Yes, Will in 'Grantchester' Could Get Married if He Wanted — Here's Why

The British crime drama set in the ‘50s, Grantchester, is already on its fifth season (the newest season premiered June 14). What many fans love most about the new season is that we’re learning more about Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), a local vicar. When Sidney Chambers left, Will was named the local vicar in the Cambridge-adjacent village.

After a rough childhood (which involved partying and sleeping with women) Will decided to turn his life around and made a vow of celibacy. He ultimately turned to the church for redemption.

Apparently there is nothing saying priests (or bishops and other ministers of the church) to be married to the opposite sex (same-sex marriage, unfortunately, is.a whole different story). While the Anglican Church under Henry VIII had to remain unmarried and certainly celibate, Edward VI did away with this restriction when he became King of England in 1547. 

Anglican priests can be married when they become priests, or get married while they’re priests. There’s one exception to this, and that’s if you got divorced: If you’re an Anglican priest, you’re not allowed to remarry. (Apparently you can if you live in the U.S. and Canada, which are more lax about these things.)

Knowing this might give Grantchester fans some hope. And it certainly might give reporter Ellie Harding (Lauren Carse) some, as well. As soon as she meets Will, fans could tell she felt some ways about him. Too bad Geordie told her, “I wouldn’t bother, he’s celibate.” Ellie replies, “Oh, you’re that Will. Should change your name to Won’t.” 

So, Will can definitely have a partner. And he can get married. But will he? That kiss between Ellie and Will was pretty steamy, so IDK, Will. We respect your choices, but an entire life without intimacy?! Only time will tell. 

Be sure to tune into Grantchester every Sunday on PBS at 9 p.m. (EST) to see whether Will and Ellie's relationship ultimately blossoms into something more.