Only Fool and Horses legend 'tipped' to replace Neil Dudgeon on Midsomer Murders after fan exit fears

Earlier this year, Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon shared his fears of being "cancelled" after replacing John Nettles

Only Fools and Horse legend Nicholas Lyndhurst is one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Neil Dudgeon if he were ever to leave the ITV series. Despite Neil having no plans to exit the ITV drama any time soon, fans are concerned about a potential replacement after the actor discussed being "cancelled".

Nicholas has been given odds of 20/1 along with Martin Clunes to replace Neil. Death in Paradise star Ralf Little and Vera's Kenny Doughty are also among the famous names who could step into Neil's shoes, according to Betway.

Other contenders include Daniel Casey with odds of 6/1, and Samuel Barnett with odds of 10/1.

Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans shared the latest odds, stating: "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 continued: "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?"

Nicholas, who is famous for his role as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, went to star in a few TV shows after the sitcom had finished.

However, after spending some time away from the limelight, Nicholas has swapped the UK for the US to star in the revival of the US sitcom, Frasier where he plays Alan Cornwall.

Midsomer Murders fans have also been speculating about who could replace Neil as the lead detective John Barnaby - and their theories involve a familiar face.

On a Midsomer Murders Facebook fan page, one viewer shared their thoughts: "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."

"Oh heavens," one fan replied while another pleaded: "No not Gavin Jones."

"I don't care as long as the show carries on," someone else stated while another eagerly remarked: "Yes, I would love him back."

Neil also recently shared his initial concerns about stepping into John's shoes and whether he would get "cancelled" 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."

In a 2009 interview, John Nettles opened up about his decision to leave the programme, citing it was because he would be the "oldest detective".

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.

"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."

Catch Midsomer Murders on the streaming service ITVX.