Colin Dexter has revealed how a special friendship with a barmaid at Oxford's Randolph Hotel saved Morse from being killed off earlier.

Dexter said Ailish Hurley, 49, who works at Chapters Bar in the Randolph, had provided him with inspiration over the years.Colin Dexter

"She is a wonderful, warm-hearted person who has been a great support and friend to me over the years. She has always been there for me to talk to. Without her, Morse might have ended earlier. Viewers have a lot to be thankful to her for."

Such is the author's gratitude that he wrote her into The Remorseful Day, which is expected to get record viewing figures.

She will be seen serving a drink to Morse in the bar where she has worked for 27 years.

Ailish arrived in Britain from County Kerry, in Ireland, in 1972 and originally intended to stay only six weeks at the Beaumont Street hotel, where numerous scenes in the Morse series have been filmed.

She said: "I loved it so much I decided to stay and I've been working there ever since.

"Colin is always around and loves popping in for a drink. At first I used to se him sitting in the bar doing his crosswords. We just got talking and became firm friends."

Dexter added: "There was something special about her. Ailish has always been there for me to talk to whenever I needed her. Over the years our friendship has grown and now I rely on her to do many things for me. Today, she is almost like a right-hand man. And at last, viewers will be able to notice her and hear her speak in the final show, which I think is wonderful."

The couple's relationship strengthened three years ago when the author's wife suffered a heart attack. "Fortunately there was Ailish who I could talk to," he said. "Her support helped me through it when Dorothy was ill and times were difficult. At times, I didn't know whether I would be able to carry on but it was great to have her here to support me."

Although Dorothy made a full recovery, she was recently taken ill again. However, speaking from his north Oxford home, Dexter said: "She is OK. We all have our ups and downs."

Ailish added: "His wife is a real nice lady. I see her all the time. Colin is such a kind man. Fans come from all over the world and call me hoping to meet him. One lady came from Los Angeles and she was in a wheelchair. Colin dropped everything and came straight over to see her.

"I have been a good friend to the Morse team over the years. People come into the bar fed up and go out laughing. I don't know if it's me or the beer."

**Fans from across the world are expected at the hotel tonight for a special screening of The Remorseful Day.