DCI Tom Barnaby bids an emotional farewell to Midsomer Murders as he tackles his last case of murder and mayhem in the picturesque but deadly villages.

“Fit for Murder” is actor John Nettles’ final appearance as he hands in his police badge after over 80 episodes and 14 years in the starring role as British television’s top detective. The two-hour film, made by Bentley Productions, is screened on ITV1.

More than 250 suspicious deaths have rocked the tranquil surroundings of Midsomer since Barnaby took office. Stabbing and strangulation have been joined by many bizarre murderous methods, including death by poisonous frogs, spontaneous combustion, falling from a doped horse and getting speared by King Neptune’s trident.

“Fit for Murder” also features the final episode for Jane Wymark, who has played Barnaby’s long-suffering wife Joyce since the series began in 1997, and Laura Howard, who has co-starred regularly as his daughter Cully.

Some of the top names in British television join John for his final episode. Geraldine James, Lesley Manville, Jason Durr, Ronni Ancona and Shaun Dingwall are among the latest guest stars joining the roll call of almost 1000 famous names who have played killers, victims or red herrings in the drama.

“Fit for Murder” also features an appearance by Midsomer’s new detective Neil Dudgeon who takes over this year as DCI John Barnaby, a cousin of the original Barnaby who moves to Midsomer to team up with DI Ben Jones, played by established star Jason Hughes.

Four new episodes of series 14, starring Neil and Jason, have already been filmed, with another four in production during 2011. The new-look Midsomer Murders team, also featuring Fiona Dolman as Barnaby’s wife Sarah, will make their debut on ITV1 this spring.

In “Fit for Murder”, Barnaby (John Nettles) reluctantly accompanies Joyce (Jane Wymark) on a spa weekend to upmarket Swavely Manor. But as he attempts to de-stress amid the New Age therapies, a woman is found dead in the floatation chamber.

Abandoning the treatments to investigate, Barnaby uncovers a feud between neighbours, money wrangles and the mystery of a half-written novel. But, despite the distractions of the case, Barnaby has a birthday approaching and a decision to make. His personal worries are never far from the surface.

John Nettles says: “I wanted to die in noble fashion in the service of my country and then be buried with full military honours in Westminster Abbey. In the event, Tom and his long-suffering wife Joyce will simply retire. It’s always better to leave when people want more.

Episode Details

Barnaby reluctantly accompanies Joyce on a spa weekend to upmarket Swavely Manor, a country house offering treatments to soothe the body and spirit. His birthday is approaching but the detective is anything but relaxed – as well as his mistrust of New Age treatments and therapies, Barnaby has something on his mind.

The atmosphere at the picturesque manor house is far from tranquil, too, as owner Phoebe Archbold has fallen out with her old friend and neighbour Miranda Bedford, a wannabe novelist. Miranda saved Swavely from ruin in the past, but now Phoebe’s husband Luke wants to end her right of way over the land.

Highly-strung spa enthusiast Kitty Pottinger collapses when she finds the ‘garden of contemplation’ full of sheep and Phoebe blames Miranda’s friend Carter Smith for stirring up trouble. As Barnaby is sent for a hot stones massage, Joyce tries out the floatation chamber – only to find Kitty’s dead body floating beside her.

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Photograph of Jason Hughes & John Nettles

Photograph of Jason Hughes and John Nettles from ITV's series Midsomer Murders