It was an emotional moment marking the end of filming for Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour.

Last month filming wrapped in Oxford for the final time for the popular series which first launched in 2012.

Shaun Evans and Roger Allam were spotted filming in Turl Street and in other city centre locations.

Read again: Endeavour filmed for last time in Oxford

Then, on Friday, some final scenes for series nine were recorded at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock - the very last ever.

Oxford Mail:

Once the final scenes were completed at the palace, director Kate Saxon gave Shaun Evans a big hug and the moment was captured by Milly Platt.

ITV and Mammoth confirmed in May that series nine would be the last, bringing to an end a tradition of filming Colin Dexter's characters in Oxford, starting with Inspector Morse and Lewis, and concluding with Endeavour.

Oxford Mail:

It was described as a mutual decision between producers Mammoth Screen, screenwriter Russell Lewis, and stars Shaun Evans and Roger Allam.Read again: Endeavour film crews back in Oxford.

After calling 'cut' for the final time, Ms Saxon tweeted: "Aw, seconds after wrapping the final ever #Endeavour episode of the whole 9 years of series.

Oxford Mail:

"A big hug between #ShaunEvans and me and the final clapper board in hand.

"Grateful to have worked with this kind and generous man. He's the best. @mammothscreen @EndeavourTV #directing."

The Inspector Morse spin-off Endeavour, focusing on Morse's early career, launched in 2012 and scenes have been shot on location in the city ever since. 

Read again: Real life Inspector Morse on coping with MS

In a statement, ITV said earlier: "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.

Oxford Mail:

"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."

Filming began for ITV's Inspector Morse in the late 1980s.

Oxford Mail:

Filming in Christ Church Meadow Photo: Lorna Marie Kemble

Executive producer Damien Timmer said on behalf of producers, Mammoth Screen earlier: "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."

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