Behind the scenes of ITV's new drama Grantchester

Tessa Peake-Jones and James Norton.

A group of villagers in Cambridgeshire will be watched by millions of viewers when ITV's new drama Grantchester premieres tonight.

Locals were recruited as extras to act alongside stars James Norton and Robson Green in the six-part mystery series about a vicar-turned-sleuth.

The real village of Grantchester was the obvious location to film many of the scenes. Villagers' homes were temporarily transformed into scenes of crimes but any modern touches like double glazing had to be disguised because the series is set in the 1950s.

The villagers too were given make-overs to get into character. Anne Oldham from Suffolk was the make-up and hair designer.

Robson Green plays Geordie, the detective.

Robson Green plays Geordie, the detective who strikes up an unlikely relationship with the vicar, Sidney Chambers.

The drama is set in the 1950s.
Tessa Peake-Jones plays the housekeeper of the vicarage.

Actress Tessa Peake-Jones plays the housekeeper of the vicarage, who keeps a disapproving eye on the young vicar.

Martin Huckle, who was one of the extras, is excited to see the mystery unravel.

The first episode of Grantchester is on ITV1 tonight at 9pm.