Sunday evenings just got a little more suspenseful again, as the Brighton-based detective drama Grace returned for its sixth season on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm on March 29, 2026. Fans of gritty British crime stories have been eagerly awaiting the return of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, portrayed by the ever-versatile John Simm, and the rest of the East Sussex Police team as they dive headlong into another round of chilling mysteries and tangled personal lives.
Based on the best-selling novels of acclaimed crime writer Peter James, Grace has steadily built a loyal following since its debut. Each episode adapts one of James’ intricate books, ensuring the series stays true to its roots while delivering fresh twists for television audiences. According to The Mirror, this sixth outing is set and filmed in Brighton, offering viewers not just suspense, but a visual treat of the city’s atmospheric streets and coastline.
The new season picks up with Roy Grace still reeling from the fallout of the Cassian Pewe case—a betrayal that has left the East Sussex Police department under a cloud of suspicion and mired in an anti-corruption enquiry. As Radio Times notes, Grace is not only battling professional challenges but also preparing for his upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Cloe Moray, played by Zoë Tapper. The tension between personal and professional life is palpable, and this season promises to test Grace’s resilience like never before.
Returning alongside Simm are familiar faces Richie Campbell as Detective Inspector Glenn Branson, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl, and Juliette Motamed as DC Vee Wilde. Campbell’s Branson, once Grace’s protégé, is now a reliable partner, though the ongoing investigations and department turmoil put their partnership to the test. As BBC highlights, these returning cast members ground the show, providing continuity even as each new case throws fresh obstacles in their path.
The first episode—titled "Left You Dead"—introduces a gripping new mystery. Rishi Nair, known for his roles in Grantchester and Hollyoaks, guest stars as Neel, a Brighton property developer whose wife Eden (played by Tamla Kari) vanishes under suspicious circumstances after a lavish launch party. According to The Guardian, the reasons for Eden’s disappearance are initially unclear, and the case quickly grows more complex as the investigation unfolds.
Neel’s anguish is palpable as he reports Eden missing, and a chilling voicemail left on her best friend Rebecca’s phone—Rebecca is played by Hannah McClean, familiar to viewers from Blue Lights—suggests that Eden may have been taken against her will. The police find signs of a struggle at the couple’s home, adding urgency to the search. As ITV reports, Neel reveals to the detectives that he’s recently been threatened by a local criminal in connection with his housing development, leading Grace to suspect a link between the threats and Eden’s disappearance.
But, as is often the case in Grace, nothing is quite as it seems. The initial evidence points toward a straightforward case of criminal intimidation, but soon, a more sinister trail emerges. The team must dig deep into Neel and Eden’s lives, uncovering secrets and lies that muddy the waters further. "Roy must unravel what is real and what is false in a tangled case where everyone has something to hide," reads the official synopsis provided by ITV.
Guest stars for the episode also include Gurjeet Singh as Devan, Neel’s brother and business partner, and Ali Khan as Jayden, both of whom bring their own layers to the unfolding drama. The supporting cast is rounded out by Anthony Howell as Fergus, Jamie Kenna as Cillian, and Sara Powell as Cynthia, all of whom have impressive credits across British television. According to Radio Times, these guest appearances inject new energy into the show’s established formula, keeping long-time fans guessing and newcomers intrigued.
Meanwhile, the personal stakes for Roy Grace are higher than ever. Not only is he dealing with professional upheaval and the emotional fallout from the Cassian Pewe betrayal, but he’s also preparing to marry Cloe. Their relationship is put to the test when Grace makes a mistake he chooses not to share with Cloe, adding an undercurrent of tension to their scenes together. Fans of Zoë Tapper will recognize her from roles in Mr Selfridge and The One, and her chemistry with Simm continues to be a highlight of the series.
Bruno, played by Finn Geugan, is another key figure this season. As Grace’s son—whose existence was unknown to Grace for years but who now lives with him—Bruno’s presence forces Grace to balance fatherhood with the relentless demands of his job. This dynamic, according to BBC, adds a fresh emotional layer to the show, exploring the challenges of late-in-life parenthood amid chaos.
The show’s enduring appeal lies partly in its "low-key, a bit old-fashioned and without distinguishing features" approach, as The Guardian wryly observes. Yet, it’s precisely this steady hand and focus on character-driven storytelling that has allowed Grace to reach its sixth season—a rare feat in today’s crowded TV landscape. The series doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks; instead, it delivers solid, engaging mysteries and nuanced performances.
For John Simm, Grace is just the latest in a long line of memorable TV roles, from Sam Tyler in Life on Mars to The Master in Doctor Who. Richie Campbell, too, brings depth to DI Branson, drawing on his experience in shows like Top Boy and Liar. The chemistry among the core cast keeps the drama grounded, even as the cases grow increasingly labyrinthine.
As the first episode wraps, viewers are left with more questions than answers. What really happened to Eden? Can Grace trust the information provided by the disgraced Cassian Pewe? And will the team be able to hold together under the weight of suspicion and personal turmoil? With each character hiding secrets and the stakes ever rising, the stage is set for another season of suspenseful, character-driven drama.
For fans of British detective stories, Grace remains a reliable fixture—one that proves sometimes, the old ways are the best. With its blend of psychological intrigue, strong performances, and moody Brighton backdrops, the show continues to captivate, season after season.