ITV has recommissioned Midsomer Murders for an eighteenth season.

The long-running crime drama will return for six new feature-length episodes in 2016.

Neil Dudgeon and Gwilym Lee are both back as DCI John Barnaby and DS Charlie Nelson.

The pair will be joined by Manjinder Virk (Ordinary Lies, Call the Midwife) as Dr Kam Karimore, a new pathologist who will assist Barnaby and Nelson.

Storylines in Season 18 will include bodysnatching, competitive cycling and the sighting of UFO’s over Midsomer County.

Executive producer Jo Wright commented: “We are back for even more episodes next year thanks to ITV, which gives us chance to explore more strange and entertaining tales of Midsomer life. And with a new pathologist who will cause DS Nelson trouble in more ways than one.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November added: “Midsomer Murders is one of ITV’s most enduring and successful dramas. We’re delighted to be recommissioning a further six episodes and to be continuing our working partnership with Jo Wright and her team.”

Season 17 aired earlier this year on ITV.

Are you looking forward to Season 18? Let us know below…