Midsomer Murders series 24 episode 2 guest cast includes a Madame Blanc and Coronation Street legend
The grim murder of a famous author leaves Barnaby and Winter baffled
Midsomer Murders kept us waiting for series 24 and then two episode come along at once – after last night’s thrilling return, episode 2 also delivers, with both its intriguing plot and top drawer guest cast.
The episode sees panic spread when a famous author, whose book sparked a nationwide treasure hunt, is found brutally murdered in the woods.
This new series of the cosy crime king has four feature-length episodes, and Book of the Dead welcomes an all-star guest cast including Sally Lindsay, Shaun Dooley and Jon Culshaw.
DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) must work out who killed writer Bertram Jewel in cold blood. But was he killed for the treasure from his novel, or did his dark past catch up with him? And how are all these famous faces entangled?
Here is everything you need to know about the Midsomer Murders series 24 episode 2 guest cast!
Midsomer Murders series 24 episode 2 guest cast
Jon Culshaw as Bertram Jewel
Jon plays genius writer, Bertram Jewel. He found fame and fortune after publishing his treasure hunt book, Seeker, which promised hidden treasure, worth a life-changing amount, to whoever solved the clues hidden in the book’s pictures.
Bertram’s fortune is quickly running out, and a decade later, the prize still hasn’t been found. Deciding to cash in on his book once again, he arranges a 10th anniversary relaunch, rekindling the excitement for his fans.
However, Bertram’s plans fall flat when a journalist exposes his secret past. The following day, he is found brutally murdered in the woods. But was it a crazed fan who killed him, or someone else entirely?
Speaking of his role as Bertram, Jon said: “He is a bit of a multifaceted fellow. A mix of chancer and charmer. Although he hasn’t made the best choices in life, he’s well-intentioned and wants to get things right.”
What else has Jon Culshaw been in?
Jon is an actor, comedian and impressionist, known for his work on Dead Ringers, Spitting Image, Newzoids and The Impressions Show.
Born in Lancashire, Jon has also hosted Secrets of the National Trust for Channel 5 and narrated Channel 4 property series, Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. He appeared on Celebrity Mastermind in 2021, where his specialist subject was Doctor Who – the Jon Pertwee Years.
The actor also starred in the BBC daytime crime drama, Missing, alongside Pauline Quirke.
Shaun Dooley stars as Eli Trask
Eli is Bertram’s best friend. Since all of Bertram’s money from his book sales has dwindled, he is now living with Eli, his wife, Danica and their Seeker-obsessed son, Ludo.
As Bertram’s friends gather in the picturesque, puzzle-obsessed village of Mods Mire for his book relaunch, there is drama when the author’s dark past is revealed.
Did Eli know his friend had been to prison 24 years ago? And did he know that his beloved friend’s real name is Robert Grimes?
What else has Shaun Dooley been in?
The easier question really is: what hasn’t Shaun Dooley been in? Shaun is a familiar face on British TV, having starred in Coronation Street and EastEnders during the late ’90s and early 2000s.
He played police inspector Dick Alderman in the Channel 4 crime series Red Riding and Reverend Michaelmas Winter in Sky One drama, Jamestown.
And let’s not forget Broadchurch, It’s a Sin, Innocent and Gentleman Jack, to name just a few other top British dramas he’s appeared in.
As well as acting, Shaun provides voiceovers for shows including SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Detectives.
Most recently, Shaun has played Graham Carr, Alan Carr’s father and Northampton Town FC manager, in ITV sitcom Changing Ends.
Sally Lindsay plays Danica Trask
Danica has been living with Bertram as a guest in her home for more than six months, and it seems he could be outstaying his welcome.
Farm shop owner Danica is concerned when her son Ludo’s obsession with finding the treasure that Bertram has allegedly hidden is reignited after the writer announces a new clue is being released.
However, when Ludo is one of the last people to hear from Bertram before he was brutally killed, it seems there could be more than just tracking down the missing treasure for Danica to worry about.
What else have you seen Sally Lindsay in?
Sally became a household name after playing Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street between 2001 and 2006.
She also played Lisa Johnson in Sky One comedy Mount Pleasant, Alison Bailey in ITV crime drama Scott & Bailey and Kath Agnew in Still Open All Hours between 2013 and 2019.
In recent years, Sally has also appeared in several original Channel 5 drams, including Cold Call, Intruder and Love Rat.
Most notably, Stockport-born Sally has enjoyed huge success as antiques dealer Jean White in Channel 5’s cosy crime, The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Sally not only stars in the series, but she also co-writes it with Sue Vincent.
Selina Cadell stars as Venetia Butts
Venetia is Bertram’s number one fan. She has invested a small fortune and years of her life searching for the location of the Seeker treasure. She is furious when she finds out he has been hiding a secret past. But is her rage enough to kill him?
It later turns out she is hiding a huge secret of her own. Does she know more about Bertram’s shocking death than she is letting on?
What else has Selina Cadell been in?
Selina has enjoyed a TV career that has spanned more than 40 years. She has appeared in everything from Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple in 1985 to Poirot: The Murder of Roger Akroyd in 2000.
The Book of the Dead isn’t the first Midsomer Murders episode Selina has been in. She also starred in The Killings at Badger’s Drift in 1997 and Midsomer Life in 2008.
There have also been film roles, including in Nativity!, The Lady in the Van, The Madness of King George, Confetti and Match Point.
The London-born star is possibly most recognised by Midsomer Murders fans for her iconic role in another cosy drama, this time of the medical persuasion. She of course played Mrs Tishell in ITV drama Doc Martin. Mrs Tishell was the local pharmacist who harboured an unrequited love for GP Doc Martin, played by Martin Clunes.
Oliver Dimsdale as Rev Sebastian Butts
Rev Sebastian Butts is Venetia’s son. He is struggling with a growing dependence on alcohol. Meanwhile, his wife, Ava, is struggling to cope with Sebastian’s trying relationship with his mother.
Sebastian is also under a huge financial strain, thanks to all the money Venetia has been borrowing to find the treasure. After employing detectorists, diviners and charlatans, she is still no closer to cracking the mystery – and Sebastian is bearing the brunt of her obsession.
Where have you seen Oliver Dimsdale before?
Oliver played Daniel Marlowe in Grantchester and Louis Trevelyan in He Knew He Was Right. As well as appearing in Doctors, Father Brown, Casualty and Lark Rise to Candleford, he also played Dr Felix Quinn in Harley Street on ITV1.
In 2013, Oliver starred in the Christmas episode of Downton Abbey, where he played the role of the Prince of Wales. In 2016, he joined the cast of Mr Selfridge as Mr Keen.
Midsomer Murders series 24 episode 2: Omid Djalili as Othello Khan
Local antiques salesman Othello and author Bertram openly loathe one another.
When the truth about his dark past is revealed to the press, Bertram blames Othello for digging up his secrets. But while the pair clearly don’t get along, is Othello really capable of such a brutal murder?
What else has Omid Djalili been in?
Comedian Omid started his career at the Edinburgh Fringe. He has returned many times and, in 2005, he broke Box Office records with his ticket sales.
Over the years he has regularly appeared on comedy panel shows such Would I Lie To You? and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Omid has also enjoyed huge success as an actor. He has starred in movies including Gladiator, The Mummy, The World Is Not Enough, Notting Hill, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Sex and the City 2.
On TV, you will know Omid from His Dark Materials, The Letter for the King and The Change. He also often pops up on gameshows such as Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Celebrity Mastermind, The Chase: Celebrity Special and Blankety Blank.
Rhashan Stone plays Joel Myhill
Joel is the local village pub landlord and a good friend to Bertram.
He is particularly fond of the author after he helped his daughter, Scarlett, with her application to Oxford University.
Where have you seen Rhashan before?
Rhashan is a renowned TV actor and comedian. He appeared in medical drama, Bodies, on BBC One in 2004, Mutual Friends in 2008, Strike Back in 2010 and The Smoke in 2014.
In 2015, he starred in Ballot Monkeys and between 2019 and 2021, he appeared in Keeping Faith. You will also know him from Agatha Raisin, McDonald & Dodds, Hollington Drive and The Chelsea Detective.
Christina Bennington as Billie Bernard
Billie has a small but integral role in Midsomer Murders’ Book of the Dead, as the interviewer who exposes Bertram’s dark past and interrogates the integrity of his book, Seeker.
What Christina has done before
Northern Irish actress Christina Bennington has a blossoming career in musical theatre and now TV. She played the lead role of Raven in Bat out of Hell: The Musical.
Crime fans may have clocked Christina recently as Charlotte in Paramount Plus’ excellent drama The Revenge Club, which stars Martin Compston and Douglas Henshall.
You’ll also be able to watch her in Channel 4’s upcoming thriller Hunting Alice Bell, in which she plays another Charlotte, this time alongside Amanda Abbington, Ralf Little and Simon Pegg.
Felixe Forde as Scarlett Myhill
Bright and ambitious Scarlett is the daughter of Joel, who had a close bond with the murder victim.
Where you might have seen Felixe Forde before
Felixe Forde is a relative TV newcomer but already clocking up roles in renowned British cosy crimes – aside from Midsomer Murders, there have been roles in Death in Paradise and The Chelsea Detective.
Midsomer Murders series 24 episode 2 cast
Neil Dudgeon returns as DCI John Barnaby
Nick Hendrix is back as DS Jamie Winter
Fiona Dolman plays John’s wife, Sarah Barnaby
Isabel Shaw stars as John’s daughter, Betty Barnaby
Annette Badland plays pathologist Fleur Perkins
Jon Culshaw guest stars as Bertram Jewel
Oliver Dimsdale plays Rev Sebastian Butts
Mina Andala portrays Ava Butts
Selina Cadell stars as Venetia Butts
Shaun Dooley plays Eli Trask
Sally Lindsay stars as Danica Trask
Zak Ford-Williams plays Eli and Danica’s son, Ludo Trask
Amelia Donkor is in the role of Jane, Bertram’s publisher
Christina Bennington portrays Billie Bernard
Rhashan Stone plays Joel Myhill
Felixe Forde as Scarlett Myhill
Omid Djalili is Othello Khan
Read more: Midsomer Murders series 26: ITV confirms the drama will be back for more episodes
