Grace star reveals his final episode onscreen has been aired as he quits after four series on ITV
CRAIG Parkinson has stepped away from his role as DS Norman Potting, as the beloved character bid farewell in the season four finale.
Norman Potting – played by Craig Parkinson – went undercover and just about survived as the tragic season of Grace came to a close on Sunday night.
ITV viewers of the crime drama were left in tears at the emotional episode which saw Roy getting to know the son he never knew existed.
This came after Roy learned that Sandy had taken her own life, and left him a letter telling him that she loved him, and that she hadn’t been happy for a long time, and didn’t see a way forward for herself.
She also revealed some bombshell news that she was pregnant when she left him, and the paternity test she took Roy’s hair for back in season 3 was conclusive, meaning he is the father of an eight-year-old boy, named Bruno.
It looked as though it could the series could end with the death of Norman Potting too – after he went undercover.
But, he made it out alive, and was last seen with the team celebrating their successful case.
The Line of Duty star has starred in all four series of the crime drama as DS Norman Potting based on the Roy Grace novels of best-selling author, Peter James.
However, he confirmed that he was leaving the series last month.
Taking to Instagram, Craig wrote: “Some #Grace news… After a very happy few years, I’ve made the decision to hand in Norman Potting’s detective badge.”
He added: “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.
“It’s been a real pleasure working with @johnsimmofficial (again!) leading the charge and fabulous colleagues in @richkidcampbell @bradmorrison1988 @zoetapperofficial and, of course, my partner @lauraelph. You’re all fantastic!
“Behind the camera, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful & talented guest directors who come in and ignite the set.
“The brilliant crew, what to say? It’s a testament to @kiaranms (our brilliant head honcho) @tall_story_pictures & @itv that this crew come back year after year. Thanks also to @muabeau for looking after me in the chair each day!
Crime dramas on ITVX
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
- Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
- The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
- Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
- The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
- Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.
“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 #Grace season for you, last one for me. Really hope you enjoy.”
Fans were left devastated over the departure, as one commented: “Grace will not be the same without Norman!”
Another wrote: “I’m gutted to hear this – you were so perfect in the role.”
A third penned: “Aww no . I love you playing Norman in Grace, it won’t be the same without you.”
As his character hasn’t been killed off, Norman could return in future seasons.
Meanwhile, filming for season five is already underway, as the series was renewed in Spring.
Season five will adapt four more Peter James novels – Dead If You Don’t, Dead at First Sight, Need You Dead and Find Them Dead.
Laura Elphinstone, Zoë Tapper, Brad Morrison and Sam Hoare are all expected to reprise their roles.
The next episodes will premiere in 2025.
In his personal life, Craig, who is also known for Doctor Who and Renegade Nell, revealed that he is engaged.
He shared: “We threw a party on Saturday to bring our friends together to celebrate.
“Celebrate what? Well, a couple of months ago @ktpop asked to marry me her… so we thought a party was in order.
“Thank you to all our gorgeous friends that made it such a joyful night – a few couldn’t be there but they can make up for it at the wedding.”
Grace seasons 1-4 is available to watch on ITVX.