Midsomer murders star pays tribute to 'lovely' neil dudgeon after show exit

MIDSOMER MURDERS STALWART DANIEL CASEY, WHO PLAYED SERGEANT GAVIN TROY IN THE ITV CRIME DRAMA, HAS OPENED UP ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF RETURNING TO THE SERIES AFTER TWO DECADES 18:16, 02 Jun

2025 Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey, best known as Sergeant Gavin Troy, the original deputy in the hit ITV series, has left fans buzzing with the possibility of a sensational return to

the show. Daniel, who starred opposite John Nettles' DCI Tom Barnaby from 1997 until 2003, exited the programme when his character was promoted to Detective Inspector and moved on.

Though John left the series in 2011, replaced by Neil Dudgeon as the new DCI John Barnaby, the allure of the show remains strong with Daniel as the 25th series goes into production. Speaking

exclusively to RadioTimes.com, he sparked excitement about potentially resuming his beloved role, saying: "It really hadn't occurred to me, but I would be open to everything,

really, and the show is so well loved still." Daniel fondly reminisced over his memorable return for an episode: "I returned once when Cully got married, and that was great."

Article continues below His dramatic reappearance on the show made a lasting impression: "I loved my entrance. Coming flying off the road and crashing into the trees and walking out of

the wreckage to see John standing there was just brilliant." Remaining hopeful about another comeback, he playfully suggested, "So yeah, never say never, that would be a lovely

idea, wouldn't it?" as noted by the Express. He also commended the work of Neil Dudgeon, the show's current lead, adding: "Neil Dudgeon is such a lovely fella and does

such a beautiful job." Earlier this year, there was additional excitement among fans as rumours circulated that Daniel would reprise his role as DCI Tom Barnaby for a special theatre

production titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift, which will tour around the UK. He had previously stated: "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer,

with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets," as reported by the Daily Mirror. Article continues below "So to be asked to play the iconic role of

Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger's Drift was a real surprise. Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent

theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage." He further added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sergeant Troy and

the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting." MIDSOMER MURDERS IS

AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON ITVX.