Fans of the long-running ITV detective drama Midsomer Murders found their attention captured almost immediately during the latest episode, as a beloved face from another hit show made a surprise appearance.
A Welcome Familiar Face
The second episode of the show's twenty-fourth series, titled 'Book of Dead', featured actress Selina Cadell in the role of Venetia Butts. Cadell is best known to British audiences for her memorable and often hilarious portrayal of the besotted pharmacist Mrs Tishell in the popular series Doc Martin.
The casting proved to be an instant hit with viewers, many of whom rushed to a dedicated Facebook fan page to share their excitement. One admirer wrote, "Love her as Mrs Tishell in Doc Martin. She was brilliant, so funny." Another fan noted with humour, "She got killed again, poor Mrs Tishell," while a third simply stated, "Selina is always a joy to watch."
Neil Dudgeon on the Future of Midsomer Murders
Ahead of these new episodes airing, the show's lead actor, Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI John Barnaby, offered an exclusive insight into what lies ahead for the franchise. Speaking to Reach PLC, Dudgeon confirmed that the two recently broadcast episodes are just the beginning of series 24.
"There'll be another two episodes from that series to go out at some point. Very soon hopefully," he revealed. He also gave fans something further to anticipate, adding, "And then the next series, series 25, is what we shot earlier this year."
Reflecting on his long tenure since taking over from John Nettles in 2011, Dudgeon was candid about his future. "I think so, I mean, I wouldn't want to do it to the point where it's embarrassing, and he's just too old. I just take it a year at a time," he admitted.
Stepping Into Big Shoes
Dudgeon also recalled the initial pressure he felt when first offered the iconic role. "When they first came to me, I was asked, 'How do you feel if John leaves Midsomer Murders?' and I said, 'It would be fantastic, and I'd love to'," he remembered.
He confessed to early nerves, saying, "By series one, I thought I'd shoot one episode, and they'd say, 'he's terrible, we are not doing anymore'. After having John Nettles for 13 years, and then I come along, and it's cancelled, that would be pretty embarrassing."
Thankfully for fans, that scenario never came to pass, and the show continues to thrive with Dudgeon at the helm and beloved guest stars like Selina Cadell adding to its appeal. Midsomer Murders is available to stream on ITVX.
