Neil Dudgeon may not have announced his departure from Midsomer Murders just yet but it hasn't stopped bookmakers from sparking speculation about potential replacements for the star.
The 64-year-old has played DCI John Barnaby since 2010 but could potentially be succeeded by the show's first female lead detective, according to predictions from betting company Betway.
Kirsty Dillon, 50, has emerged as an intriguing contender at 8/1 odds to potentially become the show's first female lead detective.
Dillon is already familiar to Midsomer Murders fans, having played WPC Gail Stephens alongside John Nettles' DCI Tom Barnaby from 2007 to 2011.
The actress could mark a historic shift in the series' leading role, with Betway’s Mike Reading revealing: “With speculation swirling about Neil Dudgeon’s future in Midsomer Murders following the cancellation of spin-off McDonald & Dodds.
“Anticipation is mounting over who could step into the role of DCI John Barnaby as the next lead detective in the beloved crime drama.
Kirsty Dillon has appeared on the show once before
ITV
“However, one particularly intriguing contender is Kirsty Dillon (8/1), who previously played WPC Gail Stephens until 2011.
“Her potential return has fuelled speculation that Midsomer Murders may introduce its first female lead detective.
“As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, a fresh face like Dillon could bring an exciting new dynamic to the show’s long tradition of reinvention.
Despite the odds of his replacement, Dudgeon has no plans to leave the show as of yet
ITV
Other contenders for Dudgeon’s replacement includes Vera star Kenny Doughty who is the 5/1 favourite to take over the role.
Death in Paradise actor Ralf Little follows closely behind at 6/1 odds, as well as former DS Gavin Troy actor Daniel Casey being in contention at 9/1.
The possibility of a female lead comes as the show nears three decades on air, having produced 140 episodes and one documentary special since its 1997 debut.
Despite the speculation of his departure, Dudgeon himself has confirmed that filming for season 25 will begin in March this year, with “four new stories” planned after a year's break.
Speaking to Radio Times, he expressed no desire to leave the show and stated: “I'm very happy in the countryside there. It's very nice.
“I assume that at some point I'll get the hook... But they haven't done it yet, so I'm going to keep going to work until I get the hook.”
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The star has previously noted who he would like to see replace him
ITV
When addressing who he thinks could replace him, he suggested: “Jason [Watkins], obviously, unless they needed to go for somebody, well, you're quite a bit younger than me.
"You've been a detective, it's in the lovely countryside. So that would be great. We've got two good options."
