ITV Midsomer Murders confirms return of character after Neil Dudgeon 'replacement' fears

Neil Dudgeon is set to reprise his role in Midsomer Murders, much to the relief of fans who had started to worry he'd be replaced by a new face.

The murder mystery favourite is gearing up for its series 23 finale. Episode 'Dressed to Kill' is slated to air as a standalone at 8 p.m. on Sunday, 10 November.

'Dressed to Kill' promises a wildly eventful plot: "Residents of Elverton-Cum-Latterly battle in a dominoes competition that dates back decades, but when the event occurs the same night as a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, the resulting clash of cultures is epic and deadly."

The upcoming finale will bring Neil, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, and Annette Badland back to our screens, with special appearances from Ace Bhatti, Suzanne Packer, Nigel Lindsay, and LJ Johnson.

This concluding episode will mark the wrap-up of the 23rd series, with series 24 already making waves abroad and series 25 confirmed, reports .

Amidst speculations about Neil's continued involvement, fans on a Midsomer Murders fan page expressed their sentiments, with one suggesting a future without him: "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, strikes up a romance, and marries. She becomes his sidekick and the Barnaby in the story that's needed."

"Oh heavens," another fan responded, while another viewer begged: "No, not Gavin Jones."

"I don't care as long as the show carries on," one person wrote, while another excitedly commented: "Yes, I would love him back."

Neil also recently spoke to Radio Times magazine about his initial concerns about replacing John Nettle as the lead detective.

"It was hard at the beginning because John [Nettles] had done it for 14 years," he confessed.

"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."

Bookies have also been sharing their own predictions about who could replace Neil should he ever decide to step down—and Vera's Kenny Doughty is currently leading the pack.

Midsomer Murders returned on November 10 on ITV.