OXFORD’S real ‘Inspector Morts’ will appear in the latest series of Lewis after sharing his wisdom with stars Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox.

Detective Inspector Simon Morton has spent 10 years at Oxford CID investigating murders, rapes and armed robberies in the city, earning himself the nickname ‘Inspector Morts’ from colleagues and friends who joke about his real-life resemblance to the iconic TV character.

So when ‘Morts’ bumped into the Lewis film crew on location in St Aldate’s, the stars of the show didn’t waste the opportunity to pick his brains.

Mr Morton said: “I was walking up to town and some of our police officers were stopping traffic outside Cafe Loco.

“One of them said to the crew ‘here’s the real DI’.

“So they called me over and then they asked me about a cameo and I thought ‘why not?’ “I went down the next day to the Head of the River pub to film the scene.

“I met Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox and we had a long chat.

“I think they were quite intrigued by me – I think they were more intrigued by me than I was with them because I suppose they are playing my role.

“They wanted to know what I actually did and how I would deal with scenes.

“They have quite a good police adviser – some of the stuff they do is quite accurate and I didn’t want to upset them by saying ‘but this bit is rubbish’.

“I do watch the show – it’s one of the few police shows I do watch because I love Oxford, it’s set here and the city looks great.”

Eagled-eyed viewers will see Mr Morton exchanging a nod with Whately when they meet in the pub.

“I’m sitting down having lunch and he’s coming away from the bar with a pint and we acknowledge each other,” he said.

“My nickname is ‘Morts’ and I’ve been the DI for Oxford for over 10 years and I love the city.

“Like Morse, I’ve dealt with jobs at all the colleges, so I suppose there are a few similarities.”

Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter said: “I’m delighted that he’s taking a part and bringing a bit of realism to the programme and I wish him well.

“Let’s hope he enjoyed it.”

Lewis returns to ITV1 tonight at 8pm. Mr Morton appears in the episode Indelible Stain on June 6.