John Simm addresses possible ITV Grace exit as he shares hopes for series future: 'We thought maybe one or two!'

I realise how lucky I am to have, you know, the cop show. Playing the lead in a cop show.The star emphasised the special bond he shares with his fellow cast and crew members. I love the job. I love the people, and it's unlike anything I've ever done in so much as it genuinely is like, like a family, he added.ITV has confirmed the popular detective series will return for a sixth run, with Mr Simm reuniting with co-stars Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey.The new series will comprise four standalone films adapted from Peter James's bestselling novels: Left You Dead, Capture You Dead, Dead Man's Game, and One Of Us Is Dead.Several familiar faces will reprise their roles, including Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl, and Juliette Motamed as DC Vee Wilde.The upcoming series will also welcome a number of guest performers, among them Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Sara Powell, Chizzy Akudolu, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Peter De Jersey and Amir Wilson.Mr Simm reflected on the drama's remarkable journey from its humble beginnings, recalling how the team initially harboured modest ambitions for the project.You know, when all those years ago were meeting up, and you know, we were so thrilled to be doing the first one, he explained. And you know, we thought, oh, maybe one or two [series].LATEST DEVELOPMENTSNadiya Bychkova issues fresh message to supporters following BBC Strictly axe: 'My heart is full'Penny Lancaster blasts Labour as she shares scathing verdict on mature job seekers: 'Pretty sad'James May settles out of court as former BBC Top Gear star 'fails to insure motorbike'The show's trajectory exceeded all expectations as it gradually established itself with audiences. And then it just seemed to to, you know, find its feet and and viewing figures, Mr Simm noted.The fifth series ranked among ITV's most watched dramas in 2025, whilst the programme has accumulated more than 16 million streams across ITVX throughout its five-series run.The actor offered a glimpse into what lies ahead for his character in the forthcoming episodes, suggesting Roy Grace's personal struggles will continue to feature prominently.You can't have, like a completely happy detective, he remarked. That's an idea for a show, isn't it? The Happy detective. View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Simm (@johnsimmofficial) The actor acknowledged he relishes portraying his character's emotional turmoil. So I love the sort of trauma that he's going through as an actor, not for him. Obviously, it's awful for him, but to play that, you know, the problems he having is he has in his personal life, Mr Simm explained.The role represents the longest commitment of his career, something Mr Simm described as such a joy to do whilst expressing eagerness to discover where Roy's story leads next.Series six of ITV Grace starts on Sunday, March 29 at 8pm. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter