Midsomer Murders fans have issued a plea to show bosses as they want an iconic detective to return to the ITV series.
The ITV murder mystery favourite is gearing up for its final instalment of series 23 with an episode titled ‘Dressed to Kill.’ The one-off will air at 8 p.m. on Sunday, 10 November.
The synopsis for Dressed to Kill’ reads: “Residents of Elverton-Cum-Latterly battle in a dominoes competition that dates back decades, but when the event occurs the same night as a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, the resulting clash of cultures is epic and deadly.”
The upcoming finale will see the return of lead detective Neil Dudgeon, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, and Annette Badland, as well as special appearances from Ace Bhatti, Suzanne Packer, Nigel Lindsay, and LJ Johnson.
This concluding episode will mark the wrap-up of the 23rd series, with series 24 already making waves abroad and series 25 confirmed.
However, following the show announcement, fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts, and while many are thrilled the series is coming back, others hope John Nettles will return.
One fan posted on a Facebook fan page dedicated to the show: ” I wish John Nettles would come back.”
Another agreed: “Any chance John Nettles could return or a different actor.”
A third said: ” I like the old Midsomers; John Nettles is a hard act to follow.”
However, someone else pointed out: “John Nettles is 81 and retired.”
One fan suggested another idea: “Bring back Jones. The series has become a bit silly.”
“Love this programme, can’t wait, I will always watch this,” one fan beamed.
Neil took over from John in 2011 as the lead detective. Chatting about his decision to leave the show in 2009, John told The Telegraph: “I never thought when we were filming the pilot The Killings at Badger’s Drift in 1996 that I would go on to film so many episodes. It has been a joy to be involved in such a long-running series with so many good actors and great storylines. It’s the end of an era for me.
“I suddenly realised that I’m going to be the oldest detective in the business now that David Jason has thrown off the mantle. But it was a very difficult decision to make.”
He added: “I’ll have been doing Midsomer Murders for 14 years by the time Barnaby leaves. I’ve formed familial ties with the people involved in the show, and they will be hard to break. It’s always wise to leave people wanting more, rather than be booed off the stage because you bored them.”
Neil also recently spoke to Radio Times magazine about his initial concerns about replacing John Nettle as the lead detective.
“It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years,” he confessed.
“If they’d cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing! It gets easier, but I try to keep it fresh. Even if I’ve gone through the script 50 times, I’ll look at it again and have another thought. It’s still extremely pleasant, and I’m extremely grateful.”
Midsomer Murders returned on November 10 on ITV.