John Nettles, the actor who became a household name for his portrayal of DCI Tom Barnaby in ITV's beloved crime drama Midsomer Murders, has been enjoying a peaceful life in Devon for the past 15 years. Though he left the show in 2010 after 14 years, his connection to the series remains strong, with the drama continuing to thrive after 25 years on air, now led by Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby.
At 81 years old, Nettles lives in a charming 15th-century house nestled in the picturesque seaside county of Devon alongside his second wife, Cathy, who is an accomplished painter. Away from the cameras and the bustling world of television, Nettles has shifted his focus from acting to pursuing his passion for history, embracing the role of an amateur historian.
Before bidding farewell to his iconic role as DCI Barnaby, John Nettles took a deep dive into a significant historical topic that has fascinated him for years. In 2009, he produced a compelling three-part documentary titled The Channel Islands at War, which explored the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey during the Second World War. This project was a natural extension of his interest in history and led to the publication of his 2012 book, Jewels and Jackboots, which detailed the same subject matter. Nettles further enriched the historical record by releasing an edition of the diaries of Reverend Douglas Ord, a resident of Guernsey during the war, offering a personal and poignant perspective on the occupation.
Though Nettles stepped back from his long-standing role, he didn't entirely leave the acting world behind. He made a memorable cameo appearance in the Channel 4 sitcom Toast of London and took on a part in the 2016 short film Never Land, which starred Keeley Hawes. More recently, he portrayed Ray Penvenen in the BBC's period drama Poldark, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Beyond acting, John Nettles has lent his voice and presence to various documentary projects. He has presented and narrated shows such as the BBC reality series My Unique B&B and the Channel 4 series Devon and Cornwall, allowing him to share his love of the English countryside and unique local stories with a broad audience.
Earlier this year, Nettles was approached to make a cameo appearance in the UKTV reboot of Bergerac, the show that first brought him widespread recognition before his time on Midsomer Murders. However, he declined the offer, candidly telling the BBC in 2024, "I'm not going to do it because I can't do it - I'm too old and I'd just get in the way." He added, "But I mean it was very lovely to be reminded of that and it's a brave project." In a show of professional camaraderie, Nettles met with Damien Molony, the actor who now plays Jim Bergerac in the reboot, to discuss their shared experiences filming in Jersey.
Meanwhile, Midsomer Murders continues to captivate audiences, not only on television but now also on stage. Daniel Casey, who played Sergeant Troy — Barnaby's loyal sidekick from 1997 to 2008 — is set to take on the role of DCI Tom Barnaby himself in the upcoming theatrical adaptation titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. The production is scheduled to open at Richmond Theatre in October 2025.
John Nettles expressed his enthusiasm for the stage adaptation, saying, "How wonderful that the original tale of murder and intrigue in Midsomer will be solved by Daniel, in this new stage version of Badger's Drift." He continued, "Daniel brought the young Troy to life so brilliantly in the original TV pilot of the book and I'm delighted that he gets to lead the investigation in this theatre adaption." Nettles also praised Daniel Casey's theatrical credentials, noting, "He has a fabulous track record in his stage work – and had a marvellous DCI to teach him the detecting ropes, back in the day!"
For fans eager to revisit the world of Midsomer, the series is available to stream on ITVX, ensuring that the legacy of John Nettles and his successors continues to entertain new generations.
From his iconic role as DCI Tom Barnaby to his thoughtful explorations of history and his quiet life in Devon, John Nettles remains a cherished figure in British television and culture. His journey from the bustling sets of crime dramas to the tranquil shores of Devon, coupled with his dedication to historical storytelling, paints the portrait of an actor who has gracefully embraced change while continuing to inspire.
