Midsomer Murders has been accepted into the Hall of Fame at the prestigious Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. It’s the first time that a whole series has been given such an honour and the whole crew and cast turned out in full to accept the prize.

Matthew McConaugheyThe event is organised by Cactus TV and ITV3 in partnerships with the Crime Writer’s Association and attracted some of the biggest names in the business to its gala event. Keeley Hawes and Hollywood superstar Matthew McConaughey won the Best Actress and Best Actor awards. And the guest list read like a who’s who of the industry’s biggest names from the stage, screen and behind the scenes. In attendance were Stanley Tucci, Anna Maxwell Martin, James Norton, Rachael Stirling and Amanda Abbingdon, amongst others.

The awards, which are now in their seventh year, mark the end of ITV3’s six week prime time series, The Specsavers Crime Thriller Club. Lots of awards were handed out, including Best Read, Film Dagger, International TV Dagger and more. Midsomer’s special award of being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the standout honours.

The show, which has been running since back in 1997, and recently marked its 100th anniversary by teaming up with the stars of The Killing, is no stranger to awards. But being judged by its peers in such a category is extra special. Characterised by great plots, grizzly murders, stellar acting and incredible scenery (filmed on location in and around Southern Oxfordshire), the show continues to grow from strength to strength.

Who knows what other awards await for Midsomer Murders?