Latest news with #MidsomerMurders
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Midsomer Murders star pays tribute to 'lovely' Neil Dudgeon after show exit
Midsomer Murders stalwart Daniel Casey, who played Sergeant Gavin Troy in the ITV crime drama, has opened up about the possibility of returning to the series after two decades Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey, best known as Sergeant Gavin Troy, the original deputy in the hit ITV series, has left fans buzzing with the possibility of a sensational return to the show. Daniel, who starred opposite John Nettles' DCI Tom Barnaby from 1997 until 2003, exited the programme when his character was promoted to Detective Inspector and moved on. Though John left the series in 2011, replaced by Neil Dudgeon as the new DCI John Barnaby, the allure of the show remains strong with Daniel as the 25th series goes into production. Speaking exclusively to he sparked excitement about potentially resuming his beloved role, saying: "It really hadn't occurred to me, but I would be open to everything, really, and the show is so well loved still." Daniel fondly reminisced over his memorable return for an episode: "I returned once when Cully got married, and that was great." His dramatic reappearance on the show made a lasting impression: "I loved my entrance. Coming flying off the road and crashing into the trees and walking out of the wreckage to see John standing there was just brilliant." Remaining hopeful about another comeback, he playfully suggested, "So yeah, never say never, that would be a lovely idea, wouldn't it?" as noted by the Express. He also commended the work of Neil Dudgeon, the show's current lead, adding: "Neil Dudgeon is such a lovely fella and does such a beautiful job." Earlier this year, there was additional excitement among fans as rumours circulated that Daniel would reprise his role as DCI Tom Barnaby for a special theatre production titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift, which will tour around the UK. He had previously stated: "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets," as reported by the Daily Mirror. "So to be asked to play the iconic role of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger's Drift was a real surprise. Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage." He further added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sergeant Troy and the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting."
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Midsomer Murders detective addresses return to beloved role 20 years after exit
Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey has opened up about the possibility of returning to the popular ITV series, as he paid a sweet tribute to Neil Dudgeon Midsomer Murders alum Daniel Casey, famed for his role as original sidekick Sergeant Gavin Troy, hasn't ruled out making an epic return to the popular ITV series. Serving alongside DCI Tom Barnaby, portrayed by John Nettles from 1997 to 2003, Daniel departed when his character climbed the ranks to Detective Inspector and was subsequently transferred. John Nettles departed the series in 2011, passing the baton to Neil Dudgeon as John Barnaby. Yet, with the 25th series in production, Daniel spoke in an exclusive chat with about the prospect of reigniting his role. "It really hadn't occurred to me, but I would be open to everything, really, and the show is so well loved still," he teased. He fondly recalled his spectacular appearance at a key moment in the show: "I returned once when Cully got married, and that was great. "I loved my entrance. Coming flying off the road and crashing into the trees and walking out of the wreckage to see John standing there was just brilliant." Ever optimistic, he hinted, "So yeah, never say never, that would be a lovely idea, wouldn't it?" reports the Express. He also praised the current lead investigator, stating, "Neil Dudgeon is such a lovely fella and does such a beautiful job." Intriguingly, earlier this year, buzz swelled with news that Daniel would revisit the world of Midsomer Murders as DCI Tom Barnaby during a special UK stage tour titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets," he previously said about the role, according to the Daily Mirror. "So to be asked to play the iconic role of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger's Drift was a real surprise. Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage." He further added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sergeant Troy and the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting." Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Thursday Murder Club Netflix trailer leaves fans with 'chills' over 'perfect casting'
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Richard Osman's bestselling novel. Netflix fans have been left with 'chills' after the first trailer was released for the film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, following a long period of anticipation. The forthcoming release, based on Richard Osman's chart-topping novel, was unveiled today (May 29), offering fans a sneak peek at what they can expect from their new favourite team of amateur sleuths. The initial footage suggests a blend of Midsomer Murders and Only Murders In The Building. The storyline revolves around a group of pensioners who fill their time by cracking murder cases. The cast is brimming with stars, including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, and David Tennant. To date, five books in the series have been published. Such has been their success that presenter-turned-author Osman followed them up with a separate murder mystery series titled We Solve Murders, reports Surrey Live. Although the first trailer for The Thursday Murder Club has now been launched by Netflix, it doesn't reveal too much. At just over a minute in length, not many details are disclosed about the case the club will be tackling. It is revealed that they are probing a cold case which appears to involve a woman falling out of a window one night in 1973. However, according to the synopsis released by Netflix, when an unexplained death occurs right on their doorstep, their casual detective work takes an exciting twist as they find themselves faced with a genuine whodunit. Fans didn't hold back their enthusiasm when the much-anticipated trailer dropped. Many were thrilled that it was released on an actual Thursday. A YouTube commenter was ecstatic, saying: "I honestly cant believe this is finally happening! The trailer gave me chills. I've loved these books for so long and seeing the characters come to life on screen is incredibly emotional. I'm so attached to them, it almost feels personal. I'm beyond excited to see how it all unfolds." Anticipation was also expressed regarding Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan pairing up again following Mobland, with one fan exclaiming: "Mobland fans in the house? Glad to see Pierce and Helen back together." There was some disappointment too, as a fan pointed out: "Why is this a movie when I need seven seasons at 12 episodes per season?". The star-laden cast received high praises, with one comment surfacing on social media: "That cast is amazing, can't wait to see them solve mysteries together on August 28. Sounds fun!". Another fan concurred with the sentiment: "Perfect casting." Yet, one couldn't resist jokingly mentioning: "It's Knives Out for pensioners." Yesterday (May 28), writer Osman took to Instagram hinting that the trailer would be imminent, leaving his readers buzzing with excitement. One anxious fan expressed their concern, saying: "I am nervous for the release of the film because I love the characters so much. I worry if it doesn't feel right it will affect how I read the fifth book." In a lighter tone, another quipped: "My husband has booked our holiday abroad during the week this drops on Netflix. Seriously considering divorce." The Thursday Murder Club lands on Netflix on August 28
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
New BBC drama smashes records despite viewers ‘switching off' after 5 minutesNew
BBC's new cosy crime drama Death Valley has smashed an impressive record already despite some less-than-enthusiastic reviews of the show. The six-episode Timothy Spall comedy-drama secured a whopping 2.9million viewers in its overnight ratings for the first episode. This not only made it the biggest audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in five years but it even beat David Mitchell's fellow crime-solving sitcom Ludwig which landed 2.8million viewers for its premiere in September. The unexpected frontrunner, which came out last week, follows retired TV actor John Chapel (Spall) who has made a name for himself as a crime-solving sleuth the likes of Poirot and Sherlock. When one of his groupies DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) tracks him down she hopes he can help her crack some mysteries and climb the career ladder in one fell swoop. It's already been compared to everything from Gavin and Stacey (which has broken its own record or two) to Midsomer Murders as we witness the hijinks of this chaotic duo. But not everyone has had glowing thoughts about the show. 'Five mins & switching off – this is AWFUL soooooo baaad,' X user Philgals Swigott wrote. 'I really wanted to like Death Valley on BBC1, but it's beyond terrible,' SonnerSounds added. 'Sorry, but I could only watch a quarter of an hour of this before turning off and cancelling all future recordings,' CaroleBlain shared. Anne Sharman called it 'so dreadful on every level' and Robert Halpert said it was '45 minutes of life' they aren't getting back.# Of course, it has also managed to win over some viewers. 'I will watch Timothy Spall in anything, and Death Valley seems pretty good so far,' Roz Laws shared. 'Contrary to those who hate it I'm loving Death Valley so far,' Signoramac declared. 'Only ten minutes in but Death Valley is a breath of fresh air,' Danny Denay echoed. And if it's following the footsteps of Ludwig (also starring Anna Maxwell Martin), we can expect a season two renewal sooner rather than later. So there's likely more to come for this plucky young detective and our reclusive actor. Speaking about their dynamic to Radio Times, the Bafta-winning Harry Potter star said: 'They recognise each other instantly in their souls. They cut straight through any generational difference, any bizarre sexual difference or anything like that.' He described it more akin to an 'uncle and niece' aesthetic. More Trending It's been a standout run for BBC comedies over the past year. In December, the epic Gavin and Stacey finale drew in 19.3million viewersmaking it the 'most-watched scripted show across all broadcasters and streamers since current records began in 2002'. Not an easy feat. View More » All episodes of Death Valley are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Harry Potter fans say new Hermione is 'perfect casting' after unearthed clip MORE: Doctor Who boss promises finale will address 'controversial' Time Lord change MORE: Yet another celebrity discovers they're related to a king 9 years after Danny Dyer
Metro
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC fans urge people to watch crime series 'that's like Gavin and Stacey'
If you were imagining a good comparison for a new murder mystery show, Gavin and Stacey is probably one of the last ones you would reach for, alongside the likes of Teletubbies or Antiques Roadshow. But the new BBC cosy crime drama Death Valley takes the hard-nosed crimes of a Midsomer Murders and mixes them with a comedic sensibility of shows like the hit sitcom. The new six-parter – which is already all on iPlayer for a Bank Holiday binge – follows Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired TV actor who made a career as a brainbox Hercule Poirot-type solving mysteries. DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) is a mega fan of Chapel and desperate to get some convictions under her belt to climb the corporate ladder, so she enlists him to help crack the weekly mysteries. This is where the Gavin and Stacey comparison starts to make more sense, because her idle boss is played by Steffan Rhodri (Dave Coaches). He doesn't do much to intervene because his only aim is to keep policing paperwork to a bare minimum. Death Valley is an adequate name for where the show is set in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, because the crime-crackers are never short of a new case. The oddball duo get to work by first investigating the death of a wealthy property developer Carwyn Rees, who Chapel deduces was in fact murdered. When asked how he would describe the show, Timothy Spall labelled it 'intriguing, engaging, amusing,' then added: 'I hope! It's now over to the audience to decide!' He said in an interview with Beyond The Joke: 'Paul Doolan has written excellent scripts! He's a fantastic comedy writer but also a big fan of crime dramas. 'With Death Valley, you have three aspects – the whodunnit, characters who are both real and funny plus a dramatic, emotionally grounded quality.' It's clearly a good comfort watch, because many BBC viewers have already taken to X (formerly Twitter) to rally fellow TV fans to give Death Valley a go. @Poshaudrey wrote: 'I loved it!! Very funny!! Very Gavin and Stacey in style and humour. Don't pan it. Give it a chance.' @VikPercival echoed: 'Totally binged Death Valley what a lovely, fun and joyous British drama. Timothy Spall & Gwyneth Keyworth are funny and beautiful together. 'I blinking enjoyed it,' wrote @SUtayl. 'Not because it's filmed in Wales but it's what I call light entertainment. Breath of fresh air.' More Trending @GinaLouLoves chimed in, writing: 'A nice light hearted detective series! Definitely want to visit Wales again soon after watching this!' However, not everyone could get on board with the show's blend of the lighthearted with the more serious themes. @Clive_laddie wrote: 'How on earth did this drama get commissioned by the BBC? Making fun of suicide and murder, in a fake Welsh setting, is nothing but a recipe for disaster. And this series is a total disaster.' 'Aw… the failure of Death Valley is overdoing the comedy so it's just a cartoon caricature,' added @KateLeeComms. 'Timothy Spall is excellent with what he has to work with. Not in the league of Ludwig.' View More » Death Valley is available to stream on iPlayer and continues on BBC One on Sunday at 8:15pm. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' coming to BBC iPlayer MORE: BBC quietly adds Australian drama that left fans 'crying their eyes out' MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025
