Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders returns to TV

Doc Martin star Martin Clunes is one of the favourites tipped to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders if the actor ever leaves his role as the lead detective. While Neil has no plans of leaving just yet, he recently opened up about "being cancelled" when he took over from John Nettles.

The bookmakers have also been sharing their predictions about who could replace Neil if he left the ITV series, and while Vera actor Kenny Doughty has come out on top, Martin Clunes' name has been thrown into the mix. From 2004 until the conclusion in 2022, Martin played the lead role of Doctor Martin Ellingham in the ITV comedy-drama series Doc Martin.

Martin has been given odds of 20/1 to replace Neil, alongside Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst and Jamie Parker. The other actors include Death in Paradise's Ralf Little and Daniel Case, who have been given odds of 5/1 and 6/1. Former detective John Nettles has also been given odds of 80/1 of returning to replace Neil

Discussing the latest odds, 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."

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Neil Dudgeon plays John Barnaby on Midsomer Murders (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?!"

While Neil hasn't shared any plans of leaving Midsomer Murders, he has addressed the pressures of replacing John Nettles, the original Barnaby.

He said to Radio Times magazine: "It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years. 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."

Martin Clunes has been tipped to replace Neil in Midsomer Murders (Image: Getty)

Fans have also shared their desires to have Jason Hughes, who played DS Ben Jones back on the show.

Taking to a Facebook fan page dedicated to the show, one fan asked: "How do you feel about Jason Hughes coming back to the new season?"

Other hardcore fans rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts, with one commenting: "Yes, he was the best detective."

"Yes," another simply wrote while a third agreed: "Please come back." Someone else wrote: "Come back the programme needs you."

Midsomer Murders is available to watch on the ITV Hub.

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Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders

Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders

Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders

Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders

Doc Martin star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders