Grantchester is set to welcome its new vicar, Alphy Kotteram, portrayed by rising star Rishi Nair. With the ninth season of the popular ITV drama premiering earlier this month, audiences are gearing up to witness the transition from the beloved Will Davenport, played by Tom Brittney, to Nair's character. This change marks not only the end of Brittney’s six-year tenure but also introduces new dynamics to the show.
Rishi Nair, born and raised in Ealing, London, has steadily built his career since he began acting. Making his debut role in the 2011 short film Crossed Paths, Nair’s big break came with the BBC’s police procedural, Silent Witness, where he made his mark before solidifying his presence on the screen as Sami Maalik on the Channel 4 soap, Hollyoaks for four years. Nair’s rise to prominence exemplifies his talent and versatility as he moves forward to take center stage.
His debut as Alphy Kotteram airs on January 22, 2025, already generating curiosity among fans who are eager to see how he navigates the character's introduction. Alphy, set to share screen time with conflict and camaraderie with lead detective Geordie Keaton, portrayed by Robson Green, steps onto the scene amid substantial expectations. Nair expressed excitement over reprising the role and revealed some of his first impressions on set, noting how his debut scene involves exchanging punches with Green's character, showing the intense start to his storyline.
“Obviously, Tom did the first two episodes; I was introduced later,” Nair said, sharing this around the series launch. “Everyone had started filming, and it felt like being the new kid at school.” He also commented on having fun and building relationships with the cast during this season.
Interestingly, Nair's character is expected to ruffle some feathers within the quaint village setting of Grantchester. Alphy, described as someone disillusioned with the police force, brings unique perspectives shaped by his upbringing as a South Asian man in Britain during the 1960s. His character's narrative highlights the bias and prejudice he faces head-on, making his entrance to the village fraught with challenges.
Nair addressed the societal themes embedded within his character’s storyline, stating, “I think we would have really missed a trick if I just came... and no one bats an eyelid.” His acknowledgement of the unflinching portrayal of racism during this period suggests Grantchester aims to accurately reflect the time's realities.
Adding depth to his character, Nair's Alphy Kotteram must navigate relationships not just with the parishioners but also with the police and the local community, often being judged by the color of his skin more than by his role as vicar. The opening scenes from episode three depict fleeting moments of bias, and Nair’s performance will be examined closely as viewers witness how Alphy builds those initial connections, particularly with Geordie.
The narrative transition to Alphy is particularly poignant considering the demographic shifts and racial attitudes of the time, which are explored throughout this season. Nair’s casting not only diversifies the character roster but encourages conversations surrounding race and acceptance. Viewers may witness how microaggressions play out, as illustrated when his character first enters the local pub and faces palpable hostility.
Nair has candidly shared reflections on his career and personal life, which lends authenticity to his role. Known for his close bond with his mother, Nair remarked, “Everything I am today I owe to this woman,” recognizing her support throughout his life and career. Celebrated for his achievements, he brought her as his plus-one to notable events, showcasing their strong relationship.
Balancing his acting commitments, Nair also mentioned having side hustles. He previously coached football as he pursued acting full-time, which has added to his character depth. His love for Manchester United not only shapes his personal life but also has become part of light-hearted interactions with co-stars during the filming process.
With his debut on Grantchester, anticipation for Nair's portrayal of Alphy Kotteram is palpable, particularly how he weaves his character's backstory within the existing framework of this long-standing drama. He leaves viewers excited as they begin to embrace his unique approach to the role of vicar, one that's set against the backdrop of complex societal challenges. The show continues to air every Wednesday on ITV1 at 9 PM along with all episodes available on ITVX.