Midsomer Murders returns to TV
Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon admitted replacing John Nettles in the ITV series was "hard". Neil plays DCI John Barnaby, the younger cousin of DCI Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles).
The actor took over from John in the 14th series of Midsomer Murders and in a new interview, the actor addressed being "cancelled" after the first series.
"It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years," Neil said 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."
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The second instalment of the new series aired on Tuesday night and saw Barnaby solving another murder.
The synopsis for the episode read: "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."
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However, it seems not all fans have been impressed by the new episodes, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts.
Some observant viewers noted a significant time lapse between seasons 22 and 23, particularly in relation to the growth of Barnaby's daughter Betty (Isabel Shaw).
One fan commented: "If ever I needed proof that there's always such a gap between episodes of #MidsomerMurders, it's seeing how Barnaby's daughter has gone from literal toddler to schoolgirl in a matter of no episodes at all."
"Betty has grown up so fast," another shared while a third added: "Betty must be the fastest-growing child in human history."
Other fans appeared to be "bored" with the format and pleaded with bosses to have a shake-up.
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on the ITV Hub.
