Tom Brittney admits he quit Grantchester at the worst time: 'What have I done?'

Tom Brittney's decision to leave ITV's Grantchester in 2023 has left him with a sense of regret and a lingering question: "What have I done?" Brittney, who played the role of clergyman Will Davenport, had seen his predecessor, James Norton, make a successful transition to Hollywood, but the timing of his own exit couldn't have been worse. The Hollywood strike had just begun, and Brittney found himself unemployed for months, wondering if he had made a mistake by leaving the show.

The timing of Brittney's departure from Grantchester was a cruel twist of fate. He had left the show thinking he would be heading to another job, but the Hollywood strike had brought production to a standstill. This meant that Brittney was left without a job, and the months that followed were a difficult time for him. As he sat unemployed, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made a mistake by leaving the show. It's a sobering reminder that even the most successful actors can face uncertainty and self-doubt in the entertainment industry.

Fast-forward to 2026, and Brittney is starring in his biggest blockbuster role to date in The Westies, a new gangster series on MGM+. He plays the role of Jimmy Roarke, the right-hand man to Oscar winner JK Simmons' character, Eamon Sweeney, head of the Irish mob. The show is a gritty and intense portrayal of the notorious Westies gang, which terrorized New York's Hell's Kitchen from the 1960s onwards. Brittney's performance in the show is a far cry from his role as Will Davenport in Grantchester, and he is excited to be a part of a project that is grounded in historical fact.

The Westies gang has largely gone under the radar, despite being a prolific and brutal organisation. Brittney admits that he knew nothing about the gang before auditioning for the role, and he is excited to be a part of a project that is bringing their story to life. The show's creator has done extensive research on the gang and their activities, and the result is a show that is both intense and thought-provoking. As Brittney puts it, "We're a very different show" from other gangster dramas like Peaky Blinders, and he is proud to be a part of a project that is pushing the boundaries of what we know about organised crime.

Brittney's experience is a cautionary tale for actors in the industry. Even the most successful actors can face uncertainty and self-doubt, and the timing of their departure from a hit show can be a critical factor in their success. Brittney's decision to leave Grantchester may have been a leap of faith, but it has ultimately led him to a new and exciting chapter in his career. As he looks to the future, he is excited to see what other opportunities lie ahead, and he is grateful for the experience he gained from his time on Grantchester.

I predict that Brittney's performance in The Westies will earn him widespread critical acclaim, and he will become a household name in the entertainment industry. His decision to leave Grantchester may have been a gamble, but it has ultimately paid off in the best possible way.