Vera detective 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after quitting

Vera actor Kenny Doughty is currently the favourite to take over from Neil Dudgeon in Midsomer Murders, according to bookmakers. Despite Neil having no plans to leave the ITV drama, fans are worried about a potential replacement.

Betway has tipped Kenny, who left his role in Vera earlier this year, with odds of 4/1 to step into the actor's shoes. Death in Paradise star Ralf Little is also in the running with odds of 5/1.

Other potential replacements include Daniel Casey who has odds of 6/1, Samuel Barnett at 10/1, Nicholas Lyndhurst at 20/1, and Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, also at odds of 20/1.

Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans said: "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.

A Midsomer Murders fan has suggested a major shake-up on the show's Facebook page, saying: "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 comes back to town meets Gavin and strikes up a romance, and marries. She becomes his sidekick and the Barnaby in the story that's needed."

However, not all fans were on board with this idea, with one commenting: "Oh heavens," and another pleading: "No not Gavin Jones.

"I don't care as long as the show carries on," another fan wrote, while someone else enthusiastically said: "Yes, I would love him back."

Neil also recently shared his initial concerns about stepping into John's shoes 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."

Catch Midsomer Murders on the streaming service ITVX.