John Nettles receives OBE appointment

John Nettles is leaving Midsomer Murders next year

Actor John Nettles, best-known for playing detectives in the TV dramas Bergerac and Midsomer Murders, has received an OBE from the Queen.

The two long-running series helped make him a household name and earned him the honour for services to drama.

The 67-year-old said: "I don't really deserve it. People who get OBEs are people like firefighters and lifesavers - these are real-life heroes."

He is leaving Midsomer Murders next year after starring it in for 15 years.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful, I cannot be more pleased. For an actor to get an award like this is lovely and very kind," he said.

The star revealed that he thought the Queen was a fan of DCI Barnaby - the character he plays in Midsomer.

"The story is that she is, and I hope that's true. I'm told on good authority - back in the days of Princess Margaret - the Queen Mum and Princess Margaret used to have discussions about the pronunciation of Midsomer - I don't know the answer," he said.