Britain’s Favourite Detective: The top 25 sleuths from 50 years of TV classics

Are Poirot’s little grey cells more effective than Sherlock Holmes’ deductive reasoning?

How would Prime Suspect’s DCI Jane Tennison do up against Line of Duty’s AC-12?

And, one more thing… can Columbo outsmart Cagney & Lacey or even Magnum, PI at nailing ne’er-do-wells?

The jury’s verdict is revealed next weekend when Sheridan Smith flicks through 50 years of crime files to unmask the nation’s favourite, voted for by ITV viewers.

Here, we clue you up on their 25 top ’tecs.

• Britain’s Favourite Detective, ITV, Sunday, 8pm

1.TOUCH OF FROST (1992-2010)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Detective Inspector Jack Frost [David Jason]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

A sloppy dresser who shunned paperwork, DI William Edward “Jack” Frost. Sir David Jason’s Frost was an old-school but emphatic detective.

Jason quit the ITV show in 2008, saying Frost was getting too old – at just 68.

“You wouldn’t want me to play Frost in a wheelchair,” he declared.

Well, it worked for Ironside.

2.PRIME SUSPECT (1991-2006)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: DCI Jane Tennison [Helen Mirren]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

No-nonsense detective who rose through the ranks, not only putting crooks away but battling the male chauvinist pigs, who didn’t think a woman could do the job.

Stefanie Martini played Tennison in 2017’s prequel Prime Suspect 1973, but for most fans the role will forever belong to Dame Helen Mirren.

3.INSPECTOR GEORGE GENTLEY (2007-2017)

PUBLICITY PICTURE. Inspector George Gently provided by: UKTV Picture Publicity Inspector George Gently - Series 6 - Episode 1- Picture shows: Inspector George Gently (MARTIN SHAW) (UKTV)

It’s the Swinging Sixties and in George’s North East stomping ground, that more often than not meant swinging from a rope.

Set in the last days of the death penalty, the series begins with George deciding to retire... after one last case.

A decade later Martin Shaw’s George was still on the job.

4.MAGNUM PI (1980-88, 2018-)

402927 33: Actor Jay Hernandez arrives at the premiere of the film The Rookie March 26, 2002 in New York City. (Photo by Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images) (Getty)

As a private investigator on Oahu, Hawaii, Thomas Sullivan Magnum III had it all – use of a luxury beach house, a Ferrari 308 GTS, a Rolex, that moustache, and more beautiful women than cases.

It was no wonder Tom Selleck became an 80s pin-up, and Jay Hernandez, above, who took on
the famous private eye role in 2018, will no doubt be hoping for the same.

5.BROADCHURCH (2013-2017)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: D.S. Ellie Miller [Olivia Colman] and D.I Alec Hardy [David Tennant]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

David Tennant’s Hardy and Olivia Colman’s Miller was a national obsession when ITV first aired this.

Miller might not have been a queen like Colman’s role in The Crown, but she’s TV detective royalty now.

6.INSPECTOR MORSE (1987-2000)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Chief Inspector Morse [John Thaw]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

One of the most iconic British detectives: John Thaw’s Morse was the bane of Oxford murde-rers, with a mix of dry humour, a love of a tipple and relaxed view on inter-departmental romance.

7.POIROT (1931-)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Hercule Poirot [David Suchet]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

Agatha Christie’s other great detective – the eccentric and sharp Belgian Poirot.

Whether it’s murder on the Orient Express or halfway down the Nile, chances are Poirot (David Suchet on ITV) will be on the case.

8.LEWIS (2006-15)

From ITV LEWIS And the Moonbeams Kissed the Sea Sunday 24th February 2008 on ITV 1 Kevin Whately is back as Inspector Lewis in four new episodes of the ratings winning drama LEWIS. Lewis is once again joined by Laurence Fox as his partner DS Hathaway. In the first film, And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea, the talents of an obsessive painter with a photographic memory lie at the heart of a murder in the Bodleian library Pictured: DS Hathaway(Laurence Fox) and Inspector Lewis played by Kevin Whately (C) ITV Photographer: Robert Day For further information please contact Peter Gray on 084488 13046 peter.gray@itv.com (ITV)

What’s the sign of being a great TV detective? Getting your own spin-off show.

Previously in Inspector Morse, Lewis, Kevin Whately, went from sidekick to boss in his own series.

9.CRACKER (1993-2006)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Cracker [Robbie Coltrane]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

Robbie Coltrane’s “Fitz” was a genius criminal psychologist who helped Manchester Police catch killers, despite his own battles with alcoholism, gambling and obesity.

Once declared: “I drink too much, I smoke too much, I gamble too much. I am too much.”

10.STRIKE (2017-)

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 25/08/2020 - Programme Name: Lethal White - TX: n/a - Episode: Lethal White episode 2 (No. 2) - Picture Shows: Cormoran Strike (TOM BURKE) - (C) Bronte Films - Photographer: Steffan Hill (BBC)

Adapted from the novels of Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling), Strike (played by Tom Burke) is a good-looking but cumudgeonly one-legged war veteran, running a ramshackle private eye firm from a tiny Soho office.

11.MISS MARPLE (1961-)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Miss Marple [Geraldine McEwan]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

Agatha Christie’s OAP Miss Marple is a British institution.

She was most notably played by Joan Hickson, who was in her 80s herself, in the beloved BBC adaptation of the 80s and early 90s, and later by Geraldine McEwan (left) and Julia McKenzie.

12.SHERLOCK HOLMES (1916-)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: Sherlock Holmes [Jeremy Brett]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

What is it that makes Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes so enduring?

Elementary, the sleuth has been amazing us with twists and revelations for centuries, with multiple onscreen incarnations including Jeremy Brett, above.

13.MIDSOMER MURDERS (1997-)

A BENTLEY PRODUCTION FOR ITV MIDSOMER MURDERS IV - 'ELECTRIC VENDETTA' on Sunday 2 September 2001. When a man's naked body is discovered in the centre of a crop circle, DCI Tom Barnaby (JOHN NETTLES) laughs off tales of alien abduction. But as more corpses are discovered - each bearing bizarre injuries - it's up to him to uncover who is responsible, or if extra-terrestrial powers are truly at work in midsomer. Picture shows: JOHN NETTLES (DCI Tom Barnaby) with DANIEL CASEY as SGT Gavin Troy. (ITV)

For 23 years, John Nettles, then Neil Dudgeon, have faced a huge body count thanks to increasingly bizarre killers.

Who can forget the victim crushed by a cheese?

14.COLOMBO (1960, 1968-2003)

Peter Falk actor as Columbo raincoat cigar MSI (Mirrorpix)

Rarely seen without his wrinkled beige raincoat, cigar and old Peugeot 403.

His unassuming manner and “just one more thing” disarmed suspects.

First played by Bert Freed, but Peter Falk made Columbo his own.

15.TAGGART (1983-1994/2010)

Mark McManus actor deceased Taggart television series final appearance as Chief Inspector Jim Taggart (Taggart)

Tough cop Taggart was the man to beat at Glasgow’s John Street Station.

Star Mark McManus died during filming in 1994 after getting pnuemonia aged 60.

Producers kept the name of the show but didn’t replace him.

16.CAGNEY AND LACEY (1980-1988)

Cagney And Lacey TV programme 1986 starring Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly. (BBC)

Cagney (mostly played by Sharon Gless) is a single career woman, and Lacey (Tyne Daly) is a married working mum.

But they joined forces in a ground-breaking multi award-winning New York-set cop drama series.

17.MURDER SHE WROTE (1984-1996)

LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 30: Angela Lansbury stars as mystery writer Jessica Fletcher on "Murder, She Wrote" a CBS television detective drama. The series premiered September 30, 1984. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (Getty)

A retired teacher-turned murder mystery writer, Jessica Fletcher soon begins to solve her own real life cases.

Played by Angela Lansbury, Jessica would always uncover the little details the police missed.

18.REBUS (2000-07)

From ITV Rebus Pictured Rebus (Ken Stott) Photographer. Fergus Greer For further Picture enquiries please contact: Tracey Whitton: 0113 222 7115 SMG Production This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full terms and conditions of use available at www.itvpictures.com. (ITV)

Based on Ian Rankin’s novels, Scottish DI Rebus is world-weary, pessimistic and loves a drink.

But that doesn’t stop the DI, played first by John Hannah then Ken Stott (above), cracking some of the country’s biggest murder cases.

19.JONATHAN CREEK (1997-2016)

Programme Name: Jonathan Creek - TX: 01/04/2013 - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Embargoed for publication until: n/a - Picture Shows: GR Jonathan Creek (ALAN DAVIES), Joey Ross (SHERIDAN SMITH) - (C) BBC - Photographer: John Rogers (BBC)

Alan Davies’ Creek had a knack for solving murder – even though he wasn’t a cop.

A consultant to a stage magician, curly-top Creek used his knowledge of illusions to discover how unfortunates met grisly ends.. and who did it.

20.VERA (2011-)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: DCI Vera Stanhope [Brenda Blethyn]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

Brenda Blethyn’s ill- tempered Vera may look a bit dishevelled, but her calculating mind makes her a tour de force. (Hence why we’re now on series 11).

21.THE BRIDGE (2011-2018)

Programme Name: The Bridge - TX: n/a - Episode: n/a (No. 1) - Picture Shows: Saga Norén (SOFIA HELIN) - (C) Filmlance International AB, Nimbus Film - Photographer: Jens Juncker (BBC)

Swedish actress Sofia Helin plays emotionally detached Saga in this Danish/Swedish Scandi-noir.

Police officer Noren lacks all social skills but has an amazing logical mind.

Fans believe she may have Asperger’s.

22.FOYLE'S WAR (2003-2015)

FOYLES WAR from 2nd August on ITV3 Critically acclaimed british Television series FOYLE'S WAR blends historical drama with the detective genre, setting its thrilling mysteries on the southern coast of England during the early days of World War II. MICHAEL KITCHEN stars as Christopher Foyle, an English police inspector who fights local crimes in an environment riddled with propaganda and social turmoil. Set in the beautiful English countryside amid the disorder and danger of World War Two, Foyle's own war takes place far from the glory of the front. His battle is an ordinary struggle against everyday evil - in extraordinary dangerous times. Picture shows: MICHAEL KITCHEN (Christopher Foyle) and HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS (Samanatha Stewart) Picture Contact: Emily Page on 020 7737 8574 or emily.page@itv.com This photograph is the copyright of Carlton Television and may only be reproduced for editorial purposes relating to Carlton and the programme(s) or announcement(s) to which the photograph relates. (ITV3)

Written by Anthony Horowitz and set during and after the Second World War, this follows the methodical detective (Michael Kitchen) as he brings down murderers and profiteers in Hastings.

23.LUTHER (2010-)

Idris Elba’s award-winning turn as the brooding DCI who plays by his own rules has had us hooked for a decade.

Aside from his terrible taste in women, Luther’s got it all: The brains, the wit... and, let’s face it, the looks.

24.LINE OF DUTY (2012-)

Programme Name: Line Of Duty - TX: n/a - Episode: n/a (No. 1) - Picture Shows: L-R Detective Constable Kate Fleming (VICKY McCLURE), Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott (MARTIN COMPSTON), Superintendent Ted Hastings (ADRIAN DUNBAR) - (C) BBC/World Productions - Photographer: Ed Miller (BBC)

They’re the pair who make dirty cops tremble.

Martin Compston’s Arnott and Vicky McClure’s undercover agent Fleming are pivotal to AC-12’s fight against police corruption.

25.SCOTT AND BAILEY (2011-2016)

From King of Sunshine Productions Britain's Favourite Detective on ITV Pictured: DC Janet Scott [Lesley Sharp] and DC Rachel Bailey [Suranne Jones]. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 (ITV)

Lesley Sharp’s Scott and Suranne Jones’ Bailey tacked down killers like a modern-day Cagney & Lacey (if they were on secondment with the fictional Manchester Met Police, of course).