Grace season 5: cast, plot and everything we know about the crime thriller

Grace season 5 is in production and is set to hit our screens next year.

The popular crime drama, which is based on the bestselling books by Peter James, has proved a real hit with audiences and the broadcaster is keen to get moving on the next set of mysteries.

All our favourite characters are due to return for four 120-minute tales, based on the novels; Dead If You Don't, Dead At First Sight, Need You Dead and Find Them Dead.

"When the first episode of Grace aired in 2021, it was a dream come true," said author Peter James in an ITV statement. "It is both heartening and astounding to me that we're already at series five!"

"The continued success of Grace is a testament to the outstanding cast headed by John Simm, and crew and, equally importantly, the fans, who have loved and devoted their time to these characters both on the page and now the screen. It is also a testament to just how faithfully ITV has adhered to both the characters and stories in the novels."

Here's everything we know about Grace season 5...

Grace season 5 release date

Filming took place in Brighton in the summer of 2024, with John Simm confirming the series had gone into production with an Instagram post in May (see below).

Grace season 5 is due to be released some time in 2025.

Usually the show hits ITV in spring, yet 2024's fourth series was delayed until August , with British viewers waiting longer to see the new episodes than audiences in the US, where the show airs on Britbox.

ITV viewers will be hoping the fifth season arrives faster than the previous one, but there's no news yet on whether the broadcast schedule will return to normal or not. We'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as we hear anything.

Grace season 5 plot

Fans of Peter James' books will be familiar with the plots of the four new episodes, but for those who haven't read the novels, here are some brief log lines to whet your appetite...

In Dead if You Don't , a missing teenager sets DS Roy Grace and his team of Brighton cops off on a race against the clock.

Dead At First Sight is based around a gang of internet fraudsters running a dating agency to fleece vulnerable people of their cash.

Need You Dead begins with the tale of a woman who's desperate to escape her marriage and falls for the charms of a man who promises her the Earth.

While Find Them Dead sees DS Roy Grace diving into the murky waters of drugs, traffickers and judicial blackmail...

The films will be adapted for the screen by Jess Williams, Guy Burt, Caroline Carver and Ed Whitmore.

Grace season 5 cast

There would be no Grace without John Simm and the Life On Mars and Doctor Who star, who now lives on the South coast, will return as DS Roy Grace.

ITV have also confirmed that Richie Campbell ( Top Boy, Stephen ) will return as DS Glenn Branson, Zoë Tapper ( Liar ) will be back a Cleo Morey, Laura Elphinstone ( Chernobyl ) will reprise her role as DS Bella Moy and Brad Morrison ( Outlander ) will be back as DC Nick Nicholl.

Meanwhile, everyone's least favourite police chief, ACC Cassian Pewe, will also return, with Sam Hoare ( The Castaways ) playing him once again.

Grace season 5 trailer

There's no trailer available for this one yet, but we'll be sure to post it online as soon as it lands.