote on X: "Very sad to have lost Norman, big fan of him," while a second added: "Aww that’s a shame will miss you ….Grace is fab we need more dramas like this instead of reality rubbish".

A third Grace fan said: "You will be missed Craig, good luck in all you do," and a final fan penned: "Aww that’s a shame loved the character."

Craig had shared a lengthier post on Instagram regarding his decision to exit the ITV drama, saying he had a "blast" working on the show. He wrote: "Some #Grace news… After a very happy few years I’ve made the decision to hand in Norman Potting’s detective badge. The new season of #Gracebegins on @itv on September 1st but it will also be my last.

"It’s been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen & updating him for a new audience. There was a huge sense of responsibility in portraying such a character from @peterjamesuk 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."

Craig went on to shout out his co-stars and filming crew, before adding: "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. A huge thank you to @kiaranms@tall_story_pictures @itv@danieledwardscasting and, of course, @peterjamesuk for trusting me with this role.

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

Grace is available to stream on ITVX.