The new season of Midsomer Murders begins filming this week.

Neil Dudgeon will be back upholding the law in Midsomer county as DCI Barnaby in another six feature-length episodes.

He will be joined by newcomer Nick Hendrix (Marcella, The Crown) as DS Jamie Winter.

Hendrix commented: “I’m genuinely thrilled to join this bastion of British TV. It’s a real privilege to be part of a hugely successful and much loved show and I am looking forward to stepping into the wonderful world of Midsomer.”

> Buy the complete Season 18 box set on Amazon.

Returning cast members alongside Dudgeon include Manjinder Virk as pathologist Dr Kam Karimore and Fiona Dolman as Sarah Barnaby.

Storylines in the long-running crime drama’s nineteenth season will include a deserted village full of secrets, an extreme Neighbourhood Watch, a cricket festival and a rabbit and guinea pig show.

Executive producer Jo Wright said: “All the team here at Bentley feel it’s a great privilege to be filming the latest series of Midsomer Murders, and especially to welcome the talented Nick Hendrix to the family. We are sure he will help Neil Dudgeon keep as many people as possible safe on the dangerous streets of Midsomer County. ”

The previous season of Midsomer Murders aired earlier this year on ITV and averaged a consolidated audience of 6.4 million with a share of 25% – its highest share since 2009.

The show is watched in over 220 territories around the world.

Are you looking forward to Season 19? Let us know below…