MIDSOMER MURDERS: PRODUCTION BEGINS ON 25th SERIES FOR ITV, SERIES 24 TO AIR THIS YEAR

Midsomer Murders has been recommissioned for its landmark 25th series on ITV, with production now underway on the new run of four episodes. The 24th series, which has been available overseas for the past year, is due to air at some point this year in the UK.

The new series will Neil Dudgeon return as DCI John Barnaby, Nick Hendrix as DS Jamie Winter. Also returning will be Annette Badland as Dr Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman as Barnaby's wife, Sarah.

Lead star Neil Dudgeon commented (via Variety): "It’s fantastic to be filming ‘Midsomer’ again. The scripts are all great, full of intrigue and mystery, so I’m very excited for you to see them. Our writers, who seem so normal, have come up with yet more extraordinary ways for the residents of ‘Midsomer’ to despatch their neighbours, which is fun and slightly worrying; I work with these people!..

"And, of course, the cast and crew are all back together, and it’s great to see everyone and hear all the news and gossip. It’s just like living in a village in Midsomer! I hope you all love them when they are finished."

A spokesperson for All3Media added (via Variety): "We can’t wait to see what uniquely perplexing and quirky crimes DCI Barnaby and DS Winter will be unravelling in this landmark 25th series. More than two decades since it began, Midsomer Murders continues to prove its evergreen credentials, offering the ultimate in primetime ‘cosy crime.’ With the show now vastly surpassing the episode – and crime – counts of many iconic detective dramas, its credentials as a global detecting favourite are legendary."

Series 24 Episode Guide

Episode 1 - The Devil's Work

The demise of the Shirewell patriarch sparks a vicious inheritance dispute when eldest son Lucian announces plans to break up an estate that's been in his family for centuries.

Episode 2 - Book Of The Dead

When the author of a book that sparked a nationwide treasure hunt is found dead, Barnaby and Winter must unravel the cryptic clues to find the killer among a group of dedicated seekers.

Episode 3 - Claws Out

After a pet detective turns up dead inside the kennel of a dog he was searching for, Barnaby and Winter are drawn into the world of dognapping, cat seduction, and animal investigation.

Episode 4 - A Climate Of Death

Sleepy Goodman's Land is known as "the Greenest Village in Midsomer." But when the entire village is bought by a Texas oilman, a string of grisly murders ensues. To what lengths will the locals go to retain their title?

Previous episodes of Midsomer Murders are available on ITVX.