GHOSTS from the past

JOHN SIMM on the challenges ahead for his top cop

- SEAN MARLAND

GRACE 

NEW SUNDAY, 8PM, ITV1 DRAMA

Det Supt Roy Grace has suffered years of turmoil since his wife, Sandy, disappeared mysteriously over a decade ago.

So fans of ITV1’s gritty crime drama Grace, based on Peter James’ bestselling novels, were pleased when the Brighton-based cop (played by John Simm) began rebuilding his life during series two thanks to a budding romance with sparky pathology technician Cleo Morey (Zoë Tapper).

However, poor Roy’s world was then turned upside down in the season finale after a reported sighting of his spouse in Germany.

As a new three-part run begins this week, matters aren’t helped when the first investigation takes him back to the time that Sandy went missing.

A sinister offender, known as the Brighton Prowler, who terrorised women in 2012 has seemingly resurfaced, and Roy and his team, DS Norman Potting (Craig Parkinson) and DS Bella Moy (Laura Elphinstone), are under pressure from their new boss – and Roy’s long-term nemesis – ACC Cassian Pewe (Sam Hoare, taking over the role from James D’Arcy) to get fast results.

Adding to Roy’s problems, his loyal sidekick DS Glenn Branson (Richie Campbell) is off work dealing with family issues.

TV Times caught up with John, 52, to get his case notes…

What’s it like being back for a third series?