Midsomer Murders confirms return of iconic detective in major series update

Midsomer Murders has confirmed the return of Neil Dudgeon after fans feared he would be replaced.

The ITV cop drama will be back next month for the final instalment of series 23. The episode, called Dressed to Kill, will air as a one-off rather than the start of a new batch, and will air at 8pm on Sunday November, 10.

The synopsis for the episode teases: "Residents of Elverton-Cum-Latterly battle in a dominoes competition that dates back decades, but when the event occurs the same night as a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, the resulting clash of cultures is epic and deadly."

In the new series, Neil will be joined by Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman and Annette Badland. The episode will also feature guest stars including Ace Bhatti, Suzanne Packer, Nigel Lindsay and LJ Johnson.

Dressed to Kill will mark the end of Midsomer Murders' 23rd season, while a 24th has already aired in other countries and a 25th season has already been confirmed.

The news of Neil and the show's return comes after fans feared the actor would be replaced.

On a Midsomer Murders Facebook fan page, a viewer 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.

"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."

"Oh heavens," another replied while someone else pleaded: "No not Gavin Jones."

"I don't care as long as the show carries on," one penned while another eagerly remarked: "Yes, I would love him back."

Neil also recently shared his initial concerns about stepping into John Nettle's shoes as the lead