Filming is underway on the 20th anniversary series of the UK’s longest running contemporary detective drama, ITV’s Midsomer Murders.
The anniversary run sees Neil Dudgeon return to play DCI John Barnaby for his seventh year alongside Nick Hendrix who is back as DS Jamie Winter. Also returning is Fiona Dolman as Sarah Barnaby followed closely by Paddy the dog as the Barnabys’ faithful canine companion.
Joining them this series will be redoubtable new pathologist, Dr Fleur Perkins, played by Annette Badland who will assist Barnaby and Winter in their pursuit of justice in the picturesque but deadly countryside of Midsomer.
On joining the popular drama, Annette says “I have always enjoyed living dangerously so arriving at Midsomer is thrilling!
“In truth I’m delighted to be involved in the twentieth series of Midsomer Murders and to work alongside and be part of this creative team.
“I hope Fleur can assist Barnaby in maintaining his high success rate of crime detection. She is very good at her job.”
Guest casting will be announced at a later date.
Midsomer Murders is made by Bentley Productions, part of All3Media.
Executive producer, Jonathan Fisher shares his excitement over working on the anniversary series of Midsomer Murders. “It is a real privilege to be leading this iconic British detective series into its landmark twentieth year.
“As part of our celebrations, we will be treating our very loyal audience with nods back to some of the most memorable moments of the show’s history.
“Meanwhile we are thrilled to welcome the wonderfully talented Annette Badland to the cast as our formidable new pathologist Fleur Perkins. We’re sure Fleur will prove to be a vibrant and much-loved Midsomer character.”
”We’re thrilled Midsomer Murders has reached this television milestone,” said ITV Drama Commissioner, Jane Hudson.
“It’s testament to the dedicated production team, past and present, at Bentley Productions and the superb cast lead by Neil Dudgeon that Midsomer Murders has reached it’s 20th series and is consistently successful for ITV and many territories overseas.”