Midsomer Murders - “Not In My Back Yard”
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A planning dispute in a picturesque Midsomer village turns to murder as political wrangling, burglaries and sexual liaisons abound in the latest investigation facing DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Ben Jones.
John Nettles and Jason Hughes return as Barnaby and Jones in a brand new episode of MIDSOMER MURDERS, the top-rating drama for ITV1 from Bentley Productions.
“Not In My Back Yard” features Peter Egan, Jill Baker, Hugo Speer and Dominic Mafham among the guest stars, with Jane Wymark as Barnaby’s wife Joyce, Barry Jackson as pathologist Dr Bullard and Kirsty Dillon as DC Gail Stephens.
The episode is John Nettles’ penultimate performance as DCI Barnaby before he steps down from the role and hands in his police badge. John, recently awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, will appear on screen in just one further episode during 2011.
Responsibility for policing the dangerous streets of Midsomer then passes to Neil Dudgeon, star of The Mrs Bradley Mysteries, Life of Riley and Messiah, who joins the cast to play DCI John Barnaby, a cousin of the original Barnaby, who also works in the force.
The new Barnaby moves to Midsomer to take up his new post, where he is joined by his wife Sarah, played by Fiona Dolman. Four new episodes of series 14 have already been filmed, with another four to follow during 2011.
John Nettles says: “I wanted to die in noble fashion in the service of my country and then be buried with full military honours in Westminster Abbey. In the event, Tom and his long-suffering wife Joyce will simply retire. It’s always better to leave when people want more.
“It has been a joy to be involved in such a long running series, with so many good actors and great storylines. If Neil has half the good times that I have had on Midsomer then he will be in seventh heaven. I am only worried that he is much younger than I am and a much better actor!”
Producer Brian True-May adds: “Although we will miss the huge contribution that John has made to the series, the brand of Midsomer is so strong that I am confident of its continuing success. We look forward to our new Barnaby tackling more murder and mayhem in Midsomer.”
MIDSOMER MURDERS attracts top viewing figures on ITV1 and is one of the UK’s best programming exports with sales to 230 territories, from Afghanistan to Zambia.
“Not In My Back Yard” is written by J.C. Wilsher, directed by Peter Smith and produced by Brian True-May. The drama is made by Bentley Productions, part of the All3Media Group, for ITV1.
