New boy on the Beat

Neil Dudgeon and new Midsomer sidekick Nick Hendrix reveal all about snakes, snacks and stunts…

- Caren Clark

Saving your boss from a deadly snake makes for an impressive start to any job, especially when your superior is hard-to-please DCI Barnaby!

So, it’s no surprise that DS Jamie Winter (played by Marcella’s Nick Hendrix) has been warmly accepted into the Midsomer Murders fold after displaying his lifesaving credentials with the slithery reptiles on his very first case.

This week, Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and his sidekick get stuck into their second investigation – the hunt for a killer who is targeting a neighbourhood watch group – which features a host of guest stars including Clive Swift, Frances Barber, Neil Morrissey, Katy Cavanagh and Vicki Pepper dine.

And, as TV Times caught up with Neil, who’s about to turn 56, and Nick, 31, it looks like the new boy has settled in off-screen, too…

Winter already seems part of the furniture. What’s your take on the character?

Nick: He’s cheeky with a fast-paced London mentality, and enthusiastic like a puppy. There’s a father-and son thing with Barnaby, who, as an experienced detective, says, ‘Slow down, this is how we do it here.’ So Winter does get put in his box a bit!

Neil: Barnaby sees him as a bright, personable young man. He’s quick on his feet and he keeps his head in a tight corner. In that first episode he really proved his worth.

Did you find yourself giving newcomer Nick any advice, Neil?