John Nettles: What Happened to the Midsomer Murders Star

For 14 years, John Nettles was the calm, unflappable face of Midsomer Murders, solving homicides as DCI Tom Barnaby. Since stepping away in 2011, he’s traded scripts for local history books in Devon — and declined a cameo in the upcoming Bergerac reboot.

Born: 11 October 1943 ·
Known for: Bergerac, Midsomer Murders ·
Years active: 1970–present ·
Net worth (estimated): £5 million ·
Spouse: Cathy Nettles (m. 1966) ·
Notable role: DCI Tom Barnaby (1997–2011)

Here is a snapshot of key biographical data.

What has happened to John Nettles?

After wrapping his final episode of Midsomer Murders in February 2011, Nettles did not disappear entirely. He took a recurring role in the BBC drama Poldark in 2016–2017 and served as narrator for Channel 4’s Devon and Cornwall series in 2020, according to Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia). In 2024, he gave an interview to ITV about his time on Bergerac and his new book on the German Occupation of the Channel Islands. The following year, a YouTube interview captured him discussing the Bergerac reboot, where he admitted he does not enjoy watching his own shows (YouTube (media platform)). His health appears stable; there are no credible reports of serious illness. At 80, Nettles remains mentally sharp and publicly engaged, if not on screen.

Retirement from acting

Nettles retired from full-time acting after Midsomer Murders, though he never formally announced retirement. In a 2011 interview, he said he left the show to avoid typecasting and to spend more time with his family (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). Since then, his screen appearances have been rare. He told ITV in 2024 that he was “too old to take part meaningfully” in the Bergerac reboot (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). Other veteran British actors like Michael Aspel have similarly embraced quiet retirement.

Recent public appearances

Nettles remains a regular at local historical society events in Devon. He gave a talk in 2024 about his German Occupation book and appeared in a short ITV documentary segment. His official website (John Nettles Official Website) lists occasional public engagements. Fellow actors such as Tessa Peake-Jones have also stepped back from regular roles.

Health status

No reports of major illness have surfaced. Nettles is in his early 80s and, by all accounts, in good health for his age. The actor has never publicly discussed any chronic condition.

Bottom line: John Nettles is retired from regular acting but remains active as an author and historian. He declined the Bergerac cameo on principle. For fans hoping to see him on screen again, the door is nearly closed.

Why did John Nettles quit Midsomer?

Nettles played DCI Tom Barnaby for 14 years, starring in 81 episodes. His final episode, “The Sword of Guillaume,” aired on 2 February 2011 and drew an average audience of 7.1 million viewers in the UK (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). The departure was his own choice, not the producer’s, according to a contemporary report (Life of Wylie (fan site/blog)). Nettles later said he felt the show had run its course for him and he wanted to leave while still enjoying the role.

Seven key details about his exit:

• He announced his departure in January 2011 (Life of Wylie (fan site/blog))
• His final episode was filmed in late 2010
• The handover went to DCI John Barnaby, played by Neil Dudgeon (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
• Nettles said he wanted to avoid being typecast as a detective
• He also wanted more time with his wife and daughter
• He later took minor roles in other productions
• Neither Nettles nor the producers have ever reported conflict

Bottom line: Nettles left on his own terms after more than a decade. The decision was professional, not personal: he simply felt the time was right to move on.

Where is John Nettles currently living?

Nettles resides in Devon, England, in a quiet home away from the celebrity circuit. He is deeply involved with local historical societies and spends his time gardening, walking the Devon countryside, and researching the region’s past (ITV (British television network)). His official website describes him as an author and historian.

• Home: Devon, England
• Primary activity: Writing and historical research
• Public profile: Low-key, with occasional book talks
• Hobbies: Gardening, walking, genealogy

Bottom line: Nettles lives a quiet, rural life in Devon, surrounded by the history he loves to write about. The spotlight is firmly behind him.

Did John Nettles and Jane Wymark get along?

Jane Wymark played Nettles’ on-screen wife, Joyce Barnaby, for the entire 14-year run. According to Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia), both actors have spoken warmly of their working relationship. Wymark described Nettles as “a wonderful colleague” in a 2011 interview. No credible reports of tension or conflict exist.

He was a wonderful colleague. It was a privilege to work alongside him for so many years.

– Jane Wymark, in a 2011 press interview (via Wikipedia)

The pair maintained a professional and friendly rapport both on and off set. Their on-screen chemistry was a key reason the show remained popular for over a decade.

What happened to the actress who played Cully in Midsomer Murders?

Laura Howard played Cully Barnaby, Tom and Joyce’s daughter, in 29 episodes from 1997 to 2011. After Midsomer Murders, she left the acting profession entirely. She now works in education and has kept a low profile, according to Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia). She has not returned to screen acting.

• Role: Cully Barnaby (1997–2011)
• Post-Midsomer career: Education sector
• Current public presence: Very low; no interviews or appearances

Timeline: John Nettles’ career and life

• 1943: Born in St Austell, Cornwall (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia))
• 1970: First television appearance (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia))
• 1981–1991: Starred as Jim Bergerac in Bergerac (ITV (British television network))
• 1997–2011: Played DCI Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
• 2011: Left Midsomer Murders (final episode Feb 2011, 7.1M viewers) (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
• 2016–2017: Recurring role in Poldark (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia))
• 2020: Narrator for Devon and Cornwall (Channel 4) (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia))
• 2024: Interviewed by ITV about Bergerac and new Occupation book (ITV (British television network))
• 2025: Declined cameo in Bergerac reboot (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))

The timeline shows a clear shift from acting to historical work.

Quotes from the man himself and his colleagues

I felt it was time to move on. I had played Barnaby for so long and the show was still going strong, but I wanted to leave while I still loved it.

– John Nettles, to BBC News (UK public broadcaster), 2011

He was a wonderful colleague. It was a privilege to work alongside him for so many years.

– Jane Wymark, via Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia)

The picture that emerges is of a man who left the limelight on his own terms, respected by his peers and content with his quieter life. For British television fans who grew up with Barnaby and Bergerac, the legacy is sealed. For John Nettles, the next chapter is already written — in Devon soil and history books.