Lewis is set to chase more mysteries with another series on ITV, after the broadcaster renewed the show for a ninth run.

Detectives Robbie Lewis and James Hathaway, played by Kevin Whateley and Laurence Fox, will return for another six episodes of solving Oxford’s most complicated murders, along with Angela Griffin as Detective Sergeant Lizzie Maddox.

Change is in the air at Oxfordshire Police for the new series – a new Chief Superintendent clashes with Lewis who has a more traditional approach to police work, while pathologist Laura Hobson (Clare Holman) is contemplating early retirement and Hathaway is forced to confront his past after years of avoiding family ties.

However, Kevin hinted to Radio Times that it could be the last series when he was interviewed by them in September.

Lewis
Kevin Whateley stars as Lewis (ITV)

He said: “I would probably do one more. But everything has a life span and I think it’s gone on long enough. There were 33 Inspector Morse stories and we’ve now done 30 Lewis. I suppose it’s a sentimental thing but I wouldn’t want to do more Lewis than we did Morse because I do still think of it as an offshoot.

“There’s the age thing as well – I’m older than John Thaw was when he died, bless him [Whately is 63; Thaw was 60 when he died in 2002]. It’s a long time to play one character, but sometimes it only feels like yesterday that we started.

“And then I catch an old Morse on ITV3. I’ve never thought I looked particularly like my son. He’s taller than me and blond. But when I see Lewis walk into a room with John Thaw, it’s like my son has just come onto the screen. That’s very strange indeed!”

Laurence said at the time: “I don’t really understand why people like it. I mean, I’m really grateful that they do, but I’ve never quite worked it out. But I think that if you’ve had a bad day, then there’s a soothing quality to Lewis. It’s quite a salve. There’s the lovely music, this beautiful city and these two men who are just gently walking around…”

Lewis
Kevin Whateley and Angela Griffin are back for another series of Lewis (ITV)

Lewis will begin filming in Oxford again in 2015, and as usual Morse creator Colin Dexter will be consulted on all aspects of production.

ITV director of drama Steve November said: “We are delighted that Kevin and Laurence are returning for a ninth series of Lewis.

“Each story is complex and intriguing and Detectives Robbie Lewis and James Hathaway are a formidable partnership much loved by ITV viewers. I am also pleased to welcome back Angela Griffin as DS Lizzie Maddox.”

Executive producer Michele Buck added: “I am thrilled to be making a ninth series of Lewis, one of ITV’s best-loved dramas. Against the beautiful backdrop of Oxford, Lewis and Hathaway will once again investigate the city’s darkest crimes.”