ITV Midsomer Murders fans plead for return of iconic detective as Neil Dudgeon addresses being 'replaced'

Midsomer Murders enthusiasts have made a heartfelt request to the show's producers, hoping for the return of an iconic detective to the series.

The beloved ITV murder mystery is preparing for its final episode of series 23, 'Dressed to Kill,' which will air at 8 p.m. on Sunday, 10 November.

The plot for 'Dressed to Kill' reads: "Residents of Elverton-Cum-Latterly engage in a dominoes competition that has been a tradition for decades, but when the event coincides with a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, the resulting culture clash is both monumental and fatal."

The upcoming finale will feature lead detective Neil Dudgeon, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, and Annette Badland, along with special appearances from Ace Bhatti, Suzanne Packer, Nigel Lindsay, and LJ Johnson.

This final episode signifies the conclusion of the 23rd series, while series 24 is already creating a buzz overseas, and series 25 has been confirmed.

However, following the show's announcement, fans have taken to social media to express their opinions. While many are excited about the series' return, others hope for John Nettles to make a comeback, reports the .

One fan expressed on a fan page dedicated to the show: " I wish John Nettles would come back."

Another concurred: "Any chance John Nettles could return or a different actor."

A third chimed in: " I like the old Midsomers; John Nettles is a hard act to follow."

However, another fan pointed out: "John Nettles is 81 and retired."

One viewer proposed a different approach: "Bring back Jones. The series has become a bit silly."

Another fan expressed their excitement, saying: "Love this programme, can't wait, I will always watch this."

Neil Dudgeon took over the lead detective role from John Nettles in 2011. Reflecting on his decision to leave the show in 2009, John told The Telegraph: "I never thought when we were filming the pilot The Killings at Badger's Drift in 1996 that I would go on to film so many episodes. It has been a joy to be involved in such a long-running series with so many good actors and great storylines. It's the end of an era for me."

"I suddenly realised that I'm going to be the oldest detective in the business now that has thrown off the mantle. But it was a very difficult decision to make."

He continued: "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. It's always wise to leave people wanting more rather than be booed off the stage because you bored them."

Neil also recently shared his initial worries about stepping into John Nettle's shoes as the lead detective with Radio Times magazine.

"It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years," he admitted. "If they'd cancelled me after one series, that would have been embarrassing! It gets easier, but I try to keep it fresh. Even if I've gone through the script 50 times, I'll look at it again and have another thought. It's still extremely pleasant, and I'm extremely grateful."

Midsomer Murders returned on November 10 on ITV.