ITV's beloved crime drama Wycliffe, which first aired over 30 years ago, is being hailed as a perfect watch for fans of Midsomer Murders. The series, based on the detective novels by W.J. Burley, follows Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe, played by the late Jack Shepherd, as he solves murders across Cornwall with his team.
Fans Praise the Show Decades Later
Despite ending in 1998, Wycliffe continues to receive high praise. On IMDb, one fan wrote: "After binging 20+ seasons of Midsomer Murders, Wycliffe was the perfect show to go into next." Another commented: "I've just started watching this on itvx after it first aired 31 years ago and it still holds its own compared with modern updated police dramas such as Vera and Midsomer Murders."
A third viewer added: "The stunning scenery of Cornwall is used to great effect. It's a real joy to see Wycliffe speeding around the tight, winding roads in the pursuit of gathering evidence or tracking down a suspect. He also appears to be quite fond of the classic detective garment of a long trench coat."
Cast and Storylines
The six-part series sees DS Wycliffe work with DI Doug Kersey (Jimmy Yuill) and DI Lucy Lane (Helen Masters), who became firm fan-favourites. The team not only tackles murders but also missing people, blackmail, arson, extortion, and other complex local conspiracies in the region.
Remembering Jack Shepherd
Jack Shepherd died last year at the age of 85. His agents, Markham, Froggatt & Irwin, said: "It is with great sadness we can confirm that the celebrated actor Jack Shepherd passed away yesterday at the age of 85. He died peacefully in hospital after a short illness. His wife and family were with him."
They added: "Markham, Froggatt & Irwin are very proud and honoured to have been part of Jack's illustrious career. His passing is a sad loss to us all. Jack is survived by his wife Ann Scott and children Jan, Jake, Victoria, Catherine and Ben."
Following his role as DS Wycliffe, Shepherd appeared in Silent Witness, The Golden Compass, and Into the Storm. He also had a successful theatre career, earning an Olivier award for the original production of Glengarry Glen Ross in 1983, and later wrote plays including Through a Cloud (2004) and Holding Fire! (2007).
Wycliffe is available to watch on ITVX.
