Fans of the long-running ITV drama Midsomer Murders found their attention grabbed within minutes of the latest episode airing, thanks to a very familiar face from another beloved British series.
A Beloved Character Actress Returns
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 UK audiences for her hilarious portrayal of the bespectacled and infatuated pharmacist, Mrs. Sally Tishell, in the hit comedy-drama Doc Martin.
The actress's appearance sparked immediate delight among the show's dedicated fanbase. Many rushed to a popular Midsomer Murders Facebook page to share their excitement at seeing her back on their screens.
One enthusiastic viewer 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," referencing the character's fate in the murder mystery. A third simply stated, "Selina is always a joy to watch," while another comment read, "Sally Tishell...love Selina Cadell."
Neil Dudgeon on the Show's Future
Ahead of these latest episodes, the show's lead actor, Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI John Barnaby, gave an exclusive interview offering a glimpse into the future of the series. He confirmed that the two recently aired episodes are just the beginning of series 24.
"The two episodes that are going out are the first two episodes I think of series 24, so there'll be another two episodes from that series to go out at some point. Very soon hopefully," Dudgeon revealed. He also shared news that filming has already wrapped on the next batch, adding, "And then the next series, series 25, is what we shot earlier this year."
Reflecting on a Long-Running Role
Dudgeon, who took over the lead role from John Nettles in 2011, also reflected on his tenure. When asked how long he plans to continue, he gave a candid answer, stating he takes it one year at a time.
"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," he admitted. He recalled his initial nerves about replacing Nettles, who had played DCI Tom Barnaby for 13 years, joking that he feared being cancelled after one episode. "After having John Nettles for 13 years, and then I come along, and it's cancelled, that would be pretty embarrassing," he said.
Despite those early worries, Dudgeon has now led the show for well over a decade, continuing the legacy of the popular detective series that remains available to stream on ITVX.
