Inside the exit of BBC Father Brown's Bunty Windermere
Inside the exit of BBC Father Brown's Bunty Windermere
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Fans of Father Brown can get excited as season 12 has kicked off, offering up captivating new episodes each Friday on BBC One. Can't wait for the weekly dose?. The entire series is now available as a binge-worthy boxset on BBC iPlayer. This fresh season launched with Mark Williams reprising his role as the clever, crime-solving clergyman and Claudie Blakley as his stalwart companion Mrs Devine, according to the Express.
However, it's the twists in the casting over time that have viewers abuzz, noticing that some familiar faces have disappeared while others joined the fray. Take, for example, the much-discussed exit of Emer Kenny who brought life to the dynamic Bunty Windermere. Kenny's Bunty graced the show from seasons five through nine, contributing to 46 fabulous episodes. Despite fading out with just two appearances in season nine, season 10 had her character jetting off to Africa on safari.
In a 2019 chat, Kenny reflected on Bunty's charm: "Bunty will always pick the most exciting, slightly dangerous option, especially if it will annoy her parents. At the same time she has got great morals and a lot of heart, which is what she has found with Father Brown and Mrs M. They've become a new family for her.". She continued her glowing review of Bunty's persona by expressing: "I love Bunty! She is really outspoken, brave, and always bold. She can be selfish and will often do the wrong thing, but mostly for the right reasons.".
Father Brown star John Burton, famed for his portrayal of Sergeant Goodfellow, has recently addressed the whispers surrounding the absence of certain beloved characters from the show. Taking to social media to inform and reassure his many followers in 2022, he posted: "A lot of you will have heard various things about the new series of Father Brown, so to put the record straight - please see below.".
Burton also spread some festive cheer, saying: "Have a fabulous Christmas with your friends and family this year. Much love to you all.". He delved into the reasons behind the changes, clarifying: "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.".
Acknowledging the transient nature of acting careers, he further added: "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.". Wrapping up his announcement, Burton assured fans: "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.".
Kenny's exit from Father Brown, along with others, could be down to cast availability and a drive to rejuvenate the show. Kenny, who played a key role in the Father Brown cast from 2017 to 2022, took on the character of Lady Felicia Montague's niece (portrayed by Nancy Carroll), stepping in as her substitute. Now 35, Kenny has embarked on several other ventures after Father Brown, including roles in Channel 4's The Curse, ITV's crime drama Karen Pirie, and Netflix's The Duchess. In addition to acting, Kenny is also a screenwriter and producer.
