Why John Nettles Left Midsomer Murders: The Real Story Behind DCI Tom Barnaby’s Retirement

CAUSTON, Midsomer County – More than 15 years after his final episode aired, fans of ITV’s enduring crime drama Midsomer Murders continue to revisit the classic episodes starring John Nettles as the unflappable DCI Tom Barnaby. With reruns frequently airing on ITV3 and streaming platforms, the question persists: why did the original detective, who defined the series for 14 years, decide to hang up his badge in 2011?

Nettles, now 82 and living a quiet life in Devon, announced his departure in February 2009, giving producers time to plan a seamless handover. His last appearance came in the series 13 finale, “Fit for Murder,” broadcast on February 2, 2011 – a poignant episode where Tom Barnaby retires peacefully after solving one final case, passing the torch to his cousin, DCI John Barnaby, played by Neil Dudgeon.

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Midsomer Murders star John Nettles reveals why he’d never watch …

In a candid 2009 interview with The Telegraph, Nettles reflected on his decision: “I never thought when we were filming the pilot The Killings at Badger’s Drift in 1996 that I would go on to film so many episodes. It has been a joy to be involved in such a long-running series with so many good actors and great storylines. It’s the end of an era for me.”

He admitted the choice was tough, citing the deep bonds formed over years on set. “I’ll have been doing Midsomer Murders for 14 years by the time Barnaby leaves. I’ve formed familial ties with the people involved in the show and they will be hard to break.” Yet, Nettles emphasised timing: “It’s always wise to leave people wanting more, rather than be booed off the stage because you bored them.”

Another factor was age and legacy. Following David Jason’s retirement from A Touch of Frost, Nettles quipped: “I suddenly realised that I’m going to be the oldest detective in the business now that David Jason has thrown off the mantle. But it was a very difficult decision to make.” At 67 when he left, Nettles wanted to pursue new opportunities while at the top of his game.

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Midsomer Murders – Blood Wedding – Filming Memories

The transition proved masterful, thanks in part to retaining Jason Hughes as DS Ben Jones. Hughes, who joined in series 9 (2005), stayed for three more series alongside Dudgeon, providing continuity for viewers. This allowed Dudgeon’s John Barnaby – introduced earlier in “The Sword of Guillaume” – to establish his drier, more sarcastic style organically. Hughes later revealed he had considered leaving earlier but stayed to ease the handover, calling the crew “like a second family.”

Co-star Jane Wymark, who played Joyce Barnaby, also departed with Nettles, as her character retired alongside Tom. Their on-screen marriage became a beloved anchor, blending domestic warmth with gruesome murders in idyllic villages.

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Since leaving, Nettles has largely stepped away from acting. He appeared in Poldark (2016-2017) as Ray Penvenen and provided narration for Channel 4’s Devon and Cornwall. His passion now lies in history: he authored books like Jewels and Jackboots (2012) on the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands and edited wartime diaries. In recent years, he’s worked on translating diaries from the German occupation of Jersey.

Nettles turned down a cameo in the 2025 Bergerac reboot – his other iconic detective role from 1981-1991 – preferring retirement. Honoured with an OBE in 2010, he enjoys life in a 15th-century Devon home with wife Catheryne.

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Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby in Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders thrives under Dudgeon, now in its 24th series with a 25th confirmed. The show has launched stars like Henry Cavill and Orlando Bloom in early roles and remains a global export. Yet for many, Nettles’ era – with its gentle humour, quirky kills, and reassuring resolutions – remains the gold standard.

As repeats draw new generations, Nettles’ graceful exit ensured the deadly county’s legacy endured. In his words: leave them wanting more.