’IT WAS EXCITING TO HAVE TOM'

Actor Neil Dudgeon tells us how cosy crime drama Midsomer Murders has always attracted big names, including latest guest star Tom Conti

- JEN PHARO

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."