Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?

Midsomer Murders returns to TV

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Midsomer Murders. 

Midsomer Murders’ George Bullard was an integral member of the team for more than a decade - but why did actor Barry Jackson leave?

Dr George Bullard had been in the ITV crime drama from the very beginning when the show first debuted in 1997, working alongside DCI Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles). 

He did take a one-year break from the show when actor Barry Jackson went to star in a Harold Pinter play but made a comeback, much to fans’ delight. 

However, it was in the 2011 episode The Oblong Murders that George told his first boss’ predecessor John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) that he wanted to take time off to go fishing in Ireland. Of course, this was the end of George’s time on the show as he didn’t return to Midsomer Murders for the following season.

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard? (Image: ITV)

Midsomer Murders' Barry Jackson was behind Dr George Bullard. (Image: ITV) Why did Midsomer Murders’ Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard? 

It was Midsomer Murders’ Dr George Bullard star Barry Jackson’s decision to leave after 14 years. 

He opened up to Birmingham Live about the reason, explaining how he’d previously considered leaving due to being given fewer lines in the scripts. 

Jackson bluntly stated: "I hate it when Bullard just says 'he died between 12 and 2.30'. 

“It's a poor show if they can't write anything more."

Midsomer Murders' Barry Jackson was in the ITV drama as George Bullard for 14 years. (Image: ITV) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Bullard also spoke of how he wasn’t a fan of Midsomer Murders becoming a little steamier when actor Dudgeon joined. 

"I do worry this new licence to spice things up might alienate the heartland audience," he told the Daily Mail. 

"Midsomer has always evoked a kind of Agatha Christie world that probably never existed. 

“Will people who faithfully tuned in to watch the beautiful countryside and gracious houses really appreciate a new, sexed-up style?

“I may be wrong but I would have thought that they change that at their peril. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?

Midsomer Murders exit: Why did Barry Jackson leave as Dr George Bullard?