Neil Dudgeon, the star of Midsomer Murders, has no immediate plans to leave his role as the lead detective, but bookies are already speculating on who might fill his shoes if he were to exit.
In a candid chat with Radio Times, Neil hinted at an eventual departure, saying: “I’m very happy in the countryside, it’s very nice. And no, I assume that at some point, I’ll get the hook,” and added that he will keep working until he’s shown the door.
Following his remarks, bookmakers have thrown around potential names for Neil’s successor, with ‘s Sue Cleaver emerging as a contender. Sue, known for her role as Eileen Grimshaw, has also recently announced she’s leaving the ITV soap, sparking rumours she could become the drama’s first female detective.
Sue is currently sitting at odds of 10/1 to take over as the ITV drama’s lead detective, with other candidates like Vera’s Kenny Doughty and Death in Paradise’s Ralf Little also in the running.
Betway spokesperson Mike Reading commented on the situation, stating: “With speculation swirling about Neil Dudgeon’s future in Midsomer Murders following the cancellation of spin-off McDonald and Dodds, anticipation is mounting over who could step into the role of DCI John Barnaby as the next lead detective in the beloved crime drama.
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Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street (Image: ITV)
“A major shake-up could be on the horizon for Midsomer Murders as Vera star Kenny Doughty leads the charge to become the favourite successor in the series at 5/1, with Death in Paradise’s Ralf Little hot on his heels at 6/1. Amongst the intriguing candidates is Kirsty Dillon at 8/1, previously known for her role as WPC Gail Stephens, sparking a buzz that she may introduce the first female lead detective to Midsomer Murders,” reports .
He remarked: “As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, a fresh face like Dillon could bring an exciting new dynamic to the show’s long tradition of reinvention. There’s also a chance that a familiar face could take the helm, with former DS Gavin Troy actor Daniel Casey at 9/1. Meanwhile, original star John Nettles remains a long-shot at 80/1-but in Midsomer Murders, surprises are never off the table!”
In a heartfelt chat on Loose Women earlier this year, Sue Cleaver opened up about her departure from after a legendary 25 years portraying Eileen Grimshaw.
Neil Dudgeon as Barnaby in Midsomer Murders (Image: ITV)
Sue revealed her upcoming exit and shared that the decision was made two years prior, stating: “I have decided after 25 wonderful years that it is time to hang Eileen back up in the prop cupboard. I’ve decided it’s time to leave. They’re keeping the door firmly open for me. It’s just the right time!”
She continued: “Yeah, 2022, I’ve been planning it! We’ve started filming my exit storyline, the lovely Katy Cavanagh’s come back who plays Julie Carp.
“We’ve literally started filming that, it’s going to be emotional, it’s going to be hard, I’ve got a lot of friends there, I will still have a connection to it.”
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.