Father Brown star Tom Chambers has gushed over his 'exceptional' co-star Mark Williams as the new series of the popular BBC show hit our screens.
45-year-old Tom is returning to the fictional village of Kembleford as Chief Inspector Sullivan for the new series of Father Brown after having cameo appearances in 2018 and 2019.
The first episode of the new series launched on BBC One on Friday.
Tom shared his excitement at being able to work with 63-year-old Mark once again and described his fellow actor as 'the godfather' of the hit period drama.
"Mark cares so much about the product. He doesn't just turn up, get it done and go," Tom said in a new interview.
Strictly Come Dancing's winners now- Heartbreak, kids and glittering new careers"I feel a bit bereft when he is off set because I keep wanting to check with Mark, 'Would you say that?'
"He knows exactly what sections need to swap around or remove slightly. He really is the godfather of Father Brown," Tom admitted in an interview with the Express.
The former Holby City star also described Mark as an "exceptionally well-read individual" and said he "knows everything about everything".
Father Brown has captivated audiences since 2013, with Mark fully embracing the role and always making sure the show is factually correct.
Tom said the actor will let people know when they are using a word which is "too modern", but insisted it was "nothing against the scriptwriters".
The intriguing murder mystery show is shown in more than 230 countries around the world, and Tom said he has been "begging" to return ever since he left.
In the new series, Chief Inspector Sullivan will once again be working with his colleague Sergeant Goodfellow (John Burton).
Familiar faces such as The Crown's Nancy Carroll, and Murder in Provence's John Light have also returned to the show.
But some viewers may be disappointed that Sorcha Cusack, Jack Deam and Emer Kenny - who respectively play the roles of Bridgette McCarthy, Inspector Mallory and Bunty Windermere - will not feature in the new series.