It's good news for Midsomer Murders fans as DCI Tom Barnaby is taking to the stage for the first time – and John Nettles has shared his thoughts on the upcoming theatre tour.
The stage show, which opens in October, is an adaptation of the hit ITV detective series, which first aired in 1997 and is in its 24th season.
Theatre director Guy Unsworth is adapting the pilot episode, Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift, which is based on the book by Caroline Graham.
The tour will open at Richmond Theatre on 24 October and will run through to April 2026. Casting details have yet to be announced.
© Tony Ward/TV Times/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesJohn, who played DCI Tom Barnaby from 1997 until his retirement from the role in 2011, said he was "thrilled" that the show is being adapted for the stage. "Such anticipation! I'm thrilled to hear that the exploits of those in Midsomer’s Badger's Drift are being brought to the stage," he said in a statement, adding: "How exciting!"
John Nettles: 5 top facts
© Photo: ITV1. Adopted at birth
John Nettles was adopted at birth in 1943 by carpenter Eric and his wife, Elsie. His biological mother was an Irish nurse who came to work in the UK during World War II, and his father remains unidentified.
2. Career change
After leaving Midsomer Murders in 2009, John focused on his work as a historian. He produced a three-part documentary called The Channel Islands At War about the Nazi occupation of Jersey and Guernsey during World War II. In 2012, he published a book called Jewels and Jackboots on the same topic.
3. 80s heartthrob
At the peak of Begerac's popularity, John became a reluctant heartthrob. News Of The World once ran a headline titled ''All The Girls Want To Grasp Nettles'' and he allegedly received numerous fan letters.
4. Father-daughter bond
John has one daughter, Emma Martin, with his first wife, Joyce Middleton whom he divorced in 1979. He still has a close bond with his daughter, who lives in Jersey (where Bergerac was filmed) with her husband and two children.
5. Royal Shakespeare Company
After Bergerac ended in 1991, John did five seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company performing, The Winter's Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Julius Caesar.
Meanwhile, author Caroline described the story as "fast-paced and witty". "It has everything an audience wants: bizarre murders and a beautiful setting," she said. "I am delighted to be a part of it and to see The Killings at Badger’s Drift on the stage."
So, what can fans expect?
The synopsis for the show reads: "When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger's Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.
© Getty"With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit, charm and chilling suspense of the beloved television series and original series of books, this gripping and thrilling new show will entrance theatre audiences."
Midsomer Murders has been on our screens for over 25 years. Neil Dudgeon has led the cast as DCI John Barnaby, Tom's cousin, since 2011.
© ITVFilming for series 25 will begin at the end of March. Neil told ITV's This Morning in January: "We've had a year off this year. We didn't film this year, but last year. But we are filming again this year. We're filming four new stories from March this year."
