Midsomer Murders star 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon as first female detective
Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon recently opened up about his replacement if he were to leave the ITV series.
TM: Neil Dudgeon says he isn't leaving Midsomer Murders
Midsomer Murders star Kirsty Dillon is tipped to replace Neil Dudgeon in the ITV series, according to the bookmakers' latest odds.
While he has no immediate plans of leaving, Neil has recently opened up about who he'd like to replace him if he were to depart from his role as Barnaby.
The bookmakers have also been sharing their predictions, and they believe Neil could be replaced by the show's first female detective. Neil replaced John Nettles in 2011 and has been a staple in the drama ever since.
Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway said: “With speculation swirling about Neil Dudgeon’s future in Midsomer Murders following the cancellation of spin-off McDonald & Dodds, anticipation is mounting over who could step into the role of DCI John Barnaby as the next lead detective in the beloved crime drama.
“A major shake-up could be on the horizon, with Vera star Kenny Doughty emerging as the 5/1 favourite, closely followed by Death in Paradise’s Ralf Little priced up at 6/1."
Don't miss: Midsomer Murders' Neil Dudgeon opens up on 'replacement' after show cancellation
Don't miss: Midsomer Murders star makes series announcement as he addresses being 'replaced'
He continued:However, one particularly intriguing contender is Kirsty Dillon (8/1), who previously played WPC Gail Stephens until 2011. Her potential return has fuelled speculation that Midsomer Murders may introduce its first female lead detective.
“As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, a fresh face like Dillon could bring an exciting new dynamic to the show’s long tradition of reinvention.
"There’s also a chance that a familiar face could take the helm, with former DS Gavin Troy actor Daniel Casey at 9/1. Meanwhile, original star John Nettles remains a long-shot at 80/1—but in Midsomer Murders, surprises are never off the table!”
In a recent interview with Radio Times, the actor said he would play Barnaby until he's "given the hook."
"I'm very happy in the countryside; it's very nice. And no, I assume that at some point, I'll get the hook," he said, adding that until then, he would continue working until he was shown the door.
When addressing who could replace him, Neil suggested McDonald and Dodds actor Jason Watkins, who also showed interest in the role.
He continued: "Jason [Watkins], obviously, unless they needed to go for somebody, well, you're quite a bit younger than me.
"You've been a detective, it's in the lovely countryside. So that would be great. We've got two good options."
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.
