Midsomer Murders confirms return of beloved detective and fans will be thrilled
Midsomer Murders has become a firm favourite with fans over the years
Midsomer Murders fans can rejoice as ITV has confirmed Neil Dudgeon’s return in the newly commissioned 26th series of the popular drama.
The show, produced by Bentley Productions and executive produced by Michele Buck, is set to bring viewers back to the deadly yet beautiful English countryside for four new feature-length mysteries.
Neil Dudgeon will reprise his role as DCI Barnaby, alongside Nick Hendrix as his loyal sidekick DS Winter. Annette Badland will also return as pathologist Dr Fleur Perkins, with Fiona Dolman playing Barnaby’s wife, Sarah.
ITV’s Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones expressed his excitement about the upcoming series, stating: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Midsomer with Barnaby and Winter. Series 26 promises to deliver four brilliant brand new cases for the legion of Midsomer Murders fans to enjoy.”
Executive producer Michele Buck echoed this sentiment, saying: “We are so pleased to be able to bring viewers more tales from the fascinating world of Midsomer Murders with this series 26 commission,” reports the Express.
Midsomer Murders made a major series announcement(Image: ITV)
Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, confirmed when series 26 would air, noting: “Midsomer Murders is a brand that continues to resonate with fans both globally and here in the UK.
“It’s a show whose repeatable loyalty factor enables us to position the series on various platforms – from PSBs to AVOD and FAST – and increase the series’ reach to new audiences. We’re thrilled that we have now passed the 25th series landmark and look forward to Bentley delivering Season 26 in 2026.”
During a previous appearance on This Morning, leading detective Neil Dudgeon tackled speculation that his character might be axed.
Neil joined the cast in 2011 following John Nettles’ departure, who had portrayed the original chief detective, Tom Barnaby.
Neil plays DCI Barnaby(Image: ITV)
Presenter Alison Hammond questioned the star about what lies ahead for him.
She enquired: “I think the question on everybody’s lips is, is this the end of DCI Barnaby?”.
“Why?” Neil responded, prompting Alison to reply: “There have been rumours that this could be the end.”
Neil fired back, “Somebody knows something I don’t,” before adding with a grin, “Somebody is trying to get rid of me.”
He went on: “As far as I know, I am still here. We are shooting again next year, and the last I heard, I am in it, but I haven’t read the script yet, so I don’t know.”
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.
