‘Midsomer Murders’: Why Did Original Cast Leave Series?
Back in 1997 Midsomer Murders came out on ITV, and the television mystery genre changed forever. This series is a worldwide phenomenon. Based on the Caroline Graham mysteries, Chief Inspector Barnaby series, they are now going on Season 24, and year 27.
Over the years, many stars have starred in this series. This includes Henry Cavill, Orlando Bloom, and Olivia Coleman.
But, what became of the original members of the series that started in 1997? Where are they now?
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John Nettles Was Tom Barnaby On Midsomer Murders
DI Tom Barnaby is synonymous with Midsomer Murders. Between the twinkle in his eyes to his keen mind, many consider this Barnaby to be their favorite. John Nettles was 53 when he started the series. After 14 seasons, the Bergerac star decided it was time to retire. But, this was not an easy decision to make.
According to Digital Spy, he really had to think about his decision carefully. “I’ll have been doing Midsomer Murders for 14 years by the time Barnaby leaves. I’ve formed familial ties with the people involved in the show and they will be hard to break.”
But, in the end, he decided to leave people wanting more, and he succeeded.
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Jane Wymark Played Joyce Barnaby On Midsomer Murders
Jane Wymark played the lovable Joyce Barnaby in the series. Whether she found a dead body in watercolor class or trapped in a cave, Joyce was always there to lighten up Midsomer Murders. But, why did Jane Wymark leave?
Although she was not asked to leave, she was ready to move on. Part of it was because she and John had spoken about his retirement. Moreover, she was ready to move on from playing the “nicest person in the world.” She was ready to “get to do different things.”
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Daniel Casey Played First DS, Gavin Troy
Midsomer Murders’ first detective sergeant was Gavin Troy, played by Daniel Casey. Why did he say goodbye in the first episode of Season 7, entitled “The Green Man”? He revealed that turning 30 made him ready to move on.
He revealed that John Nettles “was sad,” but he also admitted that “It’s the right thing for me to do.”
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Jason Hughes Played DS Ben Jones
Although Jason Hughes’s character DS Ben Jones did not start until Season 9, he is to many Midsomer Murder fans their all-time favorite detective sergeant of the series. Moreover, he has the unique distinction of being a Barnaby sidekick for both Tom and John. But, why did he leave?
Because he lived in Brighton, and they did not supply him with a hotel room, he had to take the train at 4:30 a.m. every morning, and then get home at 9 p.m., every night. This affected his health and he needed to get out. He suffered from exhaustion and non-stop colds. He would have left earlier if there was not a major casting change.
Therefore, he hung in there to let Neil Dudgeon transition into his role as DI John Barnaby.
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Laura Howard Played Cully Barnaby On Midsomer Murders
Tom and Joyce Barnaby had one child, Cully Barnaby. Portrayed by Laura Howard, she was on Midsomer Murders for 12 years, starting at the age of 19. However, there was no big sendoff or goodbye. After she filmed her last episode, the crew was not even aware that was the end of her time on the series.
Barry Jackson Portrayed George Bullard On Midsomer Murders
Barry Jackson portrayed the very stoic Dr. George Bullard in Midsomer Murders. He was on before other series included forensic scientists and other crime medical examiners.
But, he was not terribly happy about the lack of character development or time on the screen, so he left in 2011. That was one year into Neal Dudgeon’s time as John Barnaby. Two years later, he died of cancer.
Catch Midsomer Murders on Acorn TV, Plex Player, and Ovation TV. Which original cast member do you miss most?
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