Midsomer Murders detective reprises role after Neil Dudgeon exit fears – Manchester Evening News
Midsomer Murders has confirmed the return of a beloved detective in the upcoming series
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
15:23, 05 Dec 2025
Midsomer Murders will be back on screens later this month
Everything you need to know about Neil Dudgeon’s return to Midsomer Murders after exit fears
- Neil Dudgeon plays Detective John Barnaby in Midsomer Murders after taking over from John Nettles in 2011. He was soon joined by Nick Hendrix, who plays his sidekick Detective Sergeant Jamie Winter, in 2016, and they have been a dynamic duo ever since.
- Earlier this year, fans expressed their concern about Neil’s future as the lead detective, sparking exit fears. However, while Neil said in a previous interview that he “will be given the hook” eventually, he has no current plans of leaving just yet. In an interview with Radio Times, Neil shared, “I assume that at some point I’ll get the hook. You know, the hook will all come and sort of drag me off into the wings, and they won’t want me anymore.”But they haven’t done it yet, so I’m going to keep going to work until I get the hook.”
- Midsomer Murders is set to make its comeback later this month with a fresh pair of episodes. The opening instalment of series 24, entitled The Devil’s Work, will air on Monday, December 29 at 8.30pm, with the second episode, Book of the Dead, following on December 30 at the same time slot.
- The Devil’s Work teaser reveals: “Ancient families like the Shirewells thrive on tradition, but when the eldest son throws a bomb into five centuries of history, long-buried resentments resurface.” Meanwhile, Book of the Dead, which features Jon Culshaw as Bertram Jewel, offers this brief preview: “When the author of a book which sparked a nationwide treasure hunt is found dead, Barnaby must unravel the clues to find the killer among a group of dedicated seekers.”
- Despite previous concerns about whether Neil was leaving the series, ITV has confirmed that he will return for series 24 and series 25, alongside Nick and Annette Badland, who plays Dr Fleur Perkins.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Midsomer Murders confirms return in major series announcement as star reprises role
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