After 13 years and a massive body count, 'Midsomer Murders' star John Nettles has announced that he is leaving the whodunit series.
Sixty-six-year-old Nettles has played Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby since the ITV drama began in 1996.
He will film two more series, with his final episode to air in 2011.
However, the series will continue without him.
Commenting, Nettles said: "It's the end of an era for me, and while I'm very sad to be handing in Barnaby's police badge, he has solved nearly 200 murders, which I think meets the targets of modern policing. I wish my successor the very best."
Paying tribute to Nettles, ITV boss Laura Mackie said: "John has been instrumental in creating a much-loved character and a hugely successful long-running series for ITV. He will be missed by us all and remembered fondly as we move forward with the show."
