THE recession, it seems, knows no bounds.

With private and public sector companies tightening their belts, few areas of our lives remain untouched by the world’s financial troubles.

Last night it emerged that Lewis, the popular detective drama, could be under threat.

Speaking live on radio, Lewis actor Kevin Whately was less than convincing when quizzed on whether there would be a fourth series of the Oxford-based Inspector Morse spin-off.

Finances at ITV are not good and Mr Whately was unsure whether there would be enough cash to fund another series.

If his forecast is true it would be a great shame, not only for the city – which benefits from the obvious tourism the drama generates – but for the country as a whole.

We all know that Inspector Morse long ago joined the pantheon of great television drama series. And Lewis is fast on its way to joining it.