ITV’s Grace returns for a sixth series with Roy Grace facing personal turmoil
ITV’s long-running detective series Grace has returned for its sixth series, focusing on the complex relationship between Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, played by John Simm, and forensic pathologist Cleo Morey, portrayed by Zoë Tapper. As the characters navigate their professional and personal lives, their relationship faces significant challenges following a series of tragic events, reports BritPanorama.
The previous series concluded on a somber note, with Grace grappling with the death of his first wife, Sandy. As he began a relationship with Cleo, they faced further heartache when she lost their child. In the new series, the couple is attempting to return to work and plan their marriage, but past traumas continue to complicate their lives. “They’re planning to get married, but the spectre of Sandy still looms large in Roy’s mind, while Cleo is struggling to deal with his son – her stepson – who is finding things hard at school,” Tapper stated.
Despite their hopes for a more peaceful coexistence, Tapper seems to suggest that drama will overshadow any tranquility. “I think so, yes, at least in the short term. But people don’t want to see a sweet and peaceful life on television drama, do they? They want tragedy and trauma,” she remarked.
Tapper, who joined the series in 2022, expresses enthusiasm for her character, describing Cleo as “very grown-up,” and possessing a strong sense of self. “I have to say I’m fascinated by anyone who would choose to do that sort of job. I mean, to confront death like that on a daily basis – that takes something pretty special. But Cleo retains her sense of humanity,” she added.
Grace has maintained a steady presence on ITV for six years, adapted from the bestselling crime novels by Peter James. Each episode typically spans two hours, introducing new criminal cases while continuing to explore the protagonist’s personal life. The show enjoys a significant fan base, reportedly including the Queen, as Tapper confirmed, “Camilla watches it, yes. She’s a friend of Peter James and has visited the set.”
Having pursued acting from a young age, Tapper’s career has included roles in various notable productions prior to her stint on Grace. She reflects positively on her experience joining the series after a period of limited work due to the pandemic. “To suddenly land Grace was wonderful,” she remarked.
In her time on the show, Tapper has developed a close working relationship with Simm. “John’s wonderful, such a brilliant lead. He’s incredibly smart and generous, and he knows his stuff. He always arrives on set very prepared,” she noted.
When not filming in Brighton, Tapper balances her acting career with family life. She has also recently returned to writing, inspired by her family history. “I’ve a couple of TV dramas currently in development… My great-great grandfather had a travelling theatre company there, and gambled all his money away,” she explained. This historical backdrop provides the foundation for a screenplay she is developing, which captures the intricacies of life in a fishing community during the 1940s.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, Tapper relishes the opportunity to create roles for herself, a prospect she finds empowering amid the unpredictability of an acting career. “If I can create this, and make it happen – well, that’s the dream, isn’t it?” she concluded.
Grace airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Sundays and is available for streaming on ITVX.
