24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
John Light's journey from Hollywood marriage to key role in BBC's Father Brown
John Light's journey from Hollywood marriage to key role in BBC's Father Brown
John Light has played Flambeau in Father Brown since 2013
The 13th season of Father Brown is currently in production, following the conclusion of the latest series on the BBC earlier this year.
The show continues to grow in popularity, boasting a large international fanbase as well as a dedicated British audience.
The BBC drama is inspired by G. K. Chesterton's character of the same name and follows a Catholic priest solving mysteries in a charming Cotswolds parish. However, the BBC adaptation only loosely follows the original Father Brown stories, moving the setting from an early 20th century Essex parish to the fictional Cotswolds village of Kembleford in post-war 1950s Britain.
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Despite significant changes, the character of thief M. Hercule Flambeau has been included in the TV adaptation.
In the original stories, Flambeau is a reformed criminal who aids Father Brown in his investigations. British actor John Light plays the thief in the TV series, assisting the Catholic priest with some of his cases, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Flambeau has been a guest star in Father Brown since season 1
(Image: BBC )
Father Brown star John Light's offscreen life
Fans are eager to learn more about Light's life off-screen. The actor was previously married to Hollywood star Neve Campbell, known for her roles in Scream and Party of Five.
The couple reportedly met in 2001 while working on the independent film Investigating Sex. They later became engaged, with Light reportedly proposing to Campbell by reciting Shakespeare, according to People.
Flambeau is straight from the Father Brown short stories
(Image: BBC )
Light and Campbell exchanged their vows back in 2007 during a charming ceremony in Malibu, Los Angeles, as reported by the Daily Mail. The couple set up home together in Islington, north London.
Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 2010 after the actress sought a divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences".
Prior to Light, Campbell was married to Canadian actor Jeff Colt from 1995 until 1998.
Neve Campbell and John Light were previously married
(Image: GETTY )
Father Brown star John Light's special role in BBC series
In BBC's Father Brown, John Light shines in his special guest role as the enigmatic Flambeau.
The character of Flambeau graces the series sporadically, with Light showcasing his talent in one episode each season.
Flambeau was first introduced in the seminal Chesterton short story The Blue Cross, which was adapted for television by the BBC with the character appearing in season one's 10th episode. The appearance served to solidify Flambeau's significance within the show's narrative.
Notably, in the ninth season, Flambeau had the unusual distinction of featuring in both episodes nine and 10.
Most recently, season 12 brought us Light in The Cup of Calabria, where Flambeau embarks on a covert operation connected to the Vatican.
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Fans of the cunning character can anticipate Flambeau's return in the forthcoming season 13.
Mark Williams, who stars as the eponymous Father Brown, has been vocal in his appreciation for Light's portrayal, stating: "I love the Flambeau episodes, it feels like we are in a 1950s thriller and John Light plays him to the hilt."
Father Brown season 12 is streaming on BBC iPlayer now
