ITV's beloved detective drama Midsomer Murders makes its highly anticipated return with a brand new episode, bringing together a stellar line-up of guest stars from some of Britain's most popular shows.
A Treasure Hunt Turns Deadly in New Episode
The latest instalment, titled 'Book of the Dead', airs on 30 December 2025. The plot centres on a nationwide treasure hunt that takes a sinister turn. When the author of a book that sparked the hunt is found dead, DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) are called in. Alongside pathologist Fleur Perkins (Annette Badland), they must decipher a series of cryptic clues to find a killer hiding among a group of obsessive treasure seekers.
Famous Faces Join the Midsomer Roster
The episode boasts an impressive guest cast, headlined by Felixe Forde, known to audiences as Luna Jones in the hit series Death in Paradise. In Midsomer, she takes on the role of Scarlett Myhill.
She is joined by Oliver Dimsdale, a star of Downton Abbey and Grantchester, who portrays Reverend Sebastian Butts. Completing the trio of notable guests is Coronation Street legend Sally Lindsay, who appears as Danica Trask.
This follows the appearance of another Death in Paradise alum, Jinny Holder (Darlene Curtis), who featured in the previous episode 'The Devil's Work' as Lila Blundell.
Neil Dudgeon on His Future as DCI Barnaby
Ahead of the new series, lead actor Neil Dudgeon, who took over the role from John Nettles in 2011, spoke candidly about his tenure and future on the programme.
When asked if he wanted to continue playing Barnaby indefinitely, Dudgeon adopted a pragmatic approach. "I think so, I mean I wouldn't want to do it to the point where it's embarrassing, and he's just too old. I just take it a year at a time," he stated.
He revealed his initial doubts about following such a long-serving predecessor, admitting: "By series one, I thought I'd shoot one episode, and they'd say, 'he's terrible, we are not doing anymore'. After having John Nettles for 13 years, and then I come along, and it's cancelled, that would be pretty embarrassing."
However, the show's swift recommission after his first series was a welcome vindication. "So that was great to have the first recommission and do a second series. When I first started, somebody said to me, 'I think everybody would be happy if you did another three years or so,' and 15 years later, I am still doing it," Dudgeon reflected.
He remains committed to the series as long as the stories remain fresh, adding: "Sooner or later, somebody is going to say there can't be any more stories in Midsomer, but we keep coming up with them, and people seem to like it."
The new episode of Midsomer Murders airs tonight on ITV and the entire series is available to stream on ITVX.
