Neil Dudgeon, who has portrayed DCI John Barnaby in ITV's Midsomer Murders for 13 years, has revealed his initial fears of being 'cancelled' after taking over the iconic role from John Nettles. The actor spoke to Radio Times magazine about the pressure of succeeding Nettles, who played DCI Tom Barnaby for 14 years.
Dudgeon admitted that the early days were challenging, saying: 'It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years. If they'd cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing!' He added that he strives to keep his performance fresh, even after multiple script readings.
The second episode of the current series aired on Tuesday, featuring Barnaby investigating a murder linked to an organic bakery in Lower Blissingham. The plot involves a dangerous hallucinogenic and a farmer's death, drawing viewers into another classic whodunit.
However, some fans have taken to social media to express concerns about the show's continuity, particularly the rapid aging of Barnaby's daughter Betty, played by Isabel Shaw. One viewer noted the 'glaring time gap' between seasons, while others called for the series to refresh its formula.
