Fans of the iconic British series Midsomer Murders can breathe a sigh of relief as Detective John Barnaby will return for the upcoming season. Neil Dudgeon, who has portrayed the character since 2011, will be back in series 24 and series 25, quelling fears of his exit from the show.
Neil Dudgeon Resilience Amid Exit Speculations
Dudgeon’s role as Detective Barnaby came after he succeeded John Nettles. Nick Hendrix, who plays Detective Sergeant Jamie Winter, joined the series in 2016, creating a strong partnership on-screen. Earlier this year, concerns arose regarding Dudgeon’s future in Midsomer Murders. During an interview, he acknowledged the possibility of leaving the show, humorously mentioning that he expects “the hook” to eventually come for him.
Upcoming Episodes and Plot Details
The new series will premiere later this month with two episodes. The first episode, titled “The Devil’s Work,” is scheduled to air on December 29 at 8:30 PM. The plot hints at age-old family traditions being challenged, leading to resurfaces of long-standing grievances.
- Episode 1: The Devil’s Work – Airing December 29, 2025
- Episode 2: Book of the Dead – Airing December 30, 2025
The second episode features the character Bertram Jewel, played by Jon Culshaw. In “Book of the Dead,” the storyline revolves around the mysterious death of a popular author, igniting a nationwide treasure hunt. Detective Barnaby will be tasked with piecing together the clues to apprehend the killer.
Confirmation from ITV
In light of the exit concerns, ITV has officially confirmed Neil Dudgeon’s return for both the current and upcoming season of Midsomer Murders, alongside Nick Hendrix and Annette Badland, who plays Dr. Fleur Perkins. This return promises to bring new intrigue and captivating mysteries to fans old and new.
