has enthralled fans since 1997 and while the lead Detective has occasionally changed, the format of the popular ITV drama has remained the same.
But there is one thing viewers may not have known, and that is the initial suggestions for the show’s name before it became
The hit British has aired over 20 series, and the drama has gained popularity across the globe since it became available on popular streaming sites.
Perhaps it has something to do with the over-the-top, almost comic murders and the witty writing, as well as the idyllic English village setting.
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(Image: ITV)
But, the show could’ve gone down a very different path should the creators have stuck with calling it something else than Midsomer Murders.
In the history of the show, there have been two DCI Barnabys and some would argue they are what the show is all about.
Fans will remember John Nettles kicked it off playing Tom from episode one.
That was until the actor and his character decided to retire in 2011 making way for a new man in charge.
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Midsomer Murders: Tom was the first DCI Barnaby (Image: ITV)
Neil Dudgeon was cast and he became DCI John Barnaby, Tom’s cousin.
Because of the lead characters and the direction in which the show was going, producers had gone with the working title Barnaby.
However, screenwriter Anthony Horowitz suggested they called the show Midsomer Murders instead which would then allow more flexibility in terms of the lead DCI.
As for other show secrets, believe it or not, an episode in series 18 caused uproar amongst fans.
Midsomer Murders: John took over Tom (Image: ITV)
Back in 2016 when Habeas Corpus aired, those watching at home noticed a huge change with the instalment – there were no murders.
For the first time in more than 100 episodes, not one single person died.
Understandably, many wondered what the point in the instalment was considering there wasn’t really a case to be solved.
Nevertheless, the writers haven’t made the error again.