‘Father Brown’: Are Two Major Characters Set for a Dramatic Exit?
Season 12 could be the end for two of Father Brown‘s beloved characters. Claudie Blakley, who plays Mrs. Isabel Devine on the British television series, hinted that she and Tom Chambers, who plays Chief Inspector Edgar Sullivan, could be exiting.
The characters got engaged at the end of Season 11 and are in the throes of wedding planning amid Season 12. “Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) is helping out with the wedding planning, but she gets carried away with the flowers and hair, and Mrs. Devine lets her take over a bit, so the day is at risk of not turning out how Mrs. Devine wanted her day to be,” Blakley told The Mirror.
An issue with Sullivan’s father could also take a toll on the couple, as Blakley teased, “Sullivan’s father also says that he won’t give the wedding his blessing unless they both move to London, which shocks Mrs. Devine. She’s scared at the prospect of having to leave Kembleford and her friends, but she considers it for Edgar and for his career. She loves him.”
Should the duo decide to relocate per Sullivan’s father’s wishes, it would likely mean the end of Blakley and Chambers’ journeys on the show. The actress confirmed that the wedding does happen but didn’t reveal whether Mrs. Devine and Sullivan agreed to his father’s demands.
“On the day of filming it felt like an actual wedding,” Blakley spilled. “All the behind the scenes team were wearing hats! I also got married 18 months before we filmed it, so it was quite close to that too.”
Mark Williams, who portrays the titular character, teased a similar struggle in Mrs. Devine and Sullivan’s wedding planning ahead of the Season 12 premiere on January 10. “In this series, we have another Flambeau episode, and this time we are on a secret mission from the Vatican,” Williams revealed. “I love the Flambeau episodes, it feels like we are in a 1950s thriller and John Light plays him to the hilt. We also have a battle re-enactment in which I got to fight a duel with an expert swordsman, although Father Brown was somewhat handicapped by only having an umbrella. We also have a long awaited wedding, although it isn’t easy getting the happy couple to the altar!”
Father Brown has already been renewed for a Season 13, but the cast has not been confirmed yet, so Blakley and Chambers’ fate is unclear.
Father Brown, Season 12 Premiere, Thursday, January 23, BritBox
Conversation18 Comments
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I must admit I never quite warmed up to Mrs. Devine. I like Lady Felicia much better, and wish she would return. I also liked Bunty. Anyway, it seems that with Mrs. Devine and Brenda aren't quite as helpful (or involved?) in Fr. Brown's investigations as happened in previous seasons. Although to be honest, I think Sid was the best 'helper' for our wandering priest. The old Sid, that is.
As for Flambeau... I think the scarcer he is, the better. As it is, I think his character has been overexposed, so I'm a little disappointed that there's another Flambeau episode in the newest season.
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Totally agree with everything you said. I really miss Mrs.McCarthy, she was such a hoot along with her scones😂
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I grew tired of Mrs McCarthy and was glad she exited.
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I loved Mrs DeVine but miss Lady Felicia and Bunty the most!
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R
Please bring Lady Felicia back! I don't care for Mrs Devine character at all.
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O
In the original books & simple (GK Chessterton) stories, 'Flambeau' reforms and becomes a 'gentleman' private detective and a close friend of 'Father Brown'.
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I adore Lady F. If only she was a regular...miss the Golden Age of her, Sid n Mrs M...ah well. Its still a great show though..long may it continue!!
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Must have Chief Sullivan. Only reason anymore I watch besides Father Brown.
Bring back Mrs Murphy. Love her
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I know you meant Mrs. Mccarthy and I totally agree with you. She was a real treasure. Very judgemental and a dreadful gossip but really kind at heart.
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I ADORE Ms. Divine, Claudie Blakley! I love her demeanor, her romance, her cute wardrobe. Don't go to London, please!
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Not much of a fan of Mrs. Devine character or Brenda. Their ages don’t seem clear in the show either. Brenda in some shows seems to act like a teenager and then in others as a more 20something. Mrs. Devine seems to old for a relationship with the Inspector and he’s not old enough to make his own decisions without his daddy’s approval? Confusing at best.
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I admit I didn't learn about Father Brown until later, but I am now an enthusiastic loyalist of the show. I do like the characters and how they interact with one another. Especially fond of Tom Chambers and John Light, who is a real treat when he is on an episode. Enjoy Mrs. Devine, but admit it took a while before I got used to Brenda. Do miss Sid. Can't leave out the main character - Father Brown's Mark Williams - what a joy his character is! All are excellent actors each in their unique characters. I would be rather disappointing to lose Claudie Blakley and Tom Chambers.
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I don’t watch father brown any more ,I don’t like mrs Devine loved lady f and mrs mc Carthage.
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Big "no" on Ms. Devine and Brenda.We miss Bunty and Mrs. McCarthy and Sid.plots with new people are lame.
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I wonder if the Inspector can't stand up to his father, Mrs.Devine can't live with that nor the Inspector's job coming first, & she doesn't marry Sullivan & stays in Kembleford while Sullivan goes to London.
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No, they do marry.
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She is so awful. Fake, simpering, mostly useless. It makes no sense what Sullivan sees in her.
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Please get rid of inspector Sullivan. I have never liked him. All full of himself and what an awful detective. All those people he arrested wrongfully would have been hung if not for Father Brown.
It would be nice to have a detective that appreciates Father Brown. Sullivan wouldn't be so bad if he was just a buffoon but he is so smug.
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