TV
Rex Features
Nettles, 66, has played Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby for 65 episodes. His final scenes are scheduled to air in 2011, according to The Sun.
"It's the end of an era for me, and while I'm very sad to be handing in Barnaby's police badge, he has solved nearly 200 murders, which I think meets the targets of modern policing," said Nettles. "I wish my successor the very best."
The programme will continue without Nettles, but ITV chief Laura Mackie said that the actor would be "missed" and "remembered fondly" by all involved in the show.
"John has been instrumental in creating a much-loved character and a hugely successful long-running series for ITV," she said.
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