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TV Choice – Issue 15

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Meet the cast of Midsomer Murders!

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Meet the cast of Call The Midwife

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The BIG interview: Doctor Who's Peter Davison

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Meet the cast of Death In Paradise!

Closing date for issue 15 is midnight 21st April 2025. Only one entry per person.


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# Meet the cast of Call The Midwife: Get to know the new and returning characters in series 14

Call The Midwife is now well into its second decade, with over 100 episodes so far. The nurses of Nonnatus House have faced down challenges with grit and good humour over the years — and they've delivered a lot of babies!

We've put together a guide to all of Call The Midwife's main characters, including those who have since left the show, along with the actors who played them.

### **Vanessa Redgrave as the voice of Jennifer Worth**

Jennifer was the main character of Call The Midwife from series 1 to 3, when she was played on-screen by Jessica Raine. After she left Nonnatus House, she married artist Phillip Worth, who encouraged her to write about her work as a nurse — this provided the basis for the show. She continues to serve as narrator for the show with Vanessa Redgrave as her voice.

**What else has Vanessa Redgrave been on?**

A legend of stage and screen, Vanessa is part of an acting dynasty that includes her father, Michael Redgrave, and her daughters Natasha and Joely Richardson. She has received the Triple Crown of Acting — an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and two Emmy Awards — and was made a Dame in 2022. She landed a place in cinema history in 1966 when she starred in Blow-Up, an influential film for directors including Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola. Her first of six Oscar nominations thus far came in 1966 for her performance in Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment, and she would win for Supporting Actress in 1977 for Julia. She starred in two Merchant Ivory films, The Bostonians (1984) and Howards End (1992), both of which also garnered her Oscar nominations. Alongside her prolific acting career, Vanessa has dedicated her life to political activism, from anti-Vietnam War protests in the 1960s to anti-Iraq War protests in the 2000s, as well as supporting the cause of Palestinian liberation and the rights of refugees.

### **Jenny Agutter plays Sister Julienne**

Sister Julienne is the sister-in-charge at Nonnatus House and manages all the other midwives. She is no-nonsense and steadfast, but she is also a warm figure and is willing to offer comfort to the younger sisters.

Jenny has been a working actor since she starred in East Of Sudan (1964) at the age of 12. She played Roberta in The Railway Children TV show in 1968, and she has returned to this world twice — in the same role in the 1970 film version and the 2022 sequel The Railway Children Return, and as Mother in the 2000 made-for-TV film. Her successful cinematic career continued into the 1970s and onwards, giving her starring roles in films including Walkabout (1971), Logan’s Run (1976) and An American Werewolf In London (1981). More recently, she shared the screen with Bill Nighy in Sometimes Always Never (2018), and Marvel fans may have seen her as a member of the World Security Council in Avengers Assemble (2012) and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). Jenny won an Emmy in 1971 for the TV movie The Snow Goose, a BAFTA in 1977 for her supporting role in Equus and even a :a[TV Choice Award]{href='https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/awards/winners/ceremony-2022/' } in 2022 for Call The Midwife!

### **Judy Parfitt plays Sister Monica Joan**

Sister Monica Joan is the last surviving founder of Nonnatus House, one of the UK’s earliest registered nurses. She retired before the series began, and suffers from dementia, although she remains in good spirits and is well-liked by the younger midwives — even though she has a naughty streak.

Judy’s career began in earnest in the 1960s when she guest-starred in various popular shows, including multiple episodes of The Avengers (1962, 1963, 1967) as different characters. She has acted in adaptations of many great works of British literature, from Pride And Prejudice (1980) to Little Dorrit (2008). She has been BAFTA nominated twice, for The Jewel In The Crown (1984) and Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003). Judy seems to have focused her energies on Call The Midwife since the series began in 2012, although she has found time to guest on series including Vera (2012) and The Game (2015).

### **Helen George plays Nurse Trixie Franklin**

Trixie is a senior nurse and midwife at Nonnatus House. She’s outgoing and fun, and a little boy-crazy — when she broke up with Tom Hereward in series 4, she struggled with alcoholism, and this returned when she broke up with Christopher Dockerill in series 7. In series 10, she met Matthew and Fiona Aylward, which led to friendship and eventually romance with Matthew after Fiona tragically dies. The pair are now married, making Trixie, Lady Aylward. In series 13, Matthew moved to New York, leaving Trixie behind, but in the finale she decided to join him. Trixie is now spending time in New York as well as continuing with her duties at Nonnatus House.

Before joining Call The Midwife in its first season, Helen had smaller roles in shows including Hollyoaks, Hotel Babylon and Doctors. She’s since guest starred in Red Dwarf and DI Ray, and played Miss Shelley in Nativity Rocks! (2018). In 2015, she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, landing in sixth place with partner Aljaž Skorjanec. Helen dated Jack Ashton, who played Reverend Tom Hereward on Call The Midwife, from 2016 to 2023. The pair became close while shooting the 2016 Christmas special and had two daughters together, Wren and Lark, before their split.

### **Laura Main plays Nurse Shelagh Turner**

Gentle and kind Shelagh was known as Sister Bernadette before she decided to leave the order in series 2, when she fell in love with Dr Turner. She is a senior midwife and becomes the manager of Dr Turner’s GP practice. The couple have four children together.

Primarily a theatre actor, Laura has been performing since she was a teenager in her native Aberdeen. More recently, she starred as Fiona in Shrek: The Musical and as M’lynn in Steel Magnolias. Her largest TV role prior to Call The Midwife was as DC Alison Bain on Murder City (2004-2006). Laura has also guest starred on Doctors (2011, 2016), Holby City (2007, 2011) and Father Brown (2014), as well as starring in six episodes of The Mill (2014).

### **Stephen McGann plays Dr Patrick Turner**

Dr Turner is the local GP in Poplar, and he works closely with Nonnatus House as their clinical lead. He is married to Shelagh, and the couple have four children between them — Timothy, Dr Turner’s son with his late wife; Angela, who was adopted; May, who is a fostered orphan from Hong Kong; and Teddy, their biological son.

**What else has Stephen McGann been on?**

Stephen is tied to Call The Midwife in more ways than one, since he’s been married to the show’s creator, Heidi Thomas, since 1991. Stephen played Sean Reynolds on Emmerdale (1999-2002), but his first big success was the show The Hanging Gale (1995), which he co-created with his brother Joe from their own family history. His brother Paul, who also starred in The Hanging Gale, played a different kind of doctor on the BBC — the eighth iteration of the titular Time Lord on Doctor Who. When he’s not acting, Stephen is a passionate medical science communicator, even writing a book covering some of the cases discussed on Call The Midwife.

Fred is the caretaker of Nonnatus House, a role he has held since the end of World War II. While he was in the Army, his wife was killed, and his daughters were looked after by family members. In series 4 he takes an interest in shopkeeper Violet, and the pair are married at the end of the series.

Cliff began his career as a touring stand-up comedian, which he kept up throughout the 1980s until he was cast in Queen Of Hearts (1989). After taking smaller roles in projects including A Bit Of Fry And Laurie (1990), The Saint (1997), Casualty (2000) and From Hell (2001), Cliff was cast as Minty Peterson on EastEnders (2002-2010). More recently, he competed in I’m A Celebrity… in 2019, although his time there was fairly short — he was the third contestant to leave. Cliff thankfully recovered from the hypothermia he suffered while filming the trip to the seaside from the latest series of Call The Midwife and will soon be seen in a guest role on Channel 5’s The Good Ship Murder.

### **Linda Bassett plays Nurse Phyllis Crane**

Initially brought in as temporary cover for Sister Evangelina, Phyllis became a permanent resident of Nonnatus House when Chummy announced her resignation. She’s a forceful character, driven and sometimes stern, but the younger midwives have grown to see her as a mentor.

Linda began her career in community theatre in the 1970s, and her first on-screen role would come in 1987, when she played Gertrude Stein in Waiting For The Moon. She is perhaps best-known for playing matriarch Ella Khan in East Is East (1999), for which she was BAFTA nominated. Supporting roles in comedic British films followed, including The Hours (2002), Calendar Girls (2003) and Kinky Boots (2005). She played Ella Khan again in West Is West (2010), and from 2008 to 2011 she starred as Queenie Turrill on Lark Rise To Candleford. She has worked with Simon Amstell twice — as Grandma on his show Grandma’s House (2010-2012) and as Dr Yasmine Vondenburg in Carnage (2017). In 2022, she starred in the fifth series of Strike and in 2023 she played a supporting role in The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry.

### **Annabelle Apsion plays Violet Buckle**

Formerly Mrs Gee, shop owner Violet fell in love with and married Fred Buckle in series 4. She and Fred look after Reggie Jackson, a child of Fred’s late cousin who has Down’s syndrome. Later, she ran for the local Tower Hamlets Borough Council, and now has become mayor of Poplar.

**What else has Annabelle Apsion been on?**

Annabelle’s first screen credit was on two episodes of Emmerdale as Lucy Dowling (1988). From 1991 to 1995, she starred as Joy Wilton on Soldier Soldier, and she played Margaret Barnes on The Bill from 2004 to 2005. In 2001 she played Polly Nichols, Jack the Ripper’s first victim, in For Hell, which also featured her Call The Midwife co-star Cliff Parisi. Her longest-running starring role before Call The Midwife was as Monica Gallagher on Shameless from 2004 to 2013.

### **Daniel Laurie plays Reggie Jackson**

Reggie becomes the ward of Fred and Violet Buckle after his mother — Fred’s cousin — dies suddenly. He has Down’s syndrome, and lives in a residential facility for young adults with disabilities, though he visits Fred and Violet regularly and considers them his surrogate family.

Before he was cast as Reggie, Daniel played Jamie on the TV show Stella (2016). Since he joined Call The Midwife he has starred in an episode of Vera (2020) and four episodes of Finding Alice (2021).

### **Georgie Glen plays Miss Millicent Higgins**

Millicent is the receptionist at Dr Turner’s surgery. She takes her job very seriously, always wearing formal attire. She’s close with Nurse Phyllis and friendly with the other members of Nonnatus House, having stayed there for a while after her home was burgled in series 11.

Georgie is best known outside of her role on Call The Midwife as history teacher Audrey McFall in Waterloo Road, who she played from 2012-2015. She has played different roles in two adaptations of Les Misérables — in 2012 and 2019 — and has been a lady-in-waiting to Judi Dench in both Mrs Brown (1997) and Shakespeare In Love (1998). She has starred with a fellow Call The Midwife cast member twice — with Jenny Agutter in The Railway Children (2000) and with Linda Bassett in Calendar Girls (2003). Since joining the Call The Midwife cast, she has played Dr Wendy Newstone in Ridley (2022) and Diana’s grandmother Ruth Lady Fermoy in series 4 of The Crown (2020).

### **Zephryn Taitte plays Cyril Robinson**

Cyril was introduced to the midwives when he was called out to fix Phyllis’ car. He met Lucille when she brought him some tea, and the pair got married in series 11. When Lucille suffered a breakdown in series 12, Cyril bought her a ticket to Jamaica to be with her family, and since she left he has dedicated himself to his new career as a social worker. Cyril became close with Rosalind in series 14.

**What else has Zephryn Taitte been on?**

Zephryn has starred in one episode of The Hour (2011), Doctors (2018), Father Brown (2022) and Unforgotten (2023). His biggest role before Call The Midwife was as Dorian in Brothers With No Game, which he played from 2012 to 2018.

### **Megan Cusack plays Nurse Nancy Corrigan**

Early on, Nancy reveals that she had a child when she was only 16 — Colette, who lives first at a Catholic orphanage and then with a foster family, and has been told that Nancy is her sister. Colette becomes her motivation for qualifying as a midwife and earning enough to get them somewhere to live together. In the 2023 Christmas special, their little family was finally united when she and Colette were given their own room at Nonnatus House. In series 14 Nancy got engaged to salesman Roger, and the pair will leave Poplar (and the show) once they're married.

Megan is a member of a performing dynasty — her grandparents are actors Cyril and Maureen Cusack, and her aunts Sinéad, Sorcha, Niamh and Catherine are all actors. Megan’s first cousin is Max Irons, Sinéad’s son with her husband Jeremy Irons. Before she joined the cast of Call The Midwife, she had featured in one episode of Doctors (2018) and on stage in an Irish production of The Cherry Orchard (2020).

### **Rebecca Gethings plays Sister Veronica**

## We found out how Coronation Street star Vicky Myers pulled together her stunning look for the 2025 TV Choice Awards

All the stars looked fabulous at the TV Choice Awards last week, but when we asked you over on our :a[Instagram]{href='https://www.instagram.com/tvchoicemagazine' } for your best-dressed, there was one clear winner: Coronation Street star Vicky Myers, who looked gorgeous in a floor-length cornflower blue gown. We caught up with Vicky to get some details on how this stunning look came together — including where you can buy the dress yourself!

We told Vicky how much our readers loved her look: 'Oh, how lovely,' she said. 'I don’t have a stylist, it’s all high street (last minute), but I’d love to mention my hairdresser Leah and obviously thank the readers very much, and everyone at TV Choice for inviting us. Everyone looked incredible and we had a fantastic night.'

She continued, 'I’m not a great shopper, if truth be told. I get quite bored trying on clothes and would much rather be doing something else — maybe that’ll change in time. I love having my hair and makeup done though — that’s a real treat.'

On her philosophy for getting dressed, Vicky shared 'I like wearing colour and I don’t try too hard — if I like it and if it fits, I’ll wear it. My aim isn’t what other people would think — they’re not wearing it. You have to be comfortable and feel great.'

Her hair was cut by :a[Leah Riley]{href='https://www.instagram.com/leahrileyhair/' } and styled by :a[Kirby Blythe]{href='https://www.instagram.com/hairbykirbyblythe' }, while :a[Sally Rowe]{href='https://www.instagram.com/sallyrowemua/' } did her makeup. Nothing she wore was gifted, and you can even pick up the dress yourself from :a[Phase Eight]{href='https://www.phase-eight.com/product/marren-blue-chiffon-pleated-maxi-dress-222360408.html#q=pleat%20dress&amp;is=true&amp;sz=60&amp;start=0&amp;isSecondPage=false&amp;pid=222360408&amp;pos=11' }! Her shoes and necklace are from John Lewis, the bag is from Mango, the rings are from Paul David Jewellery and the earrings are from Coach.

Vicky Myers shares the details of her best-dressed TV Choice Awards look

## It’s run for close to three decades – but who are all of the show’s main characters, both past and present? {#h-it-s-run-for-more-than-a-quarter-of-a-century-but-who-are-all-of-the-show-s-main-characters-both-past-and-present}

Midsomer Murders has been one of television’s best-loved police dramas for almost 30 years. Having begun in 1997, it’s become one of ITV’s most successful shows, having produced almost 150 episodes. That amounts to an awful lot of murders being committed in one English county! Over the years, there have been two detectives who have led the series – Tom Barnaby, followed by his cousin John Barnaby – who have been ably supported by a host of supporting cast members.

We’ve put together a guide to all of Midsomer Murders’ main characters, including those who have since left the show, complete with information about where else you might have seen the actors…

### Neil Dudgeon plays Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby {#h-neil-dudgeon-plays-detective-chief-inspector-john-barnaby}

**Duration**: Series 13 (guest role), 14 to present

John Barnaby transferred to Midsomer’s Causton CID to replace his cousin, Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) who was retiring. John didn’t get on particularly well with DS Ben Jones (Jason Hughes) when he first arrived, but the pair later formed a great partnership. John lives locally with his wife Sarah (Fiona Dolman) and daughter Betty.

Long-time Midsomer Murders viewers may remember that Neil first appeared in the show as an entirely different character. Back in the fourth series’ opening episode Garden Of Death, he played the gardener Daniel Bolt. Neil is also known for playing the lead role of Jim Riley opposite Caroline Quentin in the BBC comedy Life Of Riley between 2009 and 2011. During an acting career which has spanned 40 years, Neil has made appearances in some of the UK’s best known TV shows, including Lovejoy (1991), Casualty (1991), The Bill (1991), A Touch Of Frost (1994), Inspector Morse (1995) and Silent Witness (2008).

### Fiona Dolman plays Sarah Barnaby {#h-fiona-dolman-plays-sarah-barnaby}

Sarah is the wife of John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon), and is the headmistress of a local secondary school, and the couple live together in a country cottage – with their dog Sykes, before the beloved pet sadly died. The couple later adopted a terrier pup named Paddy, after his previous owner was murdered. Sarah fell pregnant during the course of the 16th series, and gave birth to their first child, Betty.

In 2008, Fiona played Miss Pamela Andrews in 48 episodes of The Royal Today – the daytime spin-off series to The Royal. She was also well known for playing Jackie Bradley, the wife of PC Mike Bradley, in the long-running ITV series Heartbeat between 1998 and 2001. She has also appeared in Ultraviolet (1998), The Bill (1997, 2001, 2003 and 2009), Holby City (2003, 2007 and 2009), Coronation Street (2009), Waterloo Road (2010), The Syndicate (2013), Casualty (2016) and Unforgotten (2025).

### Nick Hendrix plays Detective Sergeant Jamie Winter {#h-nick-hendrix-plays-detective-sergeant-jamie-winter}

Jamie is the latest sergeant to be paired with DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon), replacing DS Charlie Nelson (Gwilym Lee). Before moving to Midsomer, Jamie had worked in London, and had gone on a crime management course with Dr Kam Marimore (Manjinder Virk).

Before joining the cast of Midsomer Murders in 2016, Nick had made guest appearances in quite a few British dramas, including Inspector George Gently (2012), Call The Midwife (2013), Lightfields (2013), The White Queen (2013), Foyle’s War (2015) and The Crown (2016). He also appeared in the very first episode of Charlie Brooker’s anthology series Black Mirror back in 2011.

### Annette Badland plays Dr Fleur Perkins {#h-annette-badland-plays-dr-fleur-perkins}

Fleur is the chief forensic pathologist for the county of Midsomer. She has been married several times, and when she first joined the CID she was dating a vet. However, that relationship didn’t last and she is currently single. Fleur owns two motorcycles, which she calls Gladys and Brenda, and she drives a convertible.

**What else has Annette Badland been in?**

Annette’s major breakthrough came in the first three series of Bergerac, where she played Charlotte, the secretary at the Bureau des Étrangers, alongside fellow Midsomer Murders star John Nettles, between 1981 and 1984. In more recent years, she achieved notoriety as wicked Aunt Babe Smith, matriarch of the Carter family in EastEnders – a role she played between 2014 and 2017. She also played Brawdie Henshall in all four series of hairdressing drama Cutting It (2002-2005). Annette has clocked up a huge number of guest appearances in many of the best-known shows on British television, including Crossroads (1978), All Creatures Great And Small (1989), Casualty (various roles between 1990 and 2012), Poirot (2003), Coronation Street (2005), Doctor Who (2005), Not Going Out (2018), The Crown (2020), Silent Witness (2021) and Beyond Paradise (2023).

So, that’s all of Midsomer Murders’ current main cast of characters, but what about the many familiar faces who are no longer appearing in the show? And might we see any of them again in the future? Let’s meet all of the previous cast members…

### John Nettles played Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby {#h-john-nettles-played-detective-chief-inspector-tom-barnaby-nbsp}

The character of Tom Barnaby was originally created by English writer Caroline Graham for her Chief Inspector Barnaby series of novels, published between 1987 and 2004. Having previously worked for MI6, Tom became a DCI based in the town of Causton in south-east England, who travelled into the countryside to solve murders in a number of nearby villages in the county of Midsomer. Barnaby married Joyce (Jane Wymark) back in 1973, and the couple are parents to their adult daughter Cully (Laura Howard), who was born in 1978. Tom had three Detective Sergeants during his time investigating murders in Midsomer – DS Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey), DS Daniel Scott (John Hopkins) and DS Ben Jones (Jason Hughes). When Tom retired, he was succeeded by his cousin John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon).

John Nettles is in the unusual position of having played not one, but two of British television’s most famous detectives! Before he played Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders, he became a household name in BBC1’s Jersey-set thriller Bergerac, in which he played Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac between 1981 and 1991. John starred in all 87 episodes of the hugely popular show, and even made an encore appearance as Bergerac in a 1993 episode of Jasper Carrott’s sitcom The Detectives! Earlier in his career, John played Ian McKenzie in A Family At War (1971-1972) and Paul in The Liver Birds (1972-1976). He also made guest appearances in Robin Of Sherwood (1984), Boon (1992) and Heartbeat (2001). In more recent times, he has appeared in several episodes of Poldark (2016-2017) and as the narrator of Devon And Cornwall (2020-2021).

### Jane Wymark played Joyce Barnaby {#h-jane-wymark-played-joyce-barnaby}

Joyce is the long-suffering wife of Tom Barnaby (John Nettles), who is extremely patient with her workaholic husband. She initially wanted them to move out of their home in Causton, and into one of the Midsomer villages. However, she was subsequently put off by all the gruesome murders that seemed to happen there on a regular basis!

Aside from her role in Midsomer Murders, Jane is best known for playing Morwenna Chynoweth Whitworth in the original 1970s version of Poldark (1977). She has also made guest appearances in Maigret (1993), Lovejoy (1993), Pie In The Sky (1996), A Touch Of Frost (1997) and Dangerfield (1998).

### Daniel Casey played Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy {#h-daniel-casey-played-detective-sergeant-gavin-troy}

**Duration**: Series 1-7 (main cast), Series 11 (guest appearance)

DS Gavin Troy was Tom Barnaby’s first assistant. He was an ambitious officer who provided able support for his DCI. However, Gavin was also occasionally seen to be slightly backwards in some of his views, and was a particularly careless driver, being responsible for several near-fatal accidents! After being promoted to the rank of Inspector, Gavin was transferred to Northumbria. He did later return to Midsomer briefly to attend the wedding of Tom’s daughter Cully (Laura Howard).

Besides Midsomer Murders, Daniel is most recognised for playing Anthony Cox in Our Friends In The North (1996), and firefighter Tony Barnes in Steel River Blues (2004). He has made guest appearances in Inspector George Gently (2010), Marchlands (2011), Casualty (2012 and 2014), Coronation Street (2016), EastEnders (2017) and Emmerdale (2018).

### Barry Jackson played Dr George Bullard {#h-barry-jackson-played-dr-george-bullard}

George was the resident pathologist in Causton – a popular and professional doctor, who was respected throughout the community. He was a close friend of Tom Barnaby (John Nettles), and was married to Catherine, a physician at the Midsomer Market Medical Centre.

Barry, who died in 2013 aged 75, enjoyed an incredible career, which took off in the Sixties with roles in Cathy Come Home (1966), The Bofors Gun (1968) and Alfred The Great (1969). He also made his first appearance in Doctor Who in 1965, later returning as a different character in a 1979 storyline. His CV takes in many of British television’s most famous shows, including Z Cars (1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975), Dixon Of Dock Green (1967, 1969 and 1974), Softly Softly: Task Force (1969, 1972 and 1973), Doomwatch (1972), Crown Court (1973, 1976 and 1977), Poldark (1975-1976), The New Avengers (1976), The Onedin Line (1976 and 1978), Secret Army (1977), Blake’s 7 (1978), The Professionals (1978), Coronation Street (1978), All Creatures Great And Small (1980 and 1989), Minder (1984 and 1994), Lovejoy (1986), Bergerac (1990), The Bill (1991, 1996, 2001 and 2003), A Touch Of Frost (1994 and 2002), Heartbeat (1994, 2004 and 2006), Silent Witness (1997), Kavanagh QC (1998) and Holby City (2004).

### Toby Jones played Dr Dan Peterson {#h-toby-jones-played-dr-dan-peterson}

**Duration:** Series 2 (recurring) and 3 (main)

Dan was a pathologist at the Causton CID, who temporarily covered for Dr George Bullard (Barry Jackson) when he was away for a while.

Toby has enjoyed a hugely successful film career, as well as his work for the small screen. His cinema credits include Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Dad’s Army (2016), and Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (2023). He was also the voice of Dobby the House Elf in Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002) and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010). On television, he recently won huge praise for his role as sub-postmaster Alan Bates in Mr Bates Versus The Post Office (2024). His other credits include Lovejoy (1993), The Last Detective (2007), Doctor Who (2010), Agatha Christie’s Poirot (2010), Titanic (2012), Detectorists (2014-2017 and 2022), Sherlock (2017), and The Long Shadow (2023).

### John Hopkins played Detective Sergeant Daniel Scott {#h-john-hopkins-played-detective-sergeant-daniel-scott}

Daniel replaced DS Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey), and proved to be a lot cockier than his predecessor. Initially, he was unhappy to be transferred from London to Midsomer, considering it to be ‘out in the sticks’. This caused some tension between him and his superior officer, Tom Barnaby (John Nettles). However, their frosty relationship thawed after a while, with the pair gaining a grudging respect for one another. Daniel left the department quite abruptly, and was replaced by DS Ben Jones (Jason Hughes).

After leaving Midsomer Murders, John went on to appear as Rex Randall for a run of episodes in soap opera Family Affairs (2005). He has also guest-starred in Wire In The Blood (2008), Hotel Babylon (2009), Merlin (2010), Dancing On The Edge (2013), Endeavour (2016), Poldark (2017-2018), Masters Of The Air (2024) and Paris Has Fallen (2024). He often provides voices and motion capture performances for video game characters, including Erend in Horizon Zero Dawn.

### Jason Hughes played Detective Sergeant Benjamin Jones {#h-jason-hughes-played-detective-sergeant-benjamin-jones}

**Duration:** Series 9-15 (main role), Series 19 (guest appearance)

Ben became Tom Barnaby’s third junior partner after DS Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey) and DS Daniel Scott (John Hopkins). Unlike his two predecessors, Ben was initially a uniformed officer, before he was promoted from Detective Constable to Detective Sergeant. When Tom retired, Ben harboured hopes of taking over from him, and was disappointed when Tom’s cousin John (Neil Dudgeon) was appointed instead. However, Ben did later receive a promotion to Inspector, and he was transferred to Brighton.

Welsh-born Jason’s early roles were in London’s Burning (1994), The Bill (1995) and Peak Practice (1995), but he really came to prominence as lawyer Warren Jones in BBC2’s seminal drama This Life (1996-1997, with a reunion in 2007). Since then, he has guest-starred in Waking The Dead (2003), Mine All Mine (2004), :a[Death In Paradise]{href='https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/death-in-paradise/meet-the-cast-of-death-in-paradise/' } (2017), Three Girls (2017), Marcella (2018) and The Pact (2021).

### Kirsty Dillon played Detective Constable Gail Stephens {#h-kirsty-dillon-played-detective-constable-gail-stephens}

DC Gail Stephens was transferred to Midsomer from Binwell. During her stay, she came close to having an affair with Sergeant Benjamin Jones (Jason Hughes), but she ultimately decided not to get romantically involved with a colleague.

Kirsty appeared in the 2004 BBC drama The Man That Broke Britain. She also has numerous other TV credits to her name, including Holby City (2000, 2010 and 2012), London’s Burning (2002), Casualty (2006 and 2014), Emmerdale (2015), Strike (2018), Man Like Mobeen (2019), MotherFatherSon (2019) and The Kindred (2021).

### Tamzin Malleson played Dr Kate Wilding {#h-tamzin-malleson-played-dr-kate-wilding}

Kate replaced Dr George Bullard (Barry Jackson) as the resident pathologist. Although she has never been married, she started a relationship with DS Benjamin Jones (Jason Hughes) while she was working in Midsomer. She later took up a professorship in Brighton, where she was reunited with Ben, who had already moved there.

**What else has Tamzin Malleson been in?**

Before Midsomer Murders, Tamzin was most recognisable for playing Alison Dangerfield in series three and four of BBC drama Dangerfield (1996-1997). She then went on to play Dr Kate Brady in Always And Everyone (2000-2001) and Penny Nevill in series two to four of Channel 4 comedy Teachers (2002-2004). Between 2004 and 2006, she portrayed Polly Grey in Bodies. She has also guest-starred in A Touch Of Frost (1996), Kavanagh QC (1996), Agatha Christie’s Poirot (2001), Boy Meets Girl (2009), Unforgotten (2015) and Marcella (2018).

### Gwilym Lee played Detective Sergeant Charlie Nelson {#h-gwilym-lee-played-detective-sergeant-charlie-nelson}

See the stars at the TV Choice Awards 2025

**The 2025 TV Choice Awards have finally come to an end, and what a night it’s been!**

  
A dazzling celebration of glitz, glamour, and memorable moments. The stars have truly shined, the excitement has been electric, and now, the time has come to reveal who’s taken home the coveted prizes.

Let’s not keep you waiting any longer, the winners are...

Escape To The Country/I Escaped To The Country, Naked West A Fremantle Label for BBC1

They spend their days helping buyers find new rural homes, and the stars of this popular daytime stalwart are exploring a new area tonight – our stage! The show, which debuted in 2002, has had several spin-offs, including one that sees celebrities look for life-changing properties. A number of the show’s searchers join us tonight – including Briony May Williams who previously appeared on another shortlisted show – The Great British Bake Off.

   
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Daytime-Show-1.jpg)

Gogglebox /Celebrity Gogglebox, Studio Lambert Productions for Channel 4

Armchair critics come and go – with only Derby’s Siddiqui clan having appeared in every series since the show’s 2013 debut. But what doesn’t change is the nation’s appetite for watching households around Britain doing just the same as the rest of us: watching the box! And the celebrity spin-off is a great opportunity to have a nose at the homes of the stars as they chill and snack on their sofas.

Long Lost Family/Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace, Wall To Wall Media for ITV1   
  
It’s always an emotional watch when Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall get together for their show searching for missing relatives, which has also had versions in Australia, Finland, Norway and the USA. Their win this year is for the sixth run of programmes about foundlings, along with series 14 of the main show; which was, as ever, full of moving stories told with care and compassion.

  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Lifestyle-Show-2.jpg)

The Hairy Bikers Go West, South Shore Productions for BBC2

It’s a bittersweet first TV Choice victory for Si King, who wins for the final Hairy Bikers series made with the late and much-missed Dave Myers. Over nearly two decades the duo delighted viewers with over 30 TV series and specials, having originally met as members of the production team on a 1995 Robson Green drama.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Food-Show-1.jpg)  
  
  
**BEST REALITY SHOW**

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, Lifted Entertainment for ITV Studios  
  
Other nominees must be wondering what it’s going to take to snatch the Reality prize away from Ant and Dec’s perennial winner. After 22 years and 24 series, we’re still tuning in every November to see which celebrities form unlikely new friendships when dumped in the Aussie jungle to be fed rice and beans. 2023 saw Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson named King of the Jungle before handing over the crown to McFly’s Danny Jones in 2024.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Reality-Show-1.jpg)  
  
  
**BEST NEW DRAMA**

Mr Bates vs The Post Office, ITV Studios/Little Gem TV for ITV1   
  
Few dramas have made a life-changing impact quite like Gwyneth Hughes’ series about one of Britain’s greatest miscarriages of justice. The Horizon scandal affected more than 900 sub-postmasters, with the Post Office’s misdemeanors eventually exposed after Alan Bates took the story to Computer Weekly. The series chronicling the shocking story has proved a multi award-winner for director James Strong, whose previous credits include Broadchurch and Downton Abbey.   
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-New-Drama-1.jpg)

Springtime On The Farm/Harvest On The Farm/Winter On The Farm, Daisybeck Studios for Channel 5

Daisybeck Studios – who fittingly are based right by Emmerdale’s studios – scoop a third award in a row for their Farm shows, based at the Nicholson family’s Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley. Regular hosts include Helen Skelton and Jules Hudson, along with JB Gill, the JLS singer who has a successful sideline running his own farm supplying free-range pork and prize-winning turkeys!  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Factual-Show.jpg)  
  
  
**BEST COMEDY SHOW**

Ghosts, Monumental Television/Them There for BBC1

We’ve paid our last visit to Button House, as Ghosts ended after series five, although the American spin-off is still going strong. The much-loved story of Mike and Alison’s haunted house proved another hit for Them There, the troupe of writers and performers who were best known for Horrible Histories before creating, writing and starring in Ghosts.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Comedy-Show-1.jpg)

Strictly Come Dancing/Strictly: It Takes Two, BBC Studios for BBC1

Last year BBC1’s celebration of fancy footwork celebrated 20 years on screen and tonight it waltzes away with the Best Talent Show Award. We might know the demands of the different dances by now, but each year brings surprises – like the competition’s first blind contestant, Chris McCausland, becoming the latest champion.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Talent-Show-1.jpg)  
  
**BEST FAMILY DRAMA**

Call The Midwife, Neal Street Productions for BBC1

This is the tenth victory for Heidi Thomas’s drama based around the nuns and nurses at Nonnatus House. The Sunday night staple is now in its 14th run, with stars Jenny Agutter and Laura Main having appeared in every one of its 119 episodes. Megan Cusack and Rebecca Gethings are among the newer recruits and the action has now reached 1970 in Poplar – with the hit drama commissioned to return in 2026.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Family-Drama.jpg)

  
**FAVOURITE CHANNEL / STREAMING SERVICE**

It’s nearly 28 years since Channel 5 started broadcasting, launching shows like the soap Family Affairs and finding a loyal young fanbase for its Milkshake! children’s programming. Their schedule regularly features stripped dramas starring some of Britain’s favourite actors and it’s become the go-to channel for rural matters, with hits like The Yorkshire Vet as well the On The Farm series and drama All Creatures Great And Small, fellow winners tonight.

![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Favourite-Streaming-Channel.jpg)

Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Hungry McBear for BBC1

For the first time, Michael McIntyre wins with the game show he created while brainstorming in the bath! The most recent series debuted a double chair, with celebrities spinning including Danny and Dani Dyer, while both Michael and Ayda Field got a surprise when she came on with husband Robbie Williams as her subject – and he then popped up as a contestant!  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Game-Show-1.jpg)

Toby Jones, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, ITV Studios/Little Gem TV for ITV1

Toby – son of the late Freddie Jones – had won acclaim for Marvellous, a BAFTA for Detectorists and been awarded an OBE before landing our Best Drama Performance prize for his portrayal of the ultimate people’s champion, Alan Bates, who was himself knighted last year. Always in-demand Toby will soon be seen in upcoming dramas about Ruth Ellis and the newspaper phone-hacking scandal.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Drama-Performance.jpg)

All Creatures Great And Small, Playground Entertainment for C5

Fans were thrilled when the company behind The Missing and Wolf Hall decided to make a new adaptation of James Herriot’s beloved stories of life as a Yorkshire vet. Starring Samuel West, Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton, the series already has five hit seasons under its belt, and tonight scoops its first TV Choice trophy.

![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Drama-Series.jpg)

Nicola Coughlan, Big Mood, Dancing Ledge Productions for Channel 4

The former Derry Girls star made a big impression on this year’s Awards, with her shows Bridgerton and Big Mood shortlisted while she’s also made the list for her performances in both. Nicola takes home the Best Comedy Performance for her role as Maggie, starring alongside Lydia West as her best friend Eddie.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Comedy-Performance.jpg)

Based on the novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, Vera gave ITV and Silverprint Pictures a smash hit which ran for 14 series, before DCI Vera Stanhope bade farewell in early January. Having enjoyed a glittering career including wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Cannes, Ramsgate-born Brenda Blethyn proved perfect casting as the no-nonsense Northumberland detective rarely seen without her trademark mac and hat.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Outstanding-Contribution-1.jpg)  
  
  
**BEST SOAP NEWCOMER**

Beth Cordingly, Ruby Fox-Miligan, Emmerdale, ITV Studios Production for ITV1

Though she might have won our Soap Newcomer prize, Beth is no TV rookie, having made a big impression as The Bill’s Kerry Young back in 2002. A regular theatre performer, Beth is now having a ball playing fiery Ruby in Emmerdale, the show in which her real-life partner Ian Kelsey found fame as Dave Glover.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Soap-Newcomer-1.jpg)

Peter Ash, Paul Foreman, Coronation Street, ITV Studios Production for ITV1

Viewers were deeply moved by the storyline that saw Paul – real name Apollo – succumb to MND, leaving his new husband, vicar Billy Mayhew, bereft. Peter, whose second cousin William Ash plays Emmerdale’s Caleb, had previous credits including Casualty, Footballers Wives and Hollyoaks before landing the role of Gemma’s twin brother.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Soap-Performance-1.jpg)

Emmerdale, ITV Studios Production for ITV1

Last year’s winners triumph again, after another dramatic twelve months in the village. 2024 saw two prominent soap transfers, as former Coronation Street stars Paula Lane and Oliver Farnworth joined the show, while characters including Samson, Nate and Nicky all said goodbye to the Dales. Major storylines this year included Belle’s abuse at the hands of her husband Tom and Moira’s battle with cancer.  
  
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/marketing/sites/26/2025/01/TVCA25-1600x900-Landscape-Best-Soap-1.jpg)

  
And with that, we conclude another incredible TV Choice Awards. A big thank you to everyone who took part in the voting and was with us every step of the way. We couldn’t have done it without you. Until next year, we’ll keep celebrating the shows and stars that bring us together.

Winners Revealed – The TV Choice Awards 2025

With the TV Choice Awards just around the corner, bringing glitz, glamour, and all your favourite stars to one unforgettable night, we’re excited to announce that the winner of our competition has been selected at random!

The lucky winner, **Julie Mathurin from Dagenham, Essex**, has been contacted and will soon be joining us for an amazing evening, celebrating the stars and shows that have kept us all glued to our screens the past year.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered and showed their love for TV’s biggest night! Keep an eye out for more updates, surprises, and behind-the-scenes moments as we count down to the big event. It’s going to be one to remember!

TV Choice Awards 2025 - the night everyone’s talking about!

# What’s on TV this Christmas? Our guide to the best festive picks this Christmas

Christmastime of course means mistletoe and wine… but it also means the best TV of the year. And there's a lot on! So TV Choice writers Nick Fiaca, Tom Spilsbury, Cecile Metcalf, David Collins, Jim Maloney, Martina Fowler and Mark Peters have scoured the listings for us and picked out the 12 best things to watch on TV this Christmas.

## :a[Death In Paradise]{href='https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/death-in-paradise/meet-the-cast-of-death-in-paradise/' }

It’s Christmas in Saint Marie and there’s a seemingly impossible case to crack when two Santas are murdered and there’s an attempt on the life of a third. Perplexingly, they were all shot with the same gun in different locations at exactly the same time!

Also complicating matters is that the Honoré police are without a lead detective following Neville Parker’s departure last series with his love interest DS Florence Cassell. Fortunately, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson enlists the reluctant help of DI Mervin Wilson, who is visiting the island, to capture the festive felon. \[Nick Fiaca\]

**Sky Max/Sky Showcase • Sun 22 Dec 7.30pm**

First, here’s the bad news. There’s no new _Not Going Out_ this year. But if you’re a fan of Lee Mack’s farcical family sitcom, this should prove to be even better – a feature-length comedy adventure, in which he teams up with comedian Chris McCausland!

Lee and Chris play Neil and Scott, two bickering neighbours who must put aside their petty squabbles to foil the plans of a criminal family, the Brennans, who are planning to rob their street at Christmas! \[:a[Tom Spilsbury]{href='https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/author/tom-spilsbury/' }\]

It’s Christmas 1941, and as the war shows no signs of abating, the Darrowby vets are settling in for another frugal festive season. However, everything pales into insignificance when a news bulletin announces that HMS Repulse – the vessel on which Mrs Hall’s son Edward is serving – has been sunk by Japanese warplanes. \[:a[Tom Spilsbury]{href='https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/author/tom-spilsbury/' }\]

This adaptation of Julia Donaldson's children's book is narrated by theatre actor and TV legend Hannah Waddingham. It follows a little blue fish called Tiddler (voiced by Reuben Kirby), who loves to make up stories about why he’s always late for school. After getting captured by a fishing boat, he escapes and finds his way back home through the power of his storytelling. \[Cecile Metcalf\]

## Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

She’s a well-known face on stage and screen, and now _The Wives_ star Tamzin Outhwaite hopes to add _Strictly_ champion to her list of accolades. Partnering with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, Tamzin will compete alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, racing driver Billy Monger, podcaster Vogue Williams and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA Nitro.

‘I wrongly thought the Christmas special was a lighthearted version of the main competition but it’s more challenging than expected!’ says Tamzin, 54. ‘I’m loving it already and I’m really enjoying the creative process of rehearsing with Nikita. I don’t think my body could take doing the main show! I thought I’d just pop in, wear some mistletoe, have a dance, then pop out, but it’s tricky not to take it seriously.’ \[Cecile Metcalf\]

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