Robson Green reveals wearing a face mask on the set of Granchester provoked an anxiety attack

Robson Green is busy shooting the new series of Grantchester – yet admits having to wear a face mask between takes caused him to have a panic attack.

The actor, 56, who plays DI Geordie Keating, has had to add a modern twist to his character’s look with surgical PPE, while the cast rehearse scenes for the 1950s-set series.

Robson told Metro recently that he became disorientated and his ‘heart rate went through the roof’ because he couldn’t see his co-stars’ expressions and process what was happening during rehearsals for the latest sixth season. 

The star – who teams up with actor Tom Brittney, who plays Reverend Will Davenport, to solve crimes in the popular programme – said the coronavirus rules had really changed acting.

‘I’ve learnt I’m a very social person and that I like connecting to and being friendly with people. I’ve also learnt that when someone’s wearing a face mask I don’t get to see their personality,’ he said. ‘I need to see someone’s face. For the first time ever I had an anxiety attack – this was on the first day of rehearsals for the new series of Grantchester.

‘It was a really big scene with lots of words and interacting with Tom insights. It’s all about the interaction and working off the expression of the person you’re talking to – and with people wearing masks and not seeing their expressions it was really difficult.’

A new era: The star – who teams up with actor Tom Brittney [pictured], who plays Reverend Will Davenport, to solve crimes in the popular programme – says that the coronavirus rules have really changed acting

He said he found rehearsing with masks very strange and added: ‘I couldn’t process what was happening. I became really disorientated and my heart rate went through the roof.

‘Something I’m so used to doing – acting – had changed so much due to something completely beyond my control. I found rehearsing with masks very strange.’

The new series of Grantchester started filming in the Cambridgeshire village of the same name last autumn and the actors and film crew were all seen to be abiding by strict rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus on set, with a poster of instructions up and masks worn.

New look: The actor, 56, who plays DI Geordie Keating, has had to add a modern twist to his character’s look with surgical PPE, while the cast rehearse scenes for the 1950s-set series

Guest stars this season will include Miles Jupp, Jemma Redgrave, Gary Beadle, Rachael Stirling and Rebecca Front.

New instalments will be set in 1958, with the unlikely crime-fighting duo solving yet more cases. The first episode will see the pair attempting to unwind during a holiday camp – only to end up investigating a murder at the resort.    

What sets out to be a fun-filled break for everyone is interrupted by a tragic death at the resort, with Geordie and Will left with no choice but to help out, as an investigation into the death begins.

He said he found rehearsing with masks very strange and added: ‘I couldn’t process what was happening. I became really disorientated and my heart rate went through the roof’

As events unfold on the trip, there will be serious repercussions for the rest of the series.

The show has been adapted from James Runcie’s Grantchester Mysteries novels, and Daisy Coulam has penned the upcoming series alongside John Jackson, Louise Ironside, Tolula Dada and producer, Richard Cookson.

Grantchester season 6 is expected to air later this year.