Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey's exit explained as he returns as detective

ITV's beloved series Midsomer Murders is treating fans to a nostalgic trip with reruns starring Daniel Casey, who became a household name as Gavin Troy, DCI Tom Barnaby's (John Nettles) original sidekick.

He left the show in 2003 but made a brief return for Cully's (Laura Howard) wedding in season 11.

Fans are still mourning his exit as he became one of the murder mystery show's most iconic characters.

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Speaking to Saga magazine, Casey revealed his departure was about seeking new challenges.

He said: "I was just aware I didn't want to stay with the same thing for too long and I wanted to branch out."

Despite moving on, he fondly remembers his time on the show, especially working with Nettles: "I had a fantastic time," he reminisced.

"John and I got on really well, from the first day really."

Post-Midsomer Murders, Casey, now 53, has graced other popular soaps including EastEnders, Doctors, Casualty, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale, reports the Express.

In a thrilling twist for fans, reports from May 2025 indicate that Casey will be returning to the world of Midsomer Murders, not on screen but on stage, in 'The Killings at Badger's Drift', where he'll intriguingly step into the shoes of Tom Barnaby, not as his former character Gavin Troy.

In a recent chat with Norwich Theatre, the actor shared his astonishment at returning to the Midsomer universe: "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets."

He expressed his excitement about taking on a new challenge: "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."

Further reflecting on his past experiences, he added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sgt 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."

Catch Midsomer Murders on ITV at 8pm.