Neil Dudgeon recently shared his thoughts on who could potentially fill his shoes in Midsomer Murders, should he ever decide to step away from the role.
Although the actor has no immediate plans to exit the show, he hinted that Jason Watkins might be a good fit.
Jason and his co-star Tala Gouveia, both of whom featured in the ITV drama McDonald and Dodd’s, also playfully expressed their interest in the role.
In a conversation with Radio Times, Neil mused about his potential successor: “Jason [Watkins], obviously, unless they needed to go for somebody, well, you’re quite a bit younger than me. You’ve been a detective, it’s in the lovely countryside. So that would be great. We’ve got two good options.”
Neil has portrayed DCI John Barnaby since 2011, succeeding John Nettles in the role.
“I’m very happy in the countryside, it’s very nice. And no, I assume that at some point, I’ll get the hook,” he continued, discussing the possibility of being let go from the show.
“They’ll all come and sort of drag me off into the wings, and they won’t want anymore, but they haven’t done it yet, so I’m gonna keep going to work until I get the hook,” reports the Mirror.
This revelation comes after ITV announced the cancellation of McDonald and Dodd’s following its fourth season.
An ITV spokesperson confirmed the show’s end, citing that the fourth season failed to achieve the necessary ratings for a new series, a decision that disappointed many fans.
One fan wrote on social media: “Bitterly disappointed as this was a fabulous series.”
Another agreed: “That’s a shame. I really enjoyed it – and the locations in and around Bath were lovely. #McDonaldAndDodds.”
While a third added: “So sad about this! SUCH a great series! No more #Chipsandbutter @TalaGv #McDonaldandDodds.”
In the same interview, Neil also confirmed filming for series 25 of Midsomer Murders would begin in March.
He explained the cast had taken a year-long break but would be back filming four new stories next month.
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.