The wait is almost over for the 13th series of Father Brown, as BBC viewers are going to be treated to 10 new episodes of the beloved daytime crime drama.

Returning to reprise their roles are the likes of Mark Williams as Father Brown along with Claudie Blakley as the new Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow and Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, after writing to bosses to return.

Although there are set to be some new faces, with Coronation Street's Maureen Lipman, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, and George Rainsford joining the cast as guest's, BBC viewers will welcome back one familiar face, Sorcha Cusack.

Sorcha played the role of Mrs McCarthy in the BBC drama for many years, having appeared as the beloved character in season one up until leaving before season 10 aired.

Her exit was confirmed when promotional images for the 10th series of the show circulated online without her presence. At the time, it was suggested that Sorcha left the show in pursuit of new opportunities, following a statement made by John Burton.

On social media, he commented: "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."

Although it looks as though there's good news for fans as Sorcha is returning to Father Brown once again.

In the first episode of series 13, which will air on January 9, Father Brown learns that his old friend Mrs McCarthy is back in Kembleford.

A synopsis reads: "As they catch up, Brenda (Ruby-May Martinwood) finds Máire Fitzpatrick (Grace Daly) and her baby Rosie hiding in the scullery. Máire is relieved to see Mrs McCarthy, her great aunt.

"Máire explains she has run away from the local refuge for unmarried mothers, she has twins, but she had to leave baby Jack behind. The refuge plans to have her babies adopted against her will."

As Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Sullivan (Claudie Blakley) go to the refuge with Brenda, they meet Nurse Dorothy Hyde (Debbie Chazen), who shows them a signed agreement from Máire to have her children adopted.

When no one is looking, a pregnant woman slips a note to Brenda, which informs them that baby Jack is getting adopted the following day. However, things take a dark turn when Father Brown returns to see Nurse Hyde in the morning and discovers her dead after being struck on the head.

The synopsis continues: "It is soon discovered baby Jack has been taken and when Máire is found hiding with both babies, she is arrested.

Inspector Sullivan (Tom Chambers) and Canon Fox (Roger May) both warn Father Brown to steer clear of the investigation.

"However, Father Brown is compelled to help his friend, so both he and Mrs McCarthy pair up to investigate one more murder together."

Father Brown will air on BBC One on January 9 from 2pm