The actor who played Jones is such a nice guy. I can't believe he agreed to let his photo be used in season 18, so the new show's writers/producers/directors could ease the heat they got for making such poor decisions to dumb Jones down and oust him.
I haven't been looking at the series very much since John Nettles retired but caught an episode last night and was shocked at Jason Hughes' appearance. He looked ill, tired, depressed and on the verge of a breakdown. There did not appear to be very much empathy between him and Neil Dudgeon either. I do wish him all the very best for the future as he is a lovely actor with a great deal of talent which shouldn't be wasted.
I hated that the 'dumbed' Jones character in the 18 season.. They turned him into a dolt. I did hear that he quit due to the long trip he took everyday to and from his home, he's much happier now.