Vera star 'favourite' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after quitting

Vera star Kenny Doughty is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Neil Dudgeon if he were ever to leave Midsomer Murders. Despite Neil having no plans of leaving the ITV drama, fans are concerned he could be replaced.

Betway suggests that Kenny, who departed from his role in Vera earlier this year, is tipped with odds of 4/1 to replace the actor. Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has also been suggested with odds of 5/1.

Other contenders include Daniel Casey with odds of 6/1, Samuel Barnett with odds of 10/1, Nicholas Lyndhurst with odds of 20/1, and Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, who has been given odds of 20/1.

Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans told Newcastle Chronicle: "We make the ex-Vera star Kenny Doughty the favourite at 4/1 to replace Neil Dudgeon should he ever stand down as DCI John Barnaby.

"Next in the betting comes Death in Paradise star Ralf Little at 5/1, who was hugely popular in his role as DI Neville Parker before his surprise departure from the show earlier this year."

He added: Rounding out the top three in the betting market is Daniel Casey at 6/1, who our traders think could be in line to make a return to Causton as the main character! Or could the legendary John Nettles at 80/1, who recently turned down a cameo role in a proposed remake of Bergerac, be tempted to play the famous detective chief inspector one more time?!"

Fans have also been speculating about who could replace Neil as the lead detective - and their theories involve a familiar face.

On a Midsomer Murders Facebook fan page, a viewer proposed: "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