Father Brown is set to make a comeback on BBC One today, January 10, featuring a medieval murder mystery at a battle re-enactment. Mark Williams resumes his role as the titular character, with Tom Chambers playing a Chief Inspector.
Tom, a 47-year-old English actor, is recognised for his portrayal of Sam Strachan in Holby City and Casualty. He also starred as Max Tyler in Waterloo Road and emerged victorious in the sixth season of Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional partner Camilla Dallerup.
Born and brought up in Derbyshire, he developed an early interest in acting and dance. He currently resides in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
The actor is married to Clare Harding, and they are parents to three children – William, Olive and Poppy. His marriage was the result of a terrifying incident in December 2000.
Tom Chambers attends the press night after party for “Elf The Musical”
He was travelling from London to Nairobi on a British Airways flight when a hijacker stormed into the cockpit, leading to a struggle as the crew attempted to subdue him.
During the altercation, the auto-pilot was disengaged, causing the plane carrying nearly 400 passengers to plummet.
The pilots managed to regain 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 to her.
Reflecting on the incident, he told the Mirror: “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’.
Tom Chambers and his wife Clare in 2010
(Image: PA)
“We were only four seconds from hitting the ground when the crew managed to regain control.”
Clare, who had previously been in a different relationship, also experienced a near-death incident.
Tom elaborated: “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 pair tied the knot in Derbyshire in October 2008, having to reschedule due to his commitments on Strictly.
Clare initially opposed his participation in the show as she didn’t want it to interfere with their wedding day. However, knowing how thrilled her grandparents would be to see him on their favourite programme, they agreed to change the date.
Father Brown is set to air on BBC One on January 10 at 2pm.