Murders most horrid
We’re back among the country’s most fatal fields, as Midsomer Murders returns for another run. It’s also a special occasion for star Neil Dudgeon, who celebrates 10 years playing DCI John Barnaby.
He said: “Usually, as an actor, if a job goes on for three months it is a long job. The idea that you might be in the same job for 10 years, playing the same character, seems to me to be tremendously unlikely.
“If you are going to work in television, what else would you want to be doing? It’s a fantastic job – wonderful crew, beautiful locations, great scripts, marvellous guests, great fun and nice catering.”
We quiz Neil about his most memorable moments on the show…
What has been your favourite storyline so far?
The Incident At Cooper Hill. It took place in a village that had a history of supposed UFO sightings and a lot of alien craft. I read the script thinking, ‘Well, this is insane. We can’t have UFOs in Midsomer’. But, somehow, they made it make sense and I thought it was brilliant.
What’s been the maddest murder weapon or death?
The wheel of cheese used to kill Martine McCutcheon. Or the man who was tied to a tree. He’d been smothered in truffle oil and eaten alive by wild boar.
Any favourite guest stars?
There are so many. Edward Fox stands out because I had always admired him so much. I was thrilled about Claire Bloom as well.
Do you always guess the killer correctly?
Of all those I’ve filmed, I have only guessed who the killer was once.