The popular ITV series Midsomer Murders has been a staple of British television for decades, with Neil Dudgeon playing the lead role of DCI John Barnaby since 2011. However, with the recent cancellation of the spin-off series McDonald & Dodds, speculation has been mounting about Neil's future in the show. According to the latest odds from bookmakers, Kirsty Dillon, who previously played WPC Gail Stephens, is tipped to replace Neil Dudgeon, with a potential return to the show that could introduce its first female lead detective. The ITV series has a long tradition of reinvention, and a fresh face like Dillon could bring an exciting new dynamic to the show.

Neil Dudgeon has recently opened up about his potential replacement, suggesting that Jason Watkins from McDonald and Dodds could be a strong contender for the role. In an interview with Radio Times, Neil mentioned that Jason's experience playing a detective in a rural setting makes him a suitable candidate. The actor also noted that he would play Barnaby until he's "given the hook," and that he's happy to continue working on the show until he's shown the door. The TV series has been a huge success, and the introduction of a new lead detective could bring a new wave of excitement to the show. Meanwhile, other contenders, such as Vera star Kenny Doughty and Death in Paradise's Ralf Little, are also in the running, with odds of 5/1 and 6/1 respectively.

The speculation about Neil's replacement has been fueled by the cancellation of McDonald and Dodds, which was announced by ITV due to low ratings after its fourth season. Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many praising the show's unique blend of mystery and humor. The news has also sparked a debate about the future of Midsomer Murders, with some fans calling for a new lead detective to bring a fresh perspective to the show. As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, a major shake-up could be on the horizon, with a new lead detective potentially bringing an exciting new dynamic to the show.

Some of the key contenders to replace Neil Dudgeon include: * Kirsty Dillon, who previously played WPC Gail Stephens, with odds of 8/1 * Jason Watkins, who played a detective in McDonald and Dodds, with odds of 9/1 * Kenny Doughty, who stars in the TV series Vera, with odds of 5/1 * Ralf Little, who stars in the TV series Death in Paradise, with odds of 6/1 * Daniel Casey, who previously played DS Gavin Troy, with odds of 9/1. The introduction of a new lead detective could bring a new wave of excitement to the show, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see who will take over the role of DCI John Barnaby.

The Midsomer Murders cast is set to start filming the 25th series in March, with four new episodes scheduled to be released. The show's long tradition of reinvention has kept it fresh and exciting, and the introduction of a new lead detective could be just what the show needs to continue its success. As the speculation continues to mount, fans will be eagerly waiting to see who will take over the role of DCI John Barnaby, and what the future holds for the beloved ITV series. With its unique blend of mystery, humor, and intrigue, Midsomer Murders is sure to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.