Inside Midsomer Murders star John Nettles' reason for quitting show after 14 years

Midsomer Murders enthusiasts are in for a treat as ITV rolls out classic episodes of the beloved detective series, originally penned by Caroline Graham.

The network has been broadcasting reruns as Neil Dudgeon returns to our screens as DCI John Barnaby, following in the footsteps of John Nettles who portrayed DCI Tom Barnaby from the show's inception until season 13.

Nettles bowed out of Midsomer Murders back in February 2009, with his swansong episode airing in 2011, drawing the curtain on a memorable chapter, reports the Express.

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Explaining his exit, Nettles expressed a desire to seek new ventures and dodge the title of 'the oldest detective in the business'.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he reminisced: "I never thought when we were filming the pilot The Killings at Badger's Drift in 1996 that I would go on to film so many episodes."

He reflected on the series fondly, noting: "It has been a joy to be involved in such a long-running series with so many good actors and great storylines. It's the end of an era for me."

Acknowledging the weight of his decision, he revealed: "I'll have been doing Midsomer Murders for 14 years by the time Barnaby leaves."

He also touched on the personal connections formed during his tenure, adding: "I've formed familial ties with the people involved in the show and they will be hard to break.

"It's always wise to leave people wanting more, rather than be booed off the stage because you bored them."

The seasoned actor, at 81 years of age, went on to grace the screen in Poldark as Ray Penvenen.

Later, he lent his voice as a narrator, weaving stories for the series Devon and Cornwall and My Unique B&B.

In a nostalgic twist, he returned as DCI Barnaby in 2020 for the TV special Britain's Favourite Detective.

Catch Midsomer Murders on ITV, airing at 8pm.