Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon opens up about 'being replaced' after detective's exit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Neil Dudgeon, who stars as DCI John Barnaby in ITV's Midsomer Murders, has admitted that taking over from predecessor John Nettles was a daunting challenge.

He stepped into the iconic role during the show's 14th series and recently opened up about his initial fears of being "cancelled" after just one season."It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years," Neil confided to Radio Times magazine."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."He added: "It's still extremely pleasant and I'm extremely grateful." The latest instalment of the beloved series aired on Tuesday evening, with Barnaby delving into yet another perplexing case, reports the Mirror.

The episode's description stated: "An organic bakery in the newly restored Larkton's Mill causes resentment in Lower Blissingham, with many of the old village businesses struggling, traffic having increased and rumours that owners Tom and Chrissie Larkton are planning to expand."The complaints are not taken too seriously until several people are dosed with a dangerous hallucinogenic, with Barnaby and Winter called in to investigate, and the situation escalates when a farmer is murdered."Despite the new series' arrival, it seems that reactions among viewers were mixed, with a number taking to social media to share their thoughts.Midsomer Murders aficionados have noticed a significant age jump for DCI Barnaby's daughter Betty between the 22nd and 23rd series, with actress Isabel Shaw visibly older.One fan commented on the rapid ageing: "If ever I needed proof that there's always