Neil Dudgeon is set to return as DCI John Barnaby in Midsomer Murders for series 24, allaying fan fears of a replacement. The actor will reprise his role alongside Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, and Annette Badland in the upcoming series.
The ITV drama's series 23 finale, titled 'Dressed to Kill', airs on Sunday, 10 November at 8pm. The episode features a clash between a traditional dominoes competition and a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, leading to deadly consequences.
Series 24 has already been filmed abroad, and series 25 has been confirmed. Speculation about Dudgeon's future had led fans to suggest potential replacements, including Daniel Casey as Chief Inspector Gavin Troy and Laura Howard as Cully Barnaby, though reactions were mixed.
Dudgeon previously admitted to Radio Times magazine that replacing John Nettles after 14 years was challenging. 'If they'd cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing,' he said, adding that he remains grateful for the role.
Bookmakers have tipped Vera's Kenny Doughty as a possible successor should Dudgeon ever step down.
