ITV has officially announced the commencement of filming for the highly anticipated twenty-sixth series of the beloved detective drama, Midsomer Murders. The network confirmed that production is now underway, marking the return of DCI Barnaby, portrayed by Neil Dudgeon, alongside his partner, DS Winter, played by Nick Hendrix.
Exciting Announcement and Fan Reactions
In a recent social media update, ITV shared a photograph of the iconic detective duo on Instagram, accompanied by the caption: "DCI Barnaby and DS Winter are officially back on the case! Filming for Series 26 of Midsomer Murders has officially begun, starting with a brand-new mystery." This announcement has sparked immense excitement among the show's dedicated fanbase.
Enthusiastic viewers quickly flooded the comments section to express their delight and anticipation. One admirer exclaimed, "Oh, so wonderful, I can't wait for season 26! I love Midsomer Murders so much." Another fan commented, "I really can't wait for season 26. I'm so addicted to Midsomer. The best detective show ever," as reported by the Express.
Further reactions included declarations such as "This means everything to me" and "Fantastic news, this series is just brilliant, I love it." A long-time devotee added, "Oh, I can't wait! Midsomer murders is the best show! I'm a huge fan since the 90s!" while another enthusiast gushed, "My favourite detective is back."
Neil Dudgeon's Commitment to the Role
In an exclusive interview with Reach PLC earlier this year, Neil Dudgeon provided insight into his ongoing portrayal of DCI Barnaby. He revealed that while he has no immediate plans to depart from the programme, he approaches the role with a year-by-year perspective.
When questioned about his desire to continue in the role for "as long as possible," Dudgeon admitted, "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."
The actor reflected on his lengthy tenure, stating, "When I first started, somebody said to me, 'I think everybody would be happy if you did another three years or so,' and 15 years later, I am still doing it." He added, "So, I think everyone is pleased that it is still going, but I always take it a year at a time, and at the end of every series, I think, 'Are there going to be more?'"
Dudgeon also addressed the creative sustainability of the series, noting, "Sooner or later, somebody is going to say there can't be any more stories in Midsomer, but we keep coming up with them, and people seem to like it."
Midsomer Murders remains available for streaming on ITVX, ensuring fans can revisit previous mysteries while awaiting the new series.
