’IT WAS EXCITING TO HAVE TOM'
New UK|July 15, 2024
Actor Neil Dudgeon tells us how cosy crime drama Midsomer Murders has always attracted big names, including latest guest star Tom Conti
JEN PHARO
’IT WAS EXCITING TO HAVE TOM'

Tom Conti had just finished playing iconic scientist Albert Einstein in the Oscar-winning smash hit Oppenheimer when he set his sights on a new ambition - Midsomer Murders.

Or so the 82-year-old told DCI John Barnaby actor Neil Dudgeon when he arrived on set to film the latest instalment of ITV's long-running crime drama. Tom plays retired DI Sebastian Cabot, who used to be Barnaby's old gaffer and is now living in a posh retirement estate for ex-coppers. As usual, it's all sunshine and smiles, until somebody gets murdered.

This time the victim is newly retired DCS Elaine Bennet, in new story The Debt Of Lies.

"Tom had just finished filming Oppenheimer and he put feelers out saying he'd like to do an episode with Midsomer Murders because he liked the show and he hadn't done one," says Neil.

"It was very exciting for us all to have him there. I have always genuinely admired Tom since I was a very young person seeing him on the telly." Acting legend Tom has starred in the likes of Shirley Valentine, The Dark Knight Rises and Paddington 2, and Neil found playing opposite him fascinating as he kept changing his delivery.

"He has this distinct lilting style and it keeps you on your toes," says Neil. "Tom keeps playing with the line and you never know when he's coming to the end and you have to get in with your line. He's a very charming, hilarious and lovely man."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024