Father Brown's Sergeant Goodfellow star on what it's really like on set of BBC series

John Burton has shared an insight into what it's like to work on BBC series Father Brown, in which he portrays Sergeant Goodfellow. The show returned to BBC One on 12 January with a twelfth series.

John has revealed how Father Brown comes together and the ways in which the cast and crew work so well together, admitting they focus on socialising away from the set, including plenty of meals out. He also told how the cast are "very close" due to spending four whole months per year filming together.

"We're all very close because we spend 17 weeks of the year together filming Father Brown. It's something we love doing and it's great to be part of," the actor said.

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He continued: "We don't get to do lots of scenes where we’re all together, but when we do, you can just see how we all click and spark off each other, and it's really good. We all bring something to the party and that’s what makes it such a good series to be part of.

"We also try to socialise out of work as much as possible, because we’re working away from home for 4 months, so there are plenty of meals out (especially curries) together, and we always try to invite the guest cast as well, so they really feel like part of the team - it’s great fun!"

Elsewhere, John hinted that the twelfth series of Father Brown could be the best yet, as the writing is "phenomenal" and the casting is "sensational".

"The production values have gone up another notch again. The script writing has been phenomenal, the casting has been sensational, and you could feel that when we were there working on it throughout the summer," John teased.

He added: "Lots of stunt work, lots of amazing costumes, incredible make up and of course all the fabulous locations in the Cotswolds - the viewers are in for a real treat."

John has reprised his role as Goodfellow in the new series, while Mark Williams is back as Father Brown. Other returning cast members include Tom Chambers as Chief Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as Mrs Devine and Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda.

Father Brown season 12 continues every Friday at 2pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer