Father Brown is back on BBC One today, January 10, with a medieval murder mystery set at a battle re-enactment. Mark Williams resumes his role as the titular character, while Tom Chambers steps in as one of the police chiefs.

Tom, a 47-year-old English actor, is best known for his portrayal of Sam Strachan in Holby City and Casualty. He also played Max Tyler in Waterloo Road and clinched victory in the sixth season of alongside professional partner Camilla Dallerup.

Born and bred in Derbyshire, he developed a passion for acting and dance from a young age. He now resides in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

The actor is happily married to Clare Harding, and they are proud parents to three children - William, Olive and Poppy. His decision to propose came after a terrifying incident in December 2000.

While travelling from London to Nairobi on a flight, a hijacker stormed the cockpit, leading to a struggle during which the auto-pilot was disengaged, causing the plane carrying nearly 400 passengers to plummet.

Thankfully, the pilots regained control of the aircraft, ensuring all passengers landed safely. However, this near-death experience prompted Tom to reconnect with his teenage love, Clare, and propose.

Reflecting on the incident, he told the : "It was the most frightening experience of my life. This guy dived straight at the controls and sent it into a plunge. The oxygen masks came down and a trolley shot down the aisle.

"Everyone was praying. I just thought this cannot be happening. I thought I was going to die without getting the chance to ever be with Clare or even say goodbye to her. All I could think was, 'I have to marry Clare'.

"We were only four seconds from hitting the ground when the crew managed to regain control."

Clare, who had been in another relationship beforehand, was also in a near-fatal accident.

Tom explained: "At the time Clare was still with another guy and it didn't feel right to try to break them up.

"But then two years ago she was crossing a street in London when she was hit by a taxi and injured.

"But the first person she called was me, not him. I knew then that the time was right."

The couple married in October 2008 in Derbyshire, having to change the date due to his commitments in Strictly.

Clare had been against him taking part in the show as she did not want it to disrupt their big day, but knowing how proud her grandparents would be seeing him on their favourite show, they agreed to swap the date.

Father Brown airs on One on January 10 at 2pm.