Why Is Lord Montague Missing from Father Brown?

As the beloved crime drama Father Brown took a breather, fans show a keen interest in one character’s mysterious edgLord ‘Monty’ Montague, played by Alexander Hanson. Monty, married to the glamorous Lady Felicia Montague (Nancy Carroll), seems shrouded in intrigue, placing them in a peculiar, almost distant marital reality.

While we’ve seen Lady Felicia’s spirited escapades alongside Father Brown (Mark Williams), Monty’s presence has been virtually absent from the show. His only appearance was during the 100th episode, aptly titled The Red Death, where the couple hosted a lavish masked ball. But what led to Monty’s decision to step back from the spotlight?

During Monty’s debut—a night intended for celebration—chaos erupted. The Minister of Defence met a grisly fate, and just like that, the festivities turned into a whodunit. Despite Monty’s fleeting on-screen charisma, his absence has a poignant explanation tied to Lady Felicia’s storyline. She waved goodbye to the series in its fifth season when her husband was appointed as governor of Northern Rhodesia, currently known as Zambia. Thus, Monty’s existence off-camera can be traced directly back to his responsibilities abroad.

Even though Monty’s thread in the storyline has been sparse, Lady Felicia continues to grace the screen once each season during her rare returns to the UK. Yet, her life as a socialite hints at a deeper sadness; often feeling isolated without Monty, she’s been drawn into the dazzling world of parties and fleeting affairs.

The Dual Life of Alexander Hanson

As the actor behind Lord Montague, Alexander Hanson is no stranger to acclaim. Known for his prominent roles in hits like Jack Ryan and Killing Eve, his talent transcends the small screen. Beyond film and television, his stage prowess shines brightly in iconic productions like We Will Rock You and The Sound of Music.

In his personal life, Hanson shares a rich partnership with fellow actress Samantha Bond, known for her work in Downton Abbey. Together since 1989, this dynamic duo has two children, Molly and Tom, crafting a legacy that hints at both humor and heart.

As fans dive back into the engaging storylines of Father Brown, the unanswered questions surrounding Lord Montague linger, adding layers to a narrative already peppered with charm and complexity.

Father Brown is streaming on the BBC iPlayer now