John Hopkins, known to Midsomer Murders fans as Detective Sergeant Dan Scott, has built a varied career since leaving the ITV drama over two decades ago. The 51-year-old has appeared in acclaimed TV productions including Poldark, where he played Sir Francis Basset, and A Very Royal Scandal, taking on the role of Jeffrey Epstein. His credits also include Stan Lee's Lucky Man, Dancing on the Edge, Trial and Retribution VII, Love in a Cold Climate, and Mark Gatiss's adaptation of The Mezzotint, alongside extensive theatre work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Life After Midsomer Murders
After departing Midsomer Murders, Hopkins returned to the stage, rejoining the Royal Shakespeare Company for its 2006–2007 London and Stratford-upon-Avon season. During that time, he appeared as Julius Caesar in Antony and Cleopatra alongside Patrick Stewart.
Alongside his theatre work, Hopkins continued to build an impressive television career. This year, he voiced the stuffed hedgehog character Mr. Pricklepants in Toy Story 5, taking over the role from Timothy Dalton.
Why Did He Leave Midsomer Murders?
Hopkins joined Midsomer Murders at the beginning of Series seven in 2004, playing Detective Sergeant Dan Scott opposite John Nettles' DCI Tom Barnaby. The character was introduced as a confident, charismatic detective with a reputation as a ladies' man, and quickly became familiar to viewers.
Behind the scenes, Hopkins formed a close friendship with Nettles. Because both actors were named John, the cast and crew affectionately nicknamed Hopkins "Hoppers" during filming.
Despite enjoying the experience, Hopkins later revealed that the timing wasn't quite right for him. He admitted he would happily take on the role again, but explained that at the time he was eager to return to the stage. Reflecting on his decision, he described Midsomer Murders as "the right job at the wrong time." His exit was written into the series with viewers simply being told that Dan Scott had phoned in sick; the detective was never seen on screen again.
Why Is Midsomer Murders So Popular?
Despite his relatively short stint on the programme, Hopkins has always spoken fondly of Midsomer Murders and believes its enduring popularity comes from the comforting world it offers viewers. In an interview with Midsomermurders.org, he said: "I think it's a huge source of comfort in a world that increasingly resembles nothing like Midsomer. Although we're a contemporary show, we hark back to 50 years ago with cricket on the lawn and old ladies cycling. With the working week ahead of you, it's very calming to watch a peaceful world where wrongs are righted and good triumphs over evil. There's a moment of trouble, and then it's all resolved and back to normal."
Although his time on screen came to an end in 2005, Hopkins has remained connected to the franchise by narrating the official Midsomer Murders audiobooks, allowing him to stay part of the fictional world that first made him a household name.
