Father Brown's star Hugo Speer's exit and career away from Inspector Valentine role

Father Brown has made a triumphant return to BBC One for its 12th season, prompting fans to reminisce about some of the series' former characters. Hugo Speer bid farewell to the cast during the eighth season, in his role as Inspector Valentine.

Inspector Valentine was part of the original cast and was succeeded by several other characters. As the head of the local police force, he secretly admired Father Brown (Mark Williams), but this admiration was often at odds with his frustration over the priest's unpredictable behaviour.

Despite his desire to work harmoniously with the priest, Valentine often found himself reprimanded due to Father Brown's unconventional methods. Over time, however, he grew to respect Father Brown's approach 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, he made a comeback in the final episode of series eight, The Tower of Lost Souls. It seems that the actor left the show to explore new opportunities, including roles in the series 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 portrayed Guy in The Full Monty in 2023. Interestingly, the actor also played the first-ever police officer in Death in Paradise, DI Charlie Hulme.

Upon his character's return to Father Brown, he appeared to be a changed man. The episode concluded with him going on a hike with the priest and presenting him with a police badge.

Inspector Valentine, portrayed by actor Hugo Speer, was succeeded by Inspector Sullivan, played by Tom Chambers, who made his debut at the outset of the second series, which began a trend of following Inspectors. The role later passed to Inspector Mallory, brought to life by Jack Deam, who departed prior to the new season.

Since first appearing on the series in 2013, Speer has enjoyed a successful career, becoming a regular on The Musketeers as Minister Treville. He then went on to portray Lucius in Britannia and Frank Young in the detective series Marcella.

The actor tied the knot with Vivienne Harvey in 2015, and together they have a daughter named Nico Belle. Other departures from Father Brown over time include Keith Osborn's Sergeant Albright and Kasia Koleczek as "Susie" Jasinski.

Father Brown is broadcast on BBC One on Fridays.