Midsomer Murders spoilers as series 24 confirmed amid Neil Dudgeon exit fears

Midsomer Murders fans have been given a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming season.

The 23rd series of the beloved ITV detective show has recently finished, culminating with an episode titled Dressed To Kill. The plot of this finale involved: "Residents of Elverton-Cum-Latterly battle in a dominoes competition that dates back decades, but when the event occurs the same night as a drag queen fundraiser for a terminally ill teenager, the resulting clash of cultures is epic and deadly."

Despite the anticipation for the next chapters, the 24th series still doesn't have a confirmed broadcast date on ITV, even though it's already been screened in various locations abroad. Furthermore, a 25th series has been announced, yet details about its filming or premiere are currently under wraps.

As viewers eagerly await the release of the 24th series on ITV, information about the upcoming episodes has been shared. The premiere, entitled The Devil's Work, delves into familial conflict.

"The demise of the Shirewell patriarch sparks a vicious inheritance dispute when eldest son Lucian announces plans to break up an estate that's been in his family for centuries," teases the synopsis, reports Lancs Live.

The following installment, named Book Of The Dead, revolves around the mysterious death of "an author of a book that sparked a nationwide treasure hunt", leading Barnaby and Winter on a quest to "find the killer among a group of dedicated seekers".

The plot thickens in the third episode of Midsomer Murders, titled 'Claws Out', where a pet detective meets his demise. The official synopsis reveals: "After a pet detective turns up dead inside the kennel of a dog he was searching for, Barnaby and Winter are drawn into the world of dognapping, cat seduction, and animal investigation."

The series finale is shrouded with mystery and intrigue, entitled 'A Climate Of Death', taking place in Midsomer's most environmentally-friendly hamlet, Goodman's Land. With the whole village falling into the hands of a Texan oil tycoon, a chilling series of murders begin to unfold. The synopsis reads: "When the entire village is bought by a Texas oilman, a string of grisly murders ensues. To what lengths will the locals go to retain their title? ".

Midsomer Murders will once again feature Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby, with Nick Hendrix returning as DS Jamie Winter for the show's 24th run, with strong indications they'll be back for a 25th round.

Amidst whispers of Neil possibly departing from his leading role, one fan suggested: "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."

*The previous series of Midsomer Murders are available on ITVX.