Another regular cast quits Midsomer Murders

http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/midsomer-murders-says-farewell-sykes-retires

Midsomer Murders waved farewell to a much loved veteran star of the show when Sykes, the Barnaby's beloved pet dog, hung up his lead and retired from the show at the end of the last series.

Executive producer Jo Wright says "When we were filming last year's series our dog trainer, Gill Raddings called me and said it was time to retire Sykes from Midsomer at the end of the year. We were all very sad and made sure he had a lovely last day with a present of a retirement dog bed given to him by Neil (Dudgeon) and Gwilym (Lee). We have a new very young dog, Paddy, this year found for us by Gill but you will have to watch in the New Year to see how the story line plays out."

Over the course of five years the beloved rescue dog, Sykes, has appeared in 29 episodes of Midsomer Murders. The 13-year-old Jack Russell cross is now being looked after by a wonderful foster family.

Dog handler and trainer Gill Raddings says "Sykes has had a marvellous time filming Midsomer Murders for the past five years but he is enjoying taking life easy now.‎"

Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI Barnaby in the popular ITV crime drama, adds “I will miss working with Sykes for many reasons .. He is the consummate professional and like most actors will do anything for a sausage. I am happy he likes the retirement bed we bought him and that he will spend more time sleeping than working. Paddy our new boy has fitted in perfectly and filled the very large doggy shoes of Sykes "

Midsomer’s new rescue dog, Paddy, is a two-year-old terrier cross. Paddy is busy filming series 19 and keeping his co-stars entertained! Filming continues on the forthcoming six part 19th series due for transmission in 2017.

Midsomer Murders is produced by Ella Kelly (Coronation Street, Land Girls) and executive produced by Jo Wright, managing director of Bentley Productions.