Jason Hughes interview

Published: Saturday, 16 June 2007, 4:06PM

Jason Hughes was delighted to return to the role of Barnaby’s sidekick, Ben Jones, after a rollercoaster year.

As well as filming the hit detective drama for 10 months of the year, he also found time to make a special edition of the show that gave him his big break, This Life, and tied the knot with his long-term partner, jewellery designer Natasha Dahlberg.

"We’re also moving house so it’s been a very busy few months," he said. "The wedding was brilliant, we had a wonderful time. We’ve been together 11 years and we’ve got two kids so it was great, although it was a small do.

"John Nettles came along on the day, which was lovely, and the kids ran around like maniacs. Molly, who is seven-and-a-half, was on the go non-stop and stayed until the end. But Max, who’s two in January, teared around but by seven o’clock he’d had enough."

There was no time for a honeymoon, however, as Jason filled up a short break from filming Midsomer Murders with shooting This Life, alongside original cast members such as Jack Davenport and Andrew Lincoln. The drama, reuniting the lawyers 10 years after the acclaimed series ended, was due to be screened in January.

Jason said: "We were all anxious about doing it again but once we came back together we knew it was going to be OK. You could relax and not be afraid to do things. It’s very cleverly written and I think it gives the series a full stop."

Now Jason has returned to the dangerous villages of Midsomer to resume his role as DS Jones.

"Midsomer Murders takes up most of my time now because I am contracted for 10 months of the year," he said. "Jones is a good character to play; he’s keen and enthusiastic to get on and he was very proud to be promoted to detective sergeant.

"Jones and Barnaby have a nice relationship, and I think Barnaby recognises that here is somebody to keep an eye on because he’s good at his job. He’s surprised sometimes when he chirps up with the odd thing here and there, but realises Jones doesn’t do it because he’s mouthy or attention-seeking.

"John and I get on too. He’s a great guy and the success of the feeling on set is largely based on the way he is. He’s a complete professional and he also makes me laugh a lot. He’s worked with so many people, it’s great to sit and listen to him."

Since playing Jones, Jason has completely changed his look.

"When I came for the interview I was the most unlikely looking cop you could wish to see," he said. "I had long Jim Morrison-type hair. I didn’t look like a cop or sound like I came from Buckinghamshire but, fortunately for me, they looked beyond that and saw the potential."