VANISHING ACT
ITV confirms future of Midsomer Murders after show ‘disappeared from schedules’ – leaving fans panicked
Plus news of an OnlyFans-style storyline
ITV has confirmed the fate of Midsomer Murders after the hit show was tipped to be axed following backlash from critics and viewers who slammed it as "too far-fetched".
The massively popular crime drama returned to screens for a 23rd season after a whopping 36 years on air.
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However, Midsomer Murders got off to a shaky start after the first episode received mixed reviews.
What's more, fans noticed that a follow-up episode did not appeared in TV schedules.
The beloved show was thrown into doubt, with many viewers wondering whether its run had been cut short.
Since then, ITV has announced that there is more to come, meaning the hit show won't be concluding anytime soon.
READ MORE ON Midsomer Murders
Speaking to , a spokesperson for the station said: "We only ever had one episode of Midsomer Murders scheduled as they are standalone stories, and there'll be more episodes in the coming months."
Launched in 1997, Midsomer Murders has long been a much-loved series renowned for its captivating blend of mystery, drama, and quintessential English charm.
The show initially followed the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) and later his cousin, Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon).
Three episodes from series 23 of Midsomer Murders have yet to be aired, while series 24 - filmed last summer - will soon be hitting screens.
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A 25th season is in the pipeline, although details about the series are currently undisclosed.
In the latest outing, Midsomer Murder fans were once again welcomed into the world of DCI John Barnaby, who investigated a string of elaborate deaths in Midsomer's dangerous fictional English county.
Official trailer for 'Midsomer Murders' Season 23
The first episode of the current season - The Blacktrees Prophecy - saw the detective digging into the mysterious death of a survivalist found lifeless in his bombproof bunker.
It's not long before Barnaby uncovers a "dark conspiracy to reveal how far people will go to escape the end of the world".
While the show has previously flourished on the improbable and unbelievable, episode one was widely criticised for being "too far-fetched" on social media.
Viewers took to X(Twitter) and complained that it was "a bit much".
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One viewer penned on the app: "Nice, easy Sunday night telly but a bit far-fetched."
Another chimed: "John Nettles made this show. When he finished it went downhill, still watchable but a difficult one, to be honest.”
"Don’t know why, but no matter how hard I try to like this show I can never get into it,” a third typed.
A fourth added: “Don’t know why, but no matter how hard I try to like this show I can never get into it. Just bring back Vera.”
However, fan-favourite drama Vera will not return to screens until 2025.
Last month, it was announced that Midsomer Murders would get its first OnlyFans-style storyline this year - about shoe fetishists.
Helen Lederer, 69, will be playing a woman selling suggestive pictures online for cash, just as with the internet content subscription service.
It will be a daring departure for the usually more sedate ITV staple, which is now in its 23rd murder-packed series since its debut in 1997.
Comedian Helen told The Sun on Sunday of her character’s saucy sideline flogging snaps.
She said: “It’s on a website as I’m selling my shoes to fetishists.
"I had to perfect a turn of the ankle. I wasn’t surprised when I got offered it. I thought to myself, ‘That interesting’.”
The episode is expected to air in the Summer.
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Helen guest-starred in Corrie earlier this month, playing the new love interest of Ken Barlow, who has been played by Bill Roache, 91, since 1960.
Episode one of Midsomer Murders is available on ITVX.
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