Midsomer Murders fans, listen up! ITV has finally announced that filming for season 26 of the beloved crime drama is underway – and viewers can't wait for the new instalment to arrive.
Confirming the return of DCI Barnaby and DS Winter, ITV took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes picture of Neil Dudgeon and Nick Hendrix in their usual detective gear. Neil was also seen holding a clapperboard marking the first take of the day, dated 9 March.
Regularly hailed as one of the most successful and long-running crime dramas since it first premiered in the 1990s, the show follows two detectives as they investigate a series of twisty mysteries in the quaint English countryside.
Speaking about the show's enduring popularity, Best Quality Designer Handbag 's resident expert Romy Journee said: "If there's a blueprint for cosy crime, it's Midsomer Murders. It's one of those shows that you always see airing on TV but never quite commit to watching from the beginning – but I promise you it's worth it."
Midsomer Murders season 26 filming begins
In the new Instagram post, ITV wrote: "DCI Barnaby and DS Winter are officially back on the case! Filming for Series 26 of Midsomer Murders has officially begun, starting with a brand-new mystery."
While season 25 aired on Acorn TV in the US and Canada in December, it has yet to find its way onto screens in the UK. This means fans may have to wait a little longer before they get to see the latest twists and turns in the new instalment.
Fans react to the season 26 update
Fans across the world were quick to take to the comments to share their excitement about the filming update.
"I really can't wait for season 26. I'm so addicted to Midsomer. The best detective show ever," penned one viewer, while another said: "Can't believe I'm having withdrawal symptoms waiting for you guys to come back! Watching your show with my son is honestly the highlight of our day."
© ITVA third person wrote: "Fantastic news, this series is just brilliant. I love it," while a fourth added: "Oh, so wonderful. I can't wait for season 26!!! I love Midsomer Murders so much."
What is Midsomer Murders season 26 about?
The 26th season of the series was confirmed back in October, in an announcement that promised that "no one is safe in the villages of Midsomer County".
The ITV synopsis reads: "Series 26 will invite viewers back to the picturesque yet surprisingly lethal English countryside for four new feature-length mysteries.
© Mark Bourdillon"Starring Neil Dudgeon as DCI Barnaby and Nick Hendrix as his trusted sidekick DS Winter, the series will also see the return of Annette Badland as pathologist Dr Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman as Barnaby's wife Sarah."
What have the creatives said about the show's return?
Speaking about the renewal, ITV's Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones said: "We're thrilled to be returning to Midsomer with Barnaby and Winter. Series 26 promises to deliver four brilliant brand new cases for the legion of Midsomer Murders fans to enjoy."
© Mark Bourdillon / Bentley ProductionsMeanwhile, executive producer Michele Buck added: "We are so pleased to be able to bring viewers more tales from the fascinating world of Midsomer Murders with this series 26 commission."
Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX in the UK and on Acorn TV in the US.
