The female star tipped to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders after 15 years

Midsomer Murders’ next lead detective could be an ‘intriguing’ female actor who has history with the long-running ITV crime drama. Before Neil Dudgeon’s fans start to panic the 64-year-old star has not announced any plans to retire DCI John Barnaby who he has played for 15 years since 2010.

However, bookmakers Betway have predicted his successor – when he decides to leave the world of rural murders behind him – could be Kirsty Dillon, 50. Midsomer Murder fans will recognise Kirsty as WPC Gail Stephens a role she played alongside John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby from 2007 until 2011.

Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway, said: ‘One particularly intriguing contender is Kirsty Dillon (8/1), who previously played WPC Gail Stephens until 2011. ‘Her potential return has fuelled speculation that Midsomer Murders may introduce its first female lead detective.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. ‘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.’.

Kirsty – who also starred in the Tom Hardy film Locke and TV shows including BBC’s Strike – is not the bookies’ frontrunner, though. Betway’s Mike told the Daily Express: ‘A major shake-up could be on the horizon, with Vera star Kenny Doughty emerging as the 5/1 favourite, closely followed by Death in Paradise’s Ralf Little priced up at 6/1.

‘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.’. Earlier this year, Neil confirmed to Radio Times that filming for ‘four new stories’ for season 25 was beginning in March after having a year’s break.

He also told the publication he had no desire to quit Midsomer Murders, saying: ‘I’m very happy in the countryside there. It’s very nice.’. ‘No, I assume that at some point I’ll get the hook. You know, the hook will all come and sort of drag me off into the wings and they won’t want me anymore.

‘But they haven’t done it yet, so I’m going to keep going to work until I get the hook.’. Midsomer Murders has been on air for nearly three decades since 1997, producing 140 episodes and one documentary special. The ‘cosy crime’ drama follows various murder cases that happen within small country villages across the fictional English county of Midsomer.

Midsomer Murders’ trademark is dark comedy, with many of the deaths, including a woman being killed by a wheel of cheese, using black comedy. Midsomer Murders is available to stream on ITVX. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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