Midsomer Murders News

What's new for fans of Midsomer Murders in the latest film "Small Mercies"?
The episode references Gulliver's Travels because the murder victim is a man found tied down to the ground in a model village as if he was like Gulliver in Lilliput. We filmed the scenes at Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield, which is a 1930s time warp and an ideal setting for deadly deeds in Midsomer.

How close are you to being an honorary policeman after solving so many on-screen crimes?
Barnaby and Bergerac before him have seen more dead bodies than any real-life policemen, but there is nothing distressing about the world they conjure up. No-one is going to have nightmares after watching either programme. I have played a policeman for the last 20 years, but it's a very different world to the one that real policeman inhabit, and I could not do their job.

Has anyone ever asked for your help in a real life crime?
No, but my daughter Emma was staying with me in Jersey once and we had our bicycles parked outside. They were nicked - but I didn't even notice they had gone for two weeks. Apparently two lads had attacked a guy with a firing pistol, seen our bikes and made off on them. I only realised when I was told by the police they might be ours. That's my only brush with crime - and I made an utterly useless detective!

Are the villages as idyllic as they look on screen?
I love the locations in Midsomer and often go back to have lunch in villages like Bledlow or The Lee in Buckinghamshire when we're not filming. We work in some beautiful old manor houses and gardens, and the churches are haunting and romantic with stunning Norman architecture. It's not always as peaceful as it appears though - filming often gets interrupted by aircraft noise and eternal strimmers.

When will the villagers of Midsomer work out they are living in the most dangerous county of Britain?
It's a highly dangerous place and I believe it has a murder rate 10 times that of Chicago! My old professor of logic from the University of Southampton wrote to me saying, by process of elimination, DCI Tom Barnaby must be the murderer. I've been forced to hand in my badge before I'm the only one left standing!

When you complete filming what will be your favourite memories of the series?
My favourite memories will be of the cast and crew alike. I will miss the camaraderie and company of all the different actors who have graced our episodes down the years. Each time we film an episode it is like a reunion of long lost friends.

Another memorable moment was when I met the Queen. She looked at me, all eyes twinkling, and said "Well I certainly shan't be visiting Midsomer - far too dangerous"!

US fans will be pleased to know that the following channels will start airing episodes of Midsomer Murders in October 2009 :

What's new for lovers of Midsomer Murders in the latest film "The Glitch"?
"We discover that Midsomer has a university - something that has remained a secret until now! It seems that the corridors of academia could be hiding a murderer. We also get to see Jones - and Joyce - take part in a bike race."

Is it true that there will be an end to the murders at Midsomer when you go?
"There will continue to be murders in Midsomer without me. It's that kind of place and after all the series is not called Barnaby. If my replacement has half the good times that I have had on Midsomer then he will be in seventh heaven.''

Can you give us a hint as to how Barnaby will go out?
"I had been considering leaving Midsomer since Series 10. I wanted to die in noble fashion in the service of my country and then be buried with full military honours in Westminster Abbey. In the event, Tom and long-suffering wife Joyce will simply retire. It's always better to leave when people want more."

What is your favourite aspect of Barnaby's character?
"Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby is a regular cop, middle-aged and sits behind a desk thinking. He has terrible taste in clothes, lives in an awful house and drives an old car - but I like him that way.

"He's happily married and is not dysfunctional in any way. He's there to be the sheet anchor of the programme, he's really the viewer asking questions to find out who did it and not to be too intrusive. He's the only normal person there which gives a lot of scope for that host of English actors who are wonderful at playing eccentricity."

Who has been your favourite sidekick and do you prefer Barnaby's sidekicks to be less handsome than he is?
"I always wanted a female sidekick, someone like Blythe Duff, that would have been great. But seriously, you cannot really compare the sidekicks, they have all been very different. The first two, Troy and Scott, were young and ambitious and new to the profession.

"Jones as Jason Hughes is more mature and considered, and it has moved away from the father/son relationship he had with the previous sidekicks. They are more equal, it is a much more grown up relationship. The trick with Jones is that he is almost but not quite as good a policeman as Barnaby. He has a proper role in the series. I find that more interesting to play.

"But in one episode I objected to Jones being filmed in the shower, as an ageing heart-throb I object to my ground being stolen."

What are you filming at the moment?
"An episode entitled 'The Sword of Guillame', which has been set in Brighton. You come into work and have scenes with Saskia Reeves, Lucy Cohu and Janet Suzman - you can't really ask for more than that. Also on this episode we have Brian Capron and Neil Dudgeon.

"That is what I am going to miss the most when I leave Midsomer, the camaraderie and company of all the different actors who come in each episode."

You are a bit of an icon with Ricky Wilson from the band Kaiser Chiefs, who has apparently done paintings of you?
"I am very pleased to know that because it is a myth that the show and myself only appeal to prosaic 60 year olds. I get lots of letters from fans of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners, from all over the world. I would certainly buy one of Ricky's paintings if they were up for sale!"

What's the oddest thing a fan has ever sent you?
"I got some ladies underwear sent to me in the post in the early 1990s. I was rather flattered until Les Dawson said he got a pair too, and that took the shine off it."

What has been your favourite episode and why?
"One of my favourite episodes was 'The Axeman Cometh', as it did have a fine line between comedy and drama. The cast were brilliant - Suzi Quatro, Michael Angelis, James Cosmo - it was a joyful one to film, and the plot was great. Poor old Suzi Quatro going for the high C and then being electrocuted. Everyone stopped when she dropped dead, all apart from the drummer who was stone deaf. That really made me laugh, really lovely."

"A favourite murder was an episode starring Oliver Ford Davies. He was playing one of those irritating wine buffs who know everything. He met his end pinioned to the lawn with croquet hoops, and battered with bottles of his Lafayette, launched from a trebuchet on the lawn."

What's the best advice you've been given?
"Never go back. Tom Baker, the former Dr Who, told me that and he is absolutely right. It's never the same the second time round. Once I have quit next year, that will be it. And never go back to a place you have loved. It will have changed and won't be as good again."

What are you looking forward to after Midsomer Murders wraps? And when will that be?
"I will finish filming in the autumn of 2010 and will have filmed over 80 episodes by then. I want to do more stage work, and I see myself spending my twilight years treading the boards. I'm also planning to do a bunch of documentaries, so I will be kicking off by going home and doing a series on the occupation of Jersey for UKTV."

Peter Davidson is one of the actors who has been tipped to take over the role Midsomer's new DCI when Barnaby leaves the fold next year. However, an official announcement as to who will take up the mantel is due to be made at the Cannes Festival next month, so we will have to wait until then to find out who will be following in Barnaby's footsteps.

Maroussa Frank, Ian Richardson's widow has a small part in 'The Great & the Good' playing the role of housekeeper, Jenny. As many of you know, Ian Richardson was due to play a key role in 'Death in a Chocolate Box' but sadly died shortly before filming was due to take place.

Paul Chapman, who played Reg Buckley in 'Faithful Unto Death' has just filmed another episode of Midsomer Murders. Paul's many other roles include the part of Stephen in the comedy series 'As Time Goes By' and a key role in the Prisoner of War drama, Colditz.

John said that it was a difficult decision to leave Midsomer Murders - he will miss the comradery of Jason Hughes, the crew and guest actors greatly, and in particular Jane Wymark and Barry Jackson who've both been with the series since the very beginning. However, it has become a year round job, so it will be lovely to get back home for a while. His wife is delighted that he will be retiring as Barnaby. It did get to the stage that he had more bed scenes with Joyce Barnaby than those in real life! John is also keen to go back to the stage again, something which he has really missed. Other plans include making a documentary for U.K. TV on the occupation of the Channel Islands. John is confident that the series will carry on very well without him and can see it going on for many years. As to the new lead, well Brian True-May is 95% sure he knows who this will be. All will be revealed in October this year at MIPCOM in Cannes! The only thing he was prepared to reveal now is that the mantel will be taken over by another man.

The last episode with John will be shot in August 2010 which means he will still be on our screens in the role of Barnaby until 2011 so there is much more of 'Barnaby' for viewers to look forward to.

John joked that he would like to die in nobel fashion, however, this was somewhat frowned upon! Brian True-May has said that it is not planned for Barnaby to have a very spectacular departure, he believes he will just quietly fade away. It will end as a normal episode. There are definitely no plans for him to suffer the same fate as many of his sceen counterparts. This is largely because repeats of episodes are often shown out of order in the U.K. and abroad so it would complicate matters if a dramatic ending was filmed. However, it is possible that 2 endings may be shot, one for the U.K. and one for overseas markets, though nothing has been confirmed at present.

John doesn't see himself embarking upon any other long-running T.V. series - he joked that he is

too old anyway! When asked if he would ever go back to Midsomer, perhaps for a one off story or revival - unfortunately the answer was no, he doesn't believe in going back. He did say that he would love to do a US series though, especially 'CSI Miami' a favourite of his.

Favourite moments in the series to date include Benjamin Whitrow almost being incarcerated alive in a coffin - coming up shortly in Secrets and Spies John also remarked on being impressed with the very sexy voice that the French dubber has given him!

There will now be just two new episodes shown in July - The Dogleg Murders and Secrets and Spies - these will be shown during the 3rd and 4th weeks in July respectively with a repeat of an old episode in August.
Photos by kind permission of Ian Wylie

JASON HUGHES
Jason admits he has mixed feelings about John's decision to leave Midsomer Murders. "I had known for a while, as John had talked to me about it. My initial feeling was of course disappointment that he was leaving. We have such a good relationship on and off set that naturally I don't want to see him go". However, he thinks that John deserves a break after such a long time on the show.

By the time John retires he would have filmed 38 episodes with him, spanning 5 years which is a long time to work with anybody. Jason has learnt to be patient and gracious from John and never throw a wobbly when things go wrong. He said that John is a very patient guy taking everything in his stride. When asked if he has any suggestions on how John should go, Jason said that he hadn't really thought about it as this is over a year away. However, he joked, "they can't kill him, can they?" and that perhaps 'Jones' will come out of the closet and garrote him.

'Jones' gets to play some cricket in Secrets and Spies and Jason said it was good to pick up a cricket bat again. He used to play in county cricket for Glamorgan and has also played some golf in the past. Jason is a very keen sportsman and wanted to make this his career originally.

When asked if there is any romance on the horizon for 'Jones', Jason said he didn't know. There was some sexual chemistry between him and Gail in one episode where they got all flirty but this seems to have disappeared for the moment.

KIRSTY DILLION (WPC Gail Stephens)
Kirsty first came onto the Midsomer scene in Death & Dust where she is seen unravelling some things on a PC in doctors surgery. Brian True-May thought this brought something modern to the series so decided that Kirsty's role would be good for the future. We were told that there would be lots more challenges coming up for her in Midsomer.

Kirsty herself sees her character as tenacious and ambitious but she is quite light hearted too. She will be promoted out of uniform to a detective in Secrets and Spies and it becomes obvious from her reaction that she has wanted this for some time. Gail Stephens also comes across as being a bit emotional and Kirsty doesn't know how this will impair or help her character in the future.

Kirsty said that she couldn't think of a better place to learn her acting skills. When she joined the cast she was amazed at John Nettles. She always feels in safe hands because he is so easy to engage, very twinkly and with you every step of the way. He also carries scenes with an effortless energy making it look really easy. She admits to being star struck by some of the guest stars too - there was one scene in 'Days of Misrule' where she didn't have anything to say but was in a small room with John, Judy Parfitt and Niamh Cusack - 'it was like being at a master class'!

Three new episodes should be shown in the U.K. end July/beginning of August. More details to follow w/c 22nd June.

Viewers in the Netherlands were lucky enough to see 'The Dogleg Murders' on their screens recently - they are the first country to see this new episode.

It is hoped that new episodes will be shown by ITV in the summer. As soon as I have confirmed transmission dates I will add details to the site. Work on Series 12 has now been completed and filming for Series 13 - John's final one - will start in June.

Daniel Casey (ex Troy!) has been busy in the theatre again appearing in A Number at the Manchester Library Theatre and Laura Howard (Cully) has been touring in a production of Look Back in Anger

MIDSOMER RETURNS TO THE USA!!
US fans will be pleased to learn that Midsomer is set to return to the States at long last! The series has been bought by APT (American Public Television) for syndication in American and will be shown by PBS stations from May 2009. Initially it is to be screened right from the beginning, starting with the pilot episode 'The Killings at Badger's Drift'. Each story will be shown in 2 parts. The license is only for 4 episodes so far but fingers crossed that this will be extended. As soon as I have any more information I'll post details here.

LAURA HOWARD TREADING THE BOARDS AGAIN
Laura Howard is currently treading the boards again in a touring production of 'Look Back in Anger' by John Osborne. Co-star's include ex Coronation Street's Bill Ward, Nia Gwynne, Rob Storr and Robert East. Click here for further details.

The 'Jersey Evening Post' has reported that John is planning to make a major documentary about the occupation of the Channel Islands. In view of his connection with Jersey, this island will be the main focus of the programme. John is hoping to get sponsorship from the BBC, ITV or one of the other prime U.K. TV stations. He envisages that the documentary will take around 2 years to research.

After 13 years and over 200 corpses John Nettles has decided to step down from his role of DCI Barnaby. He will retire from Midsomer at the end of the 13th series. However, 'Barnaby' will be seen on our screens for some time to come yet, with his final episode being shown in 2011. To date John has filmed 71 episodes, 6 of which are still to be scheduled by ITV. His grand total will be no less than 82 cases! Quite a feat for any TV detective.

John has said 'It's the end of an era for me, and while I'm very sad to be handing in Barnaby's police badge, he has solved over 200 murders, which I think meets the targets of modern policing! I wish my successor, whoever he or she is, the very best.'

Midsomer Murders will continue into a 14th series with a new DCI at the helm. No information is available yet on who will be taking over this prestigious role, though doubtless John will be a hard act to replace.

So far the series has hired over 900 actors (50 of which have been reused at least once!) and nearly 21,000 extras! With most of Midsomer shot on location, filming days have totalled over 1,698, starting at around 7.00 a.m. and often not wrapping until 7.30 p.m. come rain or shine - with John being on set for most of these this is quite a gruelling schedule.

The pilot episode, 'The Killings at Badger's Drift' attracted 13.5 million viewers at its launch in 1997 - the highest rating single drama that year. The series regularly attracts high audiences - even repeats command healthy ratings.