The cast of Father Brown has been given a shake-up this season (Picture: BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)

The latest season of Father Brown is about to hit our screens, but one of its stars has explained why we won’t be seeing three characters this time around.

First premiering back in 2013, the series is loosely based on the short stories by G.K. Chesterton and follows crime-solving priest Father Brown played by Mark Williams.

The 10 episode series 10 returns today, however there will be a few familiar faces missing.

A few months ago, a publicity shot from the new episodes was released, showing Williams alongside several cast members, including John Burton, John Light and Nancy Carroll.

However, fans quickly noticed that three people were missing: Emer Kenny, who played Bunty Windermere, Sorcha Cusack, who played Bridgette McCarthy, and Inspector Mallory actor Jack Deam.

Cusack has appeared on the show since it began, while Deam joined in 2016 and Kenny a year later.

John plays Sergeant Goodfellow and explained the absences (Picture: BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)

Addressing the questions Burton, who plays Sergeant Goodfellow, posted on Twitter explaining that he had been sent ‘lots (and I mean lots) of messages about the new publicity shot which shows certain characters missing from it, and I thought I’d explain in a bit more detail.’

‘Occasionally long running shows need to be refreshed due to artists availability, so it means we do have some absentees this year, with a few long-term artists moving onto other projects for their own career progression,’ he wrote.

‘This is part of an actor’s life, and we must go where the work takes us. Yes, there are some changes – but they are brilliant changes, and I truly believe you will absolutely LOVE the new/returning characters. They will grow on you and they have truly breathed new life into the show.’

Sorcha Cusack played Mrs. Bridgette McCarthy from the first season (Picture: BBC)

Confirming some of the cast had left, he added they had ‘said goodbye to a few characters who have been brilliant to work with over the years’.

However, he wrote other favourites like Chief Inspector Sullivan, Lady Felicia and Flambeau would be back, as well as a new character, Mrs Devine.

He added that another character who appeared last year (Brenda from The Wayward Girls) would also return.

‘These additions create a new dynamic for the show and I think this year is the best set of episodes you’ll ever see – so please enjoy them when they are aired on a screen near you, you won’t be disappointed.’

He finished his post by writing: ‘Father Brown continues to go from strength to strength, yes we’ve made some changes – but they are changes you’ll embrace, and I’m sure the new characters will soon become your favourites, as they are BRILLIANT.

‘I hope that clears things up a bit.’

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Many fans thanked him for the update, with one commenting: ‘Both my partner and I are super excited for the next series…all the changes will keep the viewers on their toes…we like it.’

This season of Father Brown will begin with an episode titled The Winds of Change, which sees the priest discover that a murderer is using Kembleford’s new model village to plan their attacks.

Father Brown is streaming on BBC iPlayer.

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The new season starts today.