James Norton is a troubled vicar-turned-sleuth in Grantchester (VIDEO)

James Norton says that his character in new ITV drama Grantchester loves living a double life.

The Happy Valley star plays clergyman-turned-crime fighter Sidney Chambers, who also drinks too much and has messy relationships with women, in the six-part drama, set in the rural village of Grantchester in the 1950s.

James told whatsontv.co.uk: "Sidney becomes involved in this investigation and suddenly finds that he not only is quite good at the investigative side of life but he also really enjoys it; it's a sort of antidote to his quite slow, sleepy existence as a village vicar."

The drama centres on Sidney's unlikely partnership with Inspector Geordie Keating, played by former Wire in the Blood star Robson Green.

James added: "Geordie realises that, as a vicar, Sidney is able to get into places and people's confidences slightly easier than a policeman is, so he realises Sidney can be of use investigating crimes. They start off using one another then they start to form a very strong affectionate bond."

Grantchester starts on Monday, October 6 at 9pm on ITV.

Watch our video interview with James Norton, above.

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With over 20 years’ experience writing about TV and film, Vicky currently writes features for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week magazines plus news and watching guides for WhatToWatch.com, a job which involves chatting to a whole host of famous faces. Our Vicky LOVES light entertainment, with Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice UK among her fave shows. Basically, if it’s got a shiny floor, she’s all over it! When she’s not watching TV, you might find Vicky in therapy… retail therapy that is!