Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit

Neil Dudgeon as John Barnaby (Image: (Image: ITV))

Vera star Kenny Doughty is leading the pack as the bookies' favourite to step into Neil Dudgeon's shoes should he ever depart from Midsomer Murders. Despite Neil having no immediate plans to leave the ITV drama, fans are anxious about a potential replacement.

Betway has tipped Kenny, who exited his role in Vera earlier this year, with odds of 4/1 to take over the role. Death in Paradise star Ralf Little is also in the running with odds of 5/1.

Other contenders include Daniel Casey at 6/1, Samuel Barnett at 10/1, Nicholas Lyndhurst at 20/1, and Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, also at odds of 20/1.

Speaking to Newcastle Chronicle, Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans said: "We make the ex-Vera star Kenny Doughty the favourite at 4/1 to replace Neil Dudgeon should he ever stand down as DCI John Barnaby.

"Next in the betting comes Death in Paradise star Ralf Little at 5/1, who was hugely popular in his role as DI Neville Parker before his surprise departure from the show earlier this year.", reports Chronicle Live.

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Kenny Doughty as DS Aiden Healy (Image: ITV)

He added: "Rounding out the top three in the betting market is Daniel Casey at 6/1, who our traders think could be in line to make a return to Causton as the main character! Or could the legendary John Nettles at 80/1, who recently turned down a cameo role in a proposed remake of Bergerac, be tempted to play the famous detective chief inspector one more time?"

Fans have also been theorising about who could fill Neil's shoes as lead detective John Barnaby - and their theories involve a familiar face.

Avid fans of the classic British series Midsomer Murders have taken to Facebook to voice their casting suggestions should Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI John Barnaby, ever hang up his investigative hat.

One passionate fan wrote: "If Neil Dudgeon ever retired from the show, I think we should bring back Daniel Casey in his place as Chief Inspector Gavin Troy."

Midsomer Murders star responds to series 'change'

They continued to spin a narrative for the characters, suggesting: "Also, Laura Howard as Cully Barnaby whose husband died and comes back to town meets Gavin and strikes up a romance, and marries. She becomes his sidekick and the Barnaby in the story that's needed."

Reactions among the community were mixed, with some less than thrilled at the proposed changes. One fan simply exclaimed: "Oh heavens," whereas another was more direct, pleading: "No not Gavin Jones."

However, neutrality prevailed in one comment: "I don't care as long as the show carries on," and another fan seemed delighted by the idea, saying: "Yes, I would love him back."

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Neil Dudgeon himself has opened up about the pressures of replacing John Nettles, the original Barnaby, confessing to Radio Times magazine: "It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years."

He reflected on the stakes of inheriting such a role: "If they'd cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing! It gets easier, but I try to keep it fresh."

He divulged his approach to the character, adding: "Even if I've gone through the script 50 times, I'll look at it again and have another thought. It's still extremely pleasant and I'm extremely grateful."

Midsomer Murders is available to watch on the ITV Hub.

Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit

Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit

Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit

Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit

Vera star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after exit