THE city of dreaming spires was the scene of murder, subterfuge and intrigue yesterday as ITV continued filming the latest series of Endeavour.

Liverpool-actor Shaun Evans was spotted around Christ Church Meadow as the young Inspector Morse while filming the third season of the prequel to the Oxford-based detective series.

The 35-year-old took on the role in 2012, and seems to have won the support of Inspector Morse creator and crime writer Colin Dexter.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the 84-year-old author and Oxford resident said: “Shaun Evans is a very talented actor, he’s a great talker, I think he’s splendid and I’m pleased to see him take on the role.”

Although the creator of the ale-swilling detective has not been involved in the latest series, he is still invited on set and has appeared in a number of episodes with cameo roles.

The writer, who also appeared in Inspector Morse and Lewis, filmed one of his cameo’s yesterday at Christ Church.

He said: “I’ve always been involved in the programmes.

“I was on the sets of all the 34 episodes of Morse, more than 34 episodes of Lewis, and now here with Endeavour.

Oxford Mail:
Supporter: Inspector Morse creator Colin Dextor arrives on set

“They always invite me over when they are filming.

“I think it is a wonderful series and hope everyone will look forward to seeing it soon.”

Mr Dexter would not provide any spoilers for the next series, but eagle-eyed viewers will be likely to spot him when it is aired.

No date has been given yet, but filming will continue in areas of Oxford in June.

Endeavour follows a young Morse after he left the fictional Lonsdale College without a degree and became a policeman.

The daughter of deceased Morse actor John Thaw, Abigail, featured in the first episode of Endeavour as the editor of the Oxford Mail.