EXCLUSIVE: BBC makes BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about CORONATION STREET star Maureen Lipman in series 13 of Father Brown

Fans of the beloved BBC period drama Father Brown have reason to celebrate as series 13 has wrapped up filming, bringing with it a stellar lineup of guest appearances.

Coronation Street favourite Maureen Lipman, renowned for her portrayal of Evelyn Plummer in the ITV soap, is among the exciting additions to the forthcoming series.

She’ll be joined by an impressive roster including Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Debra Stephenson, Davood Ghadami, Kevin Harvey, George Rainsford, and Timothy Watson.

These fresh faces will appear alongside Mark Williams, who has embodied the crime-solving priest since the BBC series launched in 2013.

Returning to reprise their beloved characters following the Cotswolds shoot are fan favourites Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as the newly-wed Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman will appear in series 13 (Image: BBC)

The opening episode promises a special treat with Sorcha Cusack making a welcome comeback as Mrs McCarthy.

According to the series synopsis: “Following the jubilant wedding celebrations at the end of series 12, the new Mr and Mrs Sullivan settle into married life and a new home, with Isabel thrilled to be welcomed into the Policeman’s Wives Society.

“Meanwhile, Brenda goes on a journey of self-empowerment as she covers the role of Parish Secretary and learns to drive with the help of Sergeant Goodfellow. Father Brown is tasked by Flambeau to visit Father Lazarus in prison, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse, which ruffles the feathers of Canon Fox.

“With his consecration now looming, Bishop-Elect Fox plans to enact his revenge upon Father Brown, leaving Kembleford changed forever. And in a Father Brown first – the group takes a trip to the seaside!”

BBC confirms exiting Father Brown news (Image: BBC)

The BBC show will also see the return of Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia, John Light as Hercule Flambeau, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as Canon Fox, and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey.

Discussing the filming locations for this series, actor Mark Williams revealed it was an exceptional year for intriguing sites.

He remarked: “We have filmed in The Chateaux Impney, a French fantasy in Droitwich, the little theatre in Chipping Norton (an ex Salvation Army Citadel), the wonderful 18th-century octagonal Crown Courts in Warwick, and an atmospheric ex-Nunnery in Great Malvern with a glorious chapel by Ninian Comper.

“Also, The Fleece Inn in Bretforton which is a English pub time capsule, the spectacular Baroque church at Great Witley, and to top it off a selection of lovely stone Cotswold houses and churches. What a fabulous itinerary. And we filmed an episode at the seaside! Lucky lad, as my Dad would have said.”

Sorcha Cusack makes a special return as Mrs McCarthy (Image: KEVIN BAKER/BBC)

Executive Producer Neil Irvine expressed his excitement, stating: “I’m delighted that Mark Williams is back as Father Brown for a phenomenal thirteenth series, which promises to be the most exciting to date.

“Mrs McCarthy’s return, a rock’n’roll invasion and a trip to the seaside are just a few of the treats in store for our loyal audience. And when Canon Fox becomes Bishop-Elect, Father Brown finds his position dangling perilously on a thread. Can he secure his position in Kembleford once and for all?”