Midsomer Murders star Kirsty Dillon is one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Daniel Casey as DS Gavin Troy in the new stage play of the ITV drama.

Daniel, who originally played DS Gavin Troy alongside John Nettles' Detective Tom Barnaby in the hit ITV series, is preparing to play DCI Tom Barnaby in a fresh stage rendition of The Killings at Badger's Drift.

However, while an announcement about who will play his sidekick has yet to be made, the bookmakers have been sharing their own predictions-and Kirsty Dillon is one of the favourites to play the detective.

This would be an exciting move for Midsomer Murders fans as Kirsty would be the first female lead detective.

Kirsty originally played DC Gail Stephens in the TV series, and it was reported that she left because her "contract was not renewed".

Other names thrown into the mix include Tom Chambers and Daniel Lapaine.

Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway, exclusively told Express.co.uk, "With Daniel Casey stepping into Tom Barnaby's shoes on stage, the big question for fans is who will take on his original role of DS Gavin Troy in the stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders.

"Theatre veteran Daniel Lapaine is the 4/1 favourite, and his roles in both Black Mirror and Vera could promise a razor-sharp edge to Barnaby's trusted right-hand man. Doctor Who and Broadchurch actor Arthur Darvill is close behind at 5/1, whose blend of charm and depth makes him a natural fit for the role."

He added: "Musical theatre favourite Tom Chambers (6/1), and his Father Brown co-star Alex Price (10/1) are also in the running, bringing their crime-solving expertise from screen to stage.

"Meanwhile, Kirsty Dillon, another Midsomer alum, could be a bold twist at 10/1. With the casting still under wraps, fans could be in for plenty of twists, turns, and murderously good surprises as the production hunts for its perfect DS Troy."

Speaking in a new interview on BBC Breakfast, Jon Kay asked Daniel Casey about who could play his character in the stage play.

"We talked about it. It must be a little bit weird for you getting the John Nettles role. Does this mean you have another colleague playing your old role?" Jon probed.

"Yes, there will be, and it is an interesting dynamic. They haven't been announced yet, but it's lovely," the actor explained.

"These characters are iconic now, but my only thing is, you have to do your own thing with this character, and whoever plays it will just have a ball. They'll love playing it, and they'll play it their own way."

Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.