Series nine of Oxford-based detective series Endeavour will be the last, ITV has confirmed.

The Inspector Morse spin-off launched in 2012 and scenes have been shot on location in the city ever since. 

But the long-running Morse franchise will finally come to an end, once the latest three episodes are screened.

Read again: Endeavour series 9 will soon be filming in Oxford

The announcement came as film crews arrived in Oxford to film scenes for the latest episodes, which could be screened before the end of the year.

Oxford Mail:

In a statement, ITV said: "After 10 phenomenally successful years, producers Mammoth Screen, and screenwriter Russell Lewis, Shaun Evans and Roger Allam have mutually decided to bring the internationally renowned Endeavour to a close, and the series currently filming in Oxford will be the last.

"ITV’s drama commissioning team respectfully accepts this creative decision and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone associated with Endeavour who have made the drama such a well loved part of the UK’s drama landscape. ITV would particularly like to thank Damien Timmer, Russell Lewis, Shaun Evans and Roger Allam who have created television history following in the footsteps of Morse’s acclaimed creator, the late, great, Colin Dexter and the much missed John Thaw."

Read more: Cowley Road restaurant to close this weekend

Since filming began for ITV’s Inspector Morse episodes in the late 1980s, film crews have been a familiar sight on the streets of Oxford.

Oxford Mail:

Executive Producer Damien Timmer said on behalf of producers, Mammoth Screen: "Endeavour has been a real labour of love for all of us, and we salute Russell Lewis for his extraordinary achievement in chronicling Endeavour Morse’s coming of age across 72 hours of TV.

"Russell always knew where he wanted the series to end, and that Remorseful Day is nearly upon us!

"We’d like to thank Shaun and Roger and all the other members of the Endeavour family on and off screen, and to the show’s fans both in the UK and abroad.

Read again: Police warn drivers about catalytic converter thefts

"Russell has many surprises up his sleeve for the final three films, with the return of some familiar faces and new challenges for Endeavour and Thursday to face before the final goodbye!"

Oxford Mail: Actresses taking part in filming for Endeavour series eight Picture: Lorna Marie Kemble

Endeavour first aired on ITV as a single film on 2 January 2012 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Inspector Morse's television debut. 

Since then 32 more films have been broadcast with a further three currently in production, bringing the total to 36.

ITV Studios handles the international distribution of Endeavour, which has been sold to over 200 territories across the world.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF