John Nettles Interview

The future of Midsomer Murders

'I've signed up for series 13. I can see it going on for ever'

“It’s a great area to get married in, surrounded by beautiful countryside, historic old churches and if you are close to a local hotel, that’s great for an all-round rousing reception,” he says.

“The churches where we film are romantic and haunting. One of my favourites is Bledlow Church because I love its architecture and simplicity. I feel I have been very lucky to have seen so many wonderful locations and churches through filming MIDSOMER MURDERS and I often revisit them. There is always a good local pub close by to have a good lunch.

The episode features a guest appearance by ex-series regular Daniel Casey, who played DS Gavin Troy for many years.

Says John: “It was great to welcome back Daniel as Sgt Troy, I often catch up with him outside work, but it was good to have him back in Midsomer, when Troy comes back as a guest at Cully’s wedding. Typically he crashes the car when he meets me!”

Other guests in the 11th series include Ronald Pickup, Simon Williams, Maggie Steed and Serena Gordon.

“There’s a whiff of the old English rep about Midsomer Murders. It’s great to see character actors showing off their stuff.

"For me, it’s a treat to go to set and meet the new cast on each episode. Some I know from before, and some are completely new to the business, but both are equally wonderful to work with.

“Every five weeks, the doors open and in come another set of chaps, playing these wonderful and often bizarre characters. Barnaby is the voice of reason - the shoulder over which the audience looks to see what is going on. The story is told through his eyes.”

John is now working on a 12th series which will see him making eight new films, taking him into 2009.

“I have also signed up for a 13th series. I can see Midsomer Murders going on forever as I think we are now part of the geological structure."