Midsomer Murders (1997–2011) Cast Then and Now | The John Nettles Era

Midsomer Murders is one of British television’s most enduring and iconic crime dramas, first airing in 1997. This video looks back at the unforgettable John Nettles era, spanning from 1997 to 2011, when Nettles portrayed the original DCI Tom Barnaby. During this period, the series gained a devoted following with its idyllic village settings, intricate murder plots, and a revolving door of memorable guest stars — many of whom went on to become household names.

In this retrospective, we revisit the main cast and notable guest stars who appeared during the first 13 series — from familiar faces like Jane Wymark and Daniel Casey to rising stars such as Orlando Bloom and Henry Cavill. You’ll see how their careers evolved, what they’ve done since their time in Midsomer, and, in some cases, remember those who are sadly no longer with us.

Please note:
👉 This video covers only the John Nettles era (1997–2011) and does not include cast members from the later episodes led by Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby.

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🟩 Main Cast (1997–2011) John Nettles Era

John Nettles – DCI Tom Barnaby
Jane Wymark – Joyce Barnaby
Barry Jackson – Dr. George Bullard
Jason Hughes – DS Ben Jones
Laura Howard – Cully Barnaby
Daniel Casey – Sgt. Gavin Troy
Kirsty Dillon – DC Gail Stephens
John Hopkins – Sergeant Dan Scott

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🟦 Recurring Roles & Guest Stars (1997–2011)

Sam Hazeldine – Simon Dixon
Toby Jones – Dan Peterson
David Bamber – John Starkey
Samantha Bond – Suzanna Chambers
Maggie Steed – Rosemary Furman
Clare Holman – Sue Tutt
Neil Dudgeon – Daniel Bolt
Kevin McNally – Orville Tudway
Beth Goddard – Wendy Smythe-Webster
Harriet Walter – Margaret Winstanley
Haydn Gwynne – Jennifer Carter
Frances Barber – Constance Fielding
Una Stubbs – Selina Jennings
Simon Callow – Dr. Wellow
June Whitfield – Peggy Alder
Christopher Villiers – David Whitely
Nicholas Farrell – John Merrill
Anna Wilson-Jones – Marianna Hartley
Sara Stewart – Carolyn Armitage
Josette Simon – Samantha Flint
Benjamin Whitrow – Hugo Balcombe
Sarah Alexander – Fliss Inkpen-Thomas
Hugh Bonneville – Hugh Barton
Robert Hardy – Robert Cavendish
Timothy West – Marcus Devere
Honor Blackman – Isobel Hewitt
Leslie Phillips – Godfrey Teal
Lynda Bellingham – Jane Willows
George Baker – Jack Magwood
Donald Sinden – Colonel Henry Hammond
Richard Briers – Stephen Wentworth
Nigel Davenport – William Smithers
Hannah Gordon – Bella Devere
Wendy Craig – Victoria Bartlett
John Sessions – Barrett Filby
Jim Carter – Nathan Green
Keith Barron – Alan Clifford
Owen Teale – Little Mal Kirby
Joss Ackland – Sir Freddy Butler
Simon Williams – Guy Sandys
Rosalind Ayres – Doreen Anderson
Frank Windsor – George Meakham
Peter Capaldi – Laurence Barker
Siân Phillips – Lady Annabel Butler
Phil Davis – Gary Cooper
Phoebe Nicholls – Laura Smythe-Webster
Stella Gonet – Grace Maplin
Niamh Cusack – Penny Galsworthy
Philip Jackson – Daniel Snape
Emily Mortimer – Katherine Lacey
Jan Ravens – Sarah Wroath
Freddie Jones – Benbow
Julia McKenzie – Ruby Wilmott
James Cosmo – Jack ‘Axeman’ McKinley
Richard Lintern – Martin Spellman
Sian Brooke – Christine Turner
Michelle Fairley – Iris Holman
Tim McInnerny – Hugh Dalgleish
James Bolam – Ron Pringle
Prunella Scales – Eleanor Bunsall
George Cole – Lionel Hicks
Olivia Colman – Bernice
Peter Davison – Nicky Frazer
Lesley Manville – Phoebe Archbold
Phyllis Logan – Kate Merrill
Imelda Staunton – Christine Cooper
Celia Imrie – Louise August
Larry Lamb – Melvyn Stockard
Gemma Jones – Maisie Gooch
Henry Cavill – Simon Mayfield

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🟨 Additional Guest Stars (1997–2011)

Michael Angelis – Nicky Harding
Roger Allam – Alan Hollingsworth
Anton Rodgers – Lord James Chetwood
Wanda Ventham – Romany Rose
Brigit Forsyth – Estelle Balliol
Gwyneth Strong – Katie Soper
Suzi Quatro – Mimi Clifton
Jenny Agutter – Isobel Chettham
James Fox – Sir Michael Fielding
Phil Daniels – Teddy Molloy
Victoria Hamilton – Hilary Inkpen
Orlando Bloom – Peter Drinkwater
Liza Goddard – Marion Bell
Rik Mayall – David Roper
Debra Stephenson – Kitty Carmichael
Belinda Lang – Elspeth Inkpen-Thomas
Amanda Mealing – Sally Boulter
Thelma Barlow – Mrs Beverley
Anna Maxwell Martin – Arabella Heywood
Tom Ellis – Lee Smeeton

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