Beloved Midsomer Murders stars who quit show and why they left

Since its debut in 1997, the British crime drama Midsomer Murders has captivated millions, drawing audiences into a web of intriguing mysteries and dark secrets hidden in the picturesque countryside.

The beloved series recently returned for its 23rd season, featuring Neil Dudgeon reprising his role as DCI John Barnaby, alongside Nick Hendrix as DS Jamie Winter, Fiona Dolman as Sarah Barnaby, and Annette Badland as Fleur Perkins and guest stars,

Over the two decades it has been on air, the show has seen a flurry of different cast members come and go, including Laura Howard, Daniel Casey, and many others.

Here, we give you a breakdown of the notable actors who have graced the series and the characters they portrayed.

John Nettles decided to leave Midsomer Murders after 14 years as the iconic DCI Tom Barnaby, announcing his departure in February 2009.

His final episode aired in 2011, marking the end of an era for the beloved detective series. Nettles cited a desire to explore new opportunities and avoid becoming "the oldest detective in the field" as reasons for his decision.

He told The Telegraph: "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 continued: "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.

"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. It's always wise to leave people wanting more, rather than be booed off the stage because you bored them."

Daniel Casey portrayed Tom's loyal companion, Gavin Troy, from the very first episode of Midsomer Murders up until he quit the show in 2003.

For seven thrilling seasons, he stood by DCI Tom Barnaby's side, navigating the complex murder mysteries of Midsomer County.

However, Casey made a poignant return in season 11 for the wedding of Tom's daughter, Cully, allowing fans to reminisce about the enduring bond between the characters.

On why he quit his role, the actor previously told Saga magazine: "I was just aware I didn't want to stay with the same thing for too long and I wanted to branch out."

Jane Wymark starred as DCI John Barnaby's (played by John Nettles) wife Joyce Barnaby.

She remained in the show for a whopping 14 years before making her exit alongside DCI Barnaby in 2011. It comes after the actress admitted she was ready for a different role.

"I'm relieved that I don't have to be the nicest person in the world anymore!" she told Birmingham Mail. "That's a heavy burden to carry. I want to be completely evil now, a really bad person with no redeeming features and a terribly good cook!"

Laura Howard, who portrayed Cully Barnaby on Midsomer Murders, decided to leave the show after 12 years, primarily because her character got married and her father, Tom Barnaby, retired.

Howard mentioned that her time on the show had become "quite prohibitive" regarding her ability to pursue other acting opportunities, and it felt like the right moment for her to say goodbye.

Addressing her decision to exit the drama, Laura told the Evening Standard: "I was 19 when we filmed the first episode and 30 when we shot the wedding last summer.

"Midsomer Murders has been quite prohibitive in terms of being able to do other work and it just seemed like the right time to say goodbye."

Barry Jackson portrayed Dr. George Bullard, the resident pathologist of Causton, until season 14, when his character chose to take a break and departed the fictional town in south Oxfordshire for Ireland.

Before his exit, the actor said that he had considered leaving due to receiving few lines in the script. "My complaint is that I'd like a little bit more to do," he told Birmingham Live. "I hate it when Bullard just says 'he died between 12 and 2.30'. It's a poor show if they can't write anything more."

Jason Hughes joined the series in season nine as DS Benjamin Jones and appeared for five seasons. He departed in season 15, making a brief cameo in the 19th series. After his exit, Jason revealed that the show's gruelling schedule had negatively impacted his health.

"I was completely burned out from getting up at 4.30 am in Brighton to get the train to London and then on to wherever we were filming in Buckinghamshire, and then doing the journey back and getting home at 9 pm," he told the Daily Mail. "It was starting to affect my health and I was so tired I was no good to anybody, either at home or at work."