**Dame Maureen Lipman Joins Star-Studded Cast as Filming Wraps for Father Brown Series 13**
Fans of the popular BBC detective drama *Father Brown* have received their first glimpse of the highly anticipated thirteenth series, with celebrated actress Dame Maureen Lipman confirmed to feature as a guest star. The long-running series, famed for its gently paced mysteries set amid the picturesque scenery of the Cotswolds, appears set for another eventful season with a host of familiar and new faces joining the ensemble cast.
Shooting for the latest instalment recently concluded, with the production team capturing scenes across a variety of evocative and historically significant locations. Mark Williams, well known for his portrayal of Arthur Weasley in the *Harry Potter* franchise, returns in the lead role as the titular Father Brown – a shrewd Roman Catholic priest with a knack for unravelling crimes in the fictional village of Kembleford, Gloucestershire.
Official images released by the BBC showcase Dame Maureen Lipman, aged 79, immersed in character, sporting an elegant red cardigan over a patterned dress. She is pictured alongside Mark Williams and fellow guest star Julia Sawalha, best known for her role in *Absolutely Fabulous*, seen in a striking French maid’s outfit. Another behind-the-scenes photograph highlights Alex Macqueen, of *The Inbetweeners* fame, donned in a formal tailcoat and bow tie, indicating a diverse array of characters and scenarios lined up for the new series.
In addition to Lipman and Sawalha, the guest stars for this series include Phil Daniels, noted for his appearance in the iconic film *Quadrophenia*, and former *Coronation Street* actress Debra Stephenson. This impressive roster demonstrates the continued draw of *Father Brown*, which has become a staple of British daytime television since its debut in 2013.
Speaking about his experience during filming, Mark Williams expressed his appreciation for the unique and atmospheric settings used throughout the production. “One of the constant pleasures of filming *Father Brown* is the variety of buildings and locations we get to work in,” Williams said. He pointed out filming highlights for series thirteen, including the distinctive Chateau Impney in Droitwich, the octagonal Crown Courts in Warwick, and the evocative ex-nunnery in Great Malvern, among other quintessential examples of English architecture.
Returning regulars will include Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as the newly wed Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, and John Burton reprising his role as the steadfast Sergeant Goodfellow. A special point of interest for long-time viewers is the confirmed return of Irish actress Sorcha Cusack as Mrs McCarthy, making a guest appearance in the series opener after an absence in recent episodes.
The narrative for this series is set to explore the newly married life of Mr and Mrs Sullivan, following their wedding during the last season’s finale. Elsewhere, Father Brown faces personal and professional challenges, as he is recruited by the enigmatic Flambeau to visit an excommunicated priest in prison. The storyline will also see Canon Fox plotting his own vendetta against the central character, raising the stakes in this season’s arc.
*Father Brown* continues to draw inspiration from the original short stories penned by GK Chesterton, effortlessly blending gentle humour, period charm and engaging detective work. Its enduring appeal rests not only on its compelling mysteries but also on the scenic beauty of the Cotswolds, which the latest series further celebrates with its choice of filming locations.
The new series is expected to return to screens on BBC One and BBC iPlayer early next year, promising more intrigue, guest stars, and the comforting, mysterious embrace of Kembleford. As viewers await the return, the programme’s growing list of celebrity guest appearances and lovingly recreated period detail look set to add yet another layer to this beloved fixture of British television.