Midsomer Murders fans have predicted the return of Jason Hughes, who played DS Ben Jones in the hit ITV drama. Ben played DI Tom Barnaby's (played by John Nettles) sidekick until the pair both decided to leave.

Jason joined the cast of the ITV drama in 2005 as DS Ben Jones and had become a major part of the series. However, fans were left reeling when Jason announced he had quit the show and his character DS Jones would soon be making his exit from Midsomer Murders.

However, they now believe Jason could be making a return after fearing for John Barnaby's (Neil Dudgeon) future. Taking to a Facebook fan page dedicated to the show, one fan asked: "How do you feel about Jason Hughes coming back to the new season?"

Other hardcore fans rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts, with one commenting: "Yes, he was the best detective."

"Yes," another simply wrote while a third agreed: "Please come back." Someone else wrote: "Come back the programme needs you."

Jaso left Midsomer Murders in 2013 but returned for one episode of Series 19 in 2017. So the actor could reprise his role once again in the future.

The Reason Behind Jason's Departure

Talking to the Daily Mail about the reasons for leaving the series, Jason said at the time: "I was completely burned out from getting up at 4.30am in Brighton to get the train to London and then on to wherever we were filming in Buckinghamshire, and then doing the journey back and getting home at 9pm.

"It was starting to affect my health and I was so tired I was no good to anybody, either at home or at work. That would go on for ten months, and when I had a break I’d get colds that went on for weeks.

"Then just as I was getting better I’d have to start the cycle all over again. My doctor told me I was suffering from exhaustion and the only answer was rest."

A New Detective in Midsomer?

While actor Neil has no intentions to leave Midsomer Murders, the bookmakers have also been sharing their predictions about who could replace him if he did decide to exit from the show.

Betway has tipped Kenny Doughty, who exited his role in Vera earlier this year, with odds of 4/1 to take over the role. Death in Paradise star Ralf Little is also in the running with odds of 5/1.

Who Could Replace Neil Dudgeon?

Other contenders include Daniel Casey at 6/1, Samuel Barnett at 10/1, Nicholas Lyndhurst at 20/1, and Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, also at odds of 20/1.

Speaking to Newcastle Chronicle, Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans said: "We make the ex-Vera star Kenny Doughty the favourite at 4/1 to replace Neil Dudgeon should he ever stand down as DCI John Barnaby.

"Next in the betting comes Death in Paradise star Ralf Little at 5/1, who was hugely popular in his role as DI Neville Parker before his surprise departure from the show earlier this year.", reports Chronicle Live.

He added: "Rounding out the top three in the betting market is Daniel Casey at 6/1, who our traders think could be in line to make a return to Causton as the main character! Or could the legendary John Nettles at 80/1, who recently turned down a cameo role in a proposed remake of Bergerac, be tempted to play the famous detective chief inspector one more time?"

A New Era for Midsomer Murders?

While the future of the show and its characters remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Midsomer Murders has a dedicated fanbase who are eager to see the show continue in some form. Whether Jason Hughes returns to the fold or a new detective steps onto the scene, Midsomer Murders has plenty of potential for a new chapter.

Midsomer Murders is available to watch on the ITV Hub.