ITV's beloved detective drama, Midsomer Murders, makes a thrilling return to screens with a brand-new episode packed with familiar faces from other hit British shows. The latest instalment, titled 'Book of the Dead', sees the return of Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby, alongside his trusted team.
A Guest Cast Packed with TV Favourites
The new episode, airing on ITV, boasts an impressive line-up of guest stars. Felixe Forde, best known for playing Luna Jones in the sun-soaked series Death in Paradise, takes on the role of Scarlett Myhill in Midsomer. She is joined by Oliver Dimsdale, a star of period dramas Downton Abbey and Grantchester, who portrays Rev 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, in the previous episode, 'The Devil's Work'.
Cryptic Clues and a Deadly Treasure Hunt
In 'Book of the Dead', DCI Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter, played by Nick Hendrix, are called to investigate a sinister case. The plot centres on the murder of an author whose book initiated a nationwide treasure hunt. The detectives must decipher a series of cryptic clues to find the killer, with the suspect pool consisting of the book's most dedicated followers.
Pathologist Fleur Perkins, portrayed by Annette Badland, will undoubtedly assist in piecing together the forensic puzzle in the deceptively deadly county of Midsomer.
Neil Dudgeon on His Future as DCI Barnaby
Ahead of the new series, lead actor Neil Dudgeon spoke candidly about his long-running role, which he took over from John Nettles in 2011. When asked if he wished to continue, Dudgeon stated he takes it "a year at a time."
He revealed initial doubts, saying, "By series one, I thought I'd shoot one episode, and they'd say, 'he's terrible, we are not doing anymore'." He acknowledged the challenge of following Nettles's iconic 13-year tenure.
However, the show's swift recommission bolstered his confidence. "That sort of vindicates that people had faith in me to give me the job in the first place," he added. Remarkably, what was initially hoped to be a three-year stint has now stretched to over a decade and a half, much to the pleasure of the show's loyal audience.
Dudgeon remains pragmatic about the show's future, questioning each year whether there are more stories to tell in Midsomer. "Sooner or later, somebody is going to say there can't be any more stories... but we keep coming up with them, and people seem to like it," he concluded.
The new episode of Midsomer Murders airs on ITV and is available to stream on ITVX.
