Midsomer Murders star lands new role in crime drama in major series announcement

Midsomer Murders star Manjinder Virk is joining the cast ofThe Madame Blanc Mysteries as it returns for a feature-length Christmas special this year.

Sally Lindsay will return as Jean White and will be joined once again by Steve Edge as Dom Hayes, Sue Holderness, and Robin Askwith as Judith.

Also reprising their roles are Jeremy Lloyd-James, Alex Gaumond as Chief of Police André Caron, Sue Vincent as Gloria Beaushaw, and Tony Robinson as Uncle Patrick.

Joining the ensemble cast for this special will be Cold Feet's John Thomson, Grantchester's Kacey Ainsworth, Hollyoaks' Raji James, and Midsomer Murders star Manjinder Virk.

Manjinder, who played Dr. Kam Karimore in Midsomer Murders, has also appeared in shows such as Virdee and Shetland.

She was the first British Asian actor to join the regular cast, alongside Neil Dudgeon's DCI John Barnaby and Gwilym Lee's DS Charlie Nelson.

Speaking in 2016 to Radio Times about being cast as the show's new pathologist, she said, "The main thing for me was that they wanted to create a really rounded character, regardless of race.

"But I also feel that my being there will make a difference. Because Midsomer is seen in so many countries, hopefully seeing a British Asian character taking her place in that community will, in some small way, break down preconceptions of what England is."

The actress left two years later, but has never publicly detailed the reason for her departure.

In this extra-special Christmas episode, Jean, Dom, Judith, and Jeremy attend an exclusive Christmas Eve event at the Musée de Sainte Victoire.

The synopsis teases. "Jean is invited to authenticate a newly acquired treasure - a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette.

"But the festive mood turns dark when Jean discovers a ticking bomb hidden inside. With just 90 minutes until detonation, the museum is sealed shut, the security guard is dead, and the race is on.

"Jean and the gang must crack the code and defuse the bomb before time runs out. This is Jean's most perilous challenge yet - can she save the day?"

Sally Lindsay, creator, co-writer, and executive producer, said: "This is our homage to the classic Christmas film. It stands alone as a plot but has all your favourite characters in a very extraordinary situation.

"It is a very ambitious concept, but we are beyond thrilled with how it has come out. In fact, I actually cannot wait for all our wonderful fans to watch it. A very Merry Christmas from all of us in Ste. Victoire."

The Madame Blanc Mysteries will air on 5 in December with TX to be announced in due course.