Midsomer Murders' DCI John Barnaby star Neil Dudgeon's life with BBC producer wife
Neil Dudgeon has played the role of DCI John Barnaby on Midsomer Murders for over a decade.
Midsomer Murders enthusiasts were thrilled as the beloved series returned with a bang in July 2024, featuring DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) tackling fresh enigmas on ITV.
Earlier this year, however, whispers of the show's potential cancellation sent shivers down fans' spines.
Since stepping into John Nettles' shoes in 2011, Neil Dudgeon has become the quintessential sharp-witted lead detective of Midsomer Murders. His impressive acting portfolio includes roles in 'Son of Rambow' (2007), and 'Messiah: The Harrowing' (2005).
Away from the camera, Neil cherishes his family life in West London with his spouse Mary Peate, a distinguished BBC radio producer celebrated for her Agatha Christie dramatisations, and their two offspring, Greta and Joe. Their romance is rather extraordinary, having sparked not through social circles or contemporary dating avenues, but via their joint professional ventures.
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In a chat with the Mirror back in 2019, Neil recounted their first encounter: "We were doing a play, she was directing, I was in it. One thing led to another as it does, and 20-odd years later we're still here."
On the subject of his nuptials with Mary, the acclaimed actor divulged: "We got married about 12 years ago. We're both very emotional and were in bits at our wedding. We both said our vows through a veil of tears," as reported by the Mirror, reports OK!.
Mary has certainly carved a niche for herself in the media world, yet she often prefers to let her husband shine in the spotlight on his own. Nonetheless, the pair did share a charming moment together during a 2012 episode of All Star Mr and Mrs..
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When asked to compare her actor husband to iconic detectives such as Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, or Lieutenant Columbo, Mary affectionately joked: "None of them are very lovely are they, not nearly lovely enough for you darling."
Discussing their offspring, Neil pointed out that their children are "much more arty" than he was at their age. He shared: "I think they're exposed to more stuff now, there's so much around to do with music, art and performing. I was useless," he laughed.
"I got booted out of the choir, I was told I couldn't sing, they told me to stand there and mime! I played the violin and broke the string and I couldn't really draw."
