Neil Dudgeon, the beloved star of ITV's long-running crime drama Midsomer Murders, has admitted he never anticipated the show's phenomenal longevity. As the series prepares to air its landmark 150th episode, Dudgeon reflects on his decade-long journey as DCI John Barnaby.
"When I first joined, I certainly didn't think I'd still be here 12 years later," the 63-year-old actor confessed. The show, famous for its picturesque English villages hiding dark secrets, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
Dudgeon took over from John Nettles as the lead detective in 2011, inheriting a role that would define his career. "The show had already been running for 14 years when I joined," he recalled. "I just assumed it might have another year or two left."
Instead, Midsomer Murders has become one of British television's most enduring exports, broadcast in over 200 territories. Its unique blend of quintessential English charm and gruesome murders has proven irresistible to international audiences.
The Secret to Longevity
Dudgeon attributes the show's success to its winning formula: "Beautiful locations, intriguing mysteries, and that quintessential English eccentricity." He particularly enjoys the show's dark humour, noting: "The murders are inventive, but we never take it too seriously."
As production begins on new episodes, Dudgeon remains committed to his character: "John Barnaby's become like a second skin to me now. I'm incredibly proud to be part of television history."
