Hugo Speer's exit from Father Brown explained after Inspector Valentine role is taken over
Father Brown has made a triumphant return to BBC One with its 12th season, prompting fans to reminisce about some of the series' familiar faces. Hugo Speer, who portrayed Inspector Valentine, bid farewell to the cast during the eighth season.
As part of the original line-up, Inspector Valentine led the local police force and harboured a secret admiration for Father Brown (played by Mark Williams). However, this admiration was often at odds with his frustration over the priest's unconventional methods.
Despite this, Valentine strived to maintain a cordial working relationship with the priest, even though his unorthodox approach frequently landed him in hot water. Over time, he grew to respect Father Brown's techniques and confessed that he would miss him upon his departure.
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After being promoted to Detective Chief Inspector and relocating to London, Valentine made a comeback in the final episode of the eighth series, The Tower of Lost Souls. It seems that the actor decided to explore new opportunities, including roles in the TV shows London Kills and Shadow and Bone, as well as a part in the film Trick or Treat as a comedian.
The Harrogate-born actor, now 55, most recently appeared as Guy in The Full Monty in 2023. Interestingly, the actor also played the inaugural police officer in Death in Paradise, DI Charlie Hulme.
Upon his character's return to Father Brown, viewers noticed a significant change in him. The episode concluded with him embarking on a hike with the priest and presenting him with a police badge.
Inspector Valentine, portrayed by Tom Chambers, was succeeded by Inspector Sullivan in the second series of Father Brown, marking the beginning of a long line of successors. The role then passed to Inspector Mallory, played by Jack Deam, who departed before the new season.
Actor Speer has enjoyed a successful career since his debut on the show in 2013, with regular roles in The Musketeers as Minister Treville, Britannia as Lucius, and Marcella as Frank Young. The actor tied the knot with Vivienne Harvey in 2015 and they have a daughter named Nico Belle.
Other cast members who have exited Father Brown over the years include Keith Osborn, who played Sergeant Albright, and Kasia Koleczek, who portrayed "Susie" Jasinski.
Father Brown is broadcast on BBC One on Fridays.