Martin Compston 'favourite' to replace Midsomer Murders icon as series 23 'will be his last'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon returns as DCI John Barnaby this weekend, but speculation is rife that this series could be his last.

Although Neil hasn't confirmed his future on the show, he recently quipped that Line Of Duty wouldn't dare tackle the kind of storylines Midsomer does, saying, "They haven't got the balls for it."In a surprising twist, Martin Compston has emerged as the new favourite to take over the role, with bookies offering odds of 3/1.

David Tennant is second in line with odds of 9/2, followed closely by James Norton at 11/2.Sportscasting spokesman Andy Newton commented on the latest odds, saying: "The next DCI John Barnaby odds have been shaken up this week after actor Neil Dudgeon joked that Line Of Duty "haven't got the balls" to replicate the Midsomer Murders storylines - with one of the stars of the hit popular BBC show, Martin Compston, now favourite," reports the Mirror."This is because the oddsmakers feel it would be a fitting twist - much like one of the ITV show's storylines - if producers signed Martin Compston."However - joking aside, when you think about it, the Scottish actor would actually be an ideal fit to make the role his own, if and when Dudgeon hands in his Midsomer detectives badge."He added: "Therefore, it's no surprise the odds experts are taking no chances at 3/1 for Compston's next 'Line Of Duty' to be DCI Barnaby. "The upcoming finale will feature lead detective Neil Dudgeon, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, and Annette Badland, with special appearances from Ace Bhatti, Suzanne Packer, Nigel Lindsay, and LJ Johnson.This final episode marks the end of the 23rd series, while series 24 is already generating excitement abroad, and series 25 has been confirmed.The plot for the