Fans of the popular PBS Masterpiece series Miss Scarlet and the Duke received surprising news as actor Stuart Martin announced his departure from the show. Martin, who played William “The Duke” Wellington for four seasons, confirmed that he will not return for the upcoming sixth season, which debuts tonight.
In a heartfelt statement, Martin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray The Duke, highlighting the collaborative effort with series creator Rachael New. “It has been such an incredible joy to bring Duke to life through Rachael’s beautiful, brilliant writing,” Martin said. He explained that he felt it was time for the character of Miss Scarlet, played by Kate Phillips, to explore new narratives and challenges as the series evolves.
Martin’s exit marks a significant shift for the show, which has garnered a dedicated following since its debut. Viewers have connected deeply with the characters and their adventures, making any change particularly impactful. “I will miss working with my amazing partner in crime, Kate, and the rest of our brilliant family and team,” he added, indicating his strong ties to the cast and crew.
Kate Phillips also acknowledged the change, stating, “I will miss working with my pal Stu every day, and know Eliza will miss her Duke.” She expressed optimism for the future, saying, “I think the best is yet to come for her. I can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store for Season 5.”
As the series continues to grow, the audience can expect new dynamics and storylines that will shape the next chapter for Miss Scarlet. With the sixth season premiere tonight, fans will be eager to see how the absence of The Duke influences Eliza’s journey.
The departure of Stuart Martin is not the only casting change ahead of this season. Two additional stars will not be returning, which adds an element of intrigue regarding how the narrative will shift in their absence.
With a loyal fan base eagerly awaiting fresh episodes, the series is poised for another exciting season. As viewers tune in, they will witness Eliza navigate her adventures without The Duke, marking a new era for Miss Scarlet.
