Vera star Kenny Doughty is the bookmakers favourite to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders with fans fearing the ITV drama could be replaced
Vera's Kenny Doughty is the bookies' top pick to step into Neil Dudgeon's shoes if he ever decides to leave Midsomer Murders. Despite Neil having no plans to exit the ITV drama, fans are fretting over his potential replacement.
Betway has tipped Kenny, who bid farewell to Vera earlier this year, with odds of 4/1 to take over from Neil. Death in Paradise's Ralf Little is also in the running with odds of 5/1.
Other contenders include Daniel Casey who has been given odds of 6/1, Samuel Barnett at 10/1, while Nicholas Lyndhurst and Doc Martin's Martin Clunes both have odds of 20/1.
"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?"
Who Fans Want To See As The New Barnaby
Fans have also been theorising about who could fill Neil's shoes as lead detective John Barnaby - and their theories involve a familiar face.
On a Midsomer Murders enthusiasts' page on Facebook, one devotee suggested: "If Neil Dudgeon ever retired from the show, I think we should bring back Daniel Casey in his place as Chief Inspector Gavin Troy."
They further fantasised: "Also, Laura Howard as Cully Barnaby whose husband died and comes back to town meets Gavin and strikes up a romance, and marries. She becomes his sidekick and the Barnaby in the story that's needed."
But this idea didn't thrill everyone, as one fan simply exclaimed: "Oh heavens," while another pleaded: "No not Gavin Jones."
Neil Dudgeon Talks About Replacing John Nettles
A different follower expressed indifference with: "I don't care as long as the show carries on," in contrast to another who was keen, commenting: "Yes, I would love him back."
Neil Dudgeon himself has opened up about his initial trepidations about filling John Nettles' boots during an interview with Radio Times magazine. "It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years," he confessed.
On the possibility of being cut after just one series, he said: "If they'd cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing! It gets easier, but I try to keep it fresh."
"Even if I've gone through the script 50 times, I'll look at it again and have another thought. It's still extremely pleasant and I'm extremely grateful."
Final Thoughts
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on the ITV Hub.
