Here's the Real Reason Why Sorcha Cusack Left 'Father Brown'

It's not uncommon for actors, performers, or other talent to move from one project to the next. Some choose to stick with one series or franchise for the extent of their career, while others keep themselves booked and busy across projects. Countless films, television shows, video games, and so on have recast characters or written them out altogether if a cast member has to depart for any reason. Studios typically act quickly to fill any gaps left behind.

When the BBC's long-running crime drama, Father Brown, returned for its 10th season, one notable member of the cast was absent from the show. For fans of the show, the lack of Mrs. McCarthy's presence was glaringly obvious through on-screen dynamics. It was known that Irish actress Sorcha Cusack would leave Father Brown, but Father Brown fans still wonder why she stepped back from the role of Mrs. McCarthy. So, why did Sorcha really leave Father Brown? We've got the scoop!

Sorcha's absence came as a surprise to those tuning in during Season 10. Actor John Burton, who plays Sergeant Goodfellow on Father Brown, explained why there was a reshuffling among the cast: "Occasionally long-running shows need to be refreshed due to artists' availability. ... For the moment, we have said goodbye to a few characters who have been brilliant to work with over the years."

He went on to say that some long-term cast members have moved on from Father Brown in order to progress their careers past the series. Sorcha has filled her schedule with other projects that have taken priority over Father Brown Season 10, so scheduling issues constricted Sorcha's availability to return. Her excuse to move on from the show is understandable.

There are still some who are hopeful that Sorcha may be able to make her way back to Father Brown in later seasons, but the actress has not commented on any potential return. The role of Mrs. McCarthy has not been recast, nor has there been any word from the creative team as to what the next step there may be.

There's good news for fans of Father Brown who aren't ready for the series to end yet — Season 11 premiered on Jan. 5, 2024, on BBC One in the U.K. Shortly after, on Jan. 23, the show's 11th season premiered on BritBox for U.S. viewers. The latest season of the show features Doctor Who alumn Sylvester McCoy in a guest role.

The filming of Father Brown Season 11 began in Cotswolds, and both Mark Williams and Lorna Watson remained a part of the cast. Ingrid Oliver, Ian Gelder, and John Light are also cast members of Season 11.

Fans of the show will also be happy to hear that Father Brown Season 12 has been greenlit, and filming is expected to begin in Spring 2024, per Medium. Father Brown can be streamed on Britbox, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movie, Vudu, Roku, YouTube, and Apple TV.