Midsomer Murders Season 24 Episode 1

The fourth episode in season 22 is airing as a one-off, so don't expect to see the show back next week. However, if one episode of Midsomer isn't enough for you, never fret - this weekend will also see a retrospective documentary airing on the channel, entitled Midsomer Murders - 25 Years of Mayhem.

The documentary will include interviews with old and new cast, including Neil Dudgeon, John Nettles, Nick Hendrix, Annette Badland, Daniel Casey, Jason Hughes and more.

The new episode meanwhile will once again feature Dudgeon and Hendrix as Barnaby and Winter, who are investigating when a killer strikes at the local Scarecrow Festival. But just when is the drama back on our screens?

Read on for everything you need to know about Midsomer Murders' next episode and when it is due to air.

When is Midsomer Murders on TV?

Fiona Dolman, Neil Dudgeon and Isabel Shaw in Midsomer Murders. ITV

Midsomer Murders' The Scarecrow Murders, the fourth episode in season 22, will air from 8pm on Sunday 29th May 2022.

ITV has not yet announced an official airdate for season 22's fifth and sixth episodes – however they are expected to arrive on our screens later this year, as season 23 is already in production.

Be the first to get the latest drama news, direct to your inbox

Keep up to date with all the dramas - from period to crime to comedy

Email address

Sign Up

By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

What is The Scarecrow Murders about?

Jamie Winter as Nick Hendrix in Midsomer Murders. ITV

The official synopsis for the episode states: "Little Upton is a picturesque village known for hosting the annual Midsomer Scarecrow Festival, a key event in the social calendar. Each year, residents compete to build the best scarecrow and display their designs around the village.

"The cherished pastime brings tourists to the area and this year sees more entrants than ever before, after the three-day event the favourite contender is announced. From the policemen to the fishmongers, the GP surgery to the cricket team, everyone is getting involved to help raise money for the church restoration fund.

"However, this fun and eccentric celebration of daftness hides a grumbling antagonism. Something of a local celebrity, Reverend Oscar is facing a challenge to his position within the community.

"The Lotto Vicar won £15 million several years ago on the first and only ticket he ever bought and now resides in a not-so-humble vicarage - the Lord really does move in mysterious ways. Despite this win, Reverend Oscar continues to fund raise for the church and faces criticism of hypocrisy from the disgraced vicar in a neighbouring parish, Fergus.

More like this

"The Scarecrow Festival is a competition which can both unite and divide, for the locals the stakes could not be higher, rivalries are established and underneath the surface there is tension brewing with many desperate to reign supreme. Could the desire to retain their title lead someone to employ the dirtiest tactics of all?"

Midsomer Murders cast

Neil Dudgeon returns as DCI John Barnaby, with Nick Hendrix by his side as DS Jamie Winter.

Fiona Dolman will also return as John's wife Sarah Barnaby, as well as Paddy the dog – the family's "faithful canine companion".

In season 20, EastEnders' Annette Badland joined the team as "formidable" new pathologist Dr Fleur Perkins, replacing pathologist Dr Kam Karimore (Manjinder Virk), who moved to Canada at the end of series 19. Badland remains a part of the cast.

Neil Dudgeon said: "The team thought it would be interesting to introduce a character who would test Barnaby, somebody with whom he would have a more provocative relationship, and Fleur does just that."

Midsomer Murders guest stars

Simon Shepherd and Amara Karan in Midsomer Murders. ITV

The fourth episode of Midsomer Murders' 22nd season, The Scarecrow Murders, features Simon Shepherd who guest stars as Oscar Hayden, the 'Lotto Vicar'.

Alongside him, Billy Hinchliff, Jacqueline Boatswain and Amara Karan also star amongst others, with the three playing Jack Baldwin, Rachel Taylor and Adele Paige respectively.

Midsomer Murders – 25 Years of Mayhem

Midsomer Murders - 25 Years of Mayhem ITV

As well as a brand-new episode, ITV will also play home on Sunday night to a retrospective documentary on the series, entitled Midsomer Murders - 25 Years of Mayhem.

This will air at 7pm on Sunday 29th May 2022, ahead of the new episode, and will pay tribute to the on and off-screen talent who have played pivotal roles in keeping the show going since 1997.

It will feature interviews with cast both new and old, including Neil Dudgeon, John Nettles, Nick Hendrix, Annette Badland, Daniel Casey, Jason Hughes and more.

The documentary will also take viewers behind the scenes of the filming of season 23, as well as transporting viewers right back to the show's early beginnings, including appearances from future A-list actors such as Orlando Bloom and Henry Cavill.

Midsomer Murders: The Scarecrow Murders will air on ITV at 8pm on Sunday 29th March. Midsomer Murders - 25 Years of Mayhem will air on ITV from 7pm. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage.

Advertisement

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.

Is there a season 24 of Midsomer Murders?

Is Midsomer Murders coming back in 2022?

Who does Cully end up with in Midsomer Murders?

Where can I watch the latest episodes of Midsomer Murders?