Jack Deam played Inspector Mallory in Father Brown for several years before he left the series
Katherine Palmer Senior TV Reporter for Screen Time
08:56, 15 Jan 2026
The esteemed Father Brown has returned to BBC One for its 13th series, and over the years viewers have witnessed the departure of several beloved characters. One character made an unexpected return, with Sorcha Cusack reprising her role as Mrs McCarthy, the church secretary, following a four-year absence.
Several recognisable faces have bid farewell to the comedy-drama, including Shameless star Jack Deam. Inspector Mallory succeeded the former Inspector Sullivan (Tom Chambers) in the programme.
Similar to his predecessors, he frequently found himself frustrated by Father Brown (Mark Williams) and addressed him as "Padre".
However, he displayed considerably more enthusiasm than those who came before him and was recognised for his open-minded approach. He would regularly pursue leads with an optimistic outlook, regardless of whether they proved fruitless.
The actor's departure was confirmed when promotional photographs for the 2023 series were unveiled. John Burton, who portrays Sergeant Goodfellow, clarified the situation after audiences expressed concern about the cast alterations.
READ MORE: BBC Father Brown star makes unexpected return after leaving role four years agoREAD MORE: BBC Father Brown star Mark Williams on Mrs McCarthy's 'complicated' return
He posted on Twitter: "Occasionally long running shows need to be refreshed due to artists' availability.
"So it means we do have some absentees this year, with a few long-term artists moving onto other projects for their own career progression.
"This is part of an actor's life, and we must go where the work takes us."
Given this explanation, it appears Jack departed the programme to pursue fresh opportunities. The actor has yet to comment publicly regarding his exit from the cherished series.
Though he bid farewell to his detective persona in Father Brown, the actor continued to portray commanding roles in several other series post his departure.
In 2023, he took on the role of DI Les Hanley in the series The Long Shadow, and by 2025, he was seen as Inspector Foulon in the detective drama Maigret.
The actor's affinity for detective dramas is clear, given his guest appearances in the highly-regarded murder mystery programmes, Ridley and Vera.
Father Brown is broadcasted on BBC One on Fridays at 2pm.
**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website**