Endeavour fans have been left 'devastated' after ITV announced the drama series will end after a decade on screens. It was revealed that the ninth series, which is currently being filmed in Oxford, will be the last.
In a statement on Monday, May 23, it was confirmed that screenwriter Russell Lewis, Shaun Evans who plays the young police office Morse and Roger Allam known for playing DCI Fred Thursday had 'mutually decided' to bring the series to a close. The series, which was a prequel to ITV's Inspector Morse to celebrate 25 years since Morse's TV debut, has been running since January 2012.
Executive Producer Damien Timmer commented on behalf of producers, Mammoth Screen saying: "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 U.K. and abroad.
The producer also teased what viewers could expect from the final series, saying there would be "new challenges" before the final goodbye from the characters. "Russell has many surprises up his sleeve for the final three films," he added: "With the return of some familiar faces and new challenges for Endeavour and Thursday to face before the final goodbye!”
Fans of the long-running television series were saddened to learn of the news saying it was a "pity". Joe Doyle said: "All good things must come to an end however I have to say that this has been the best TV crime show ever made. Well done to all involved. Not sure how any show will match the standards you set". Sam added: "The most, incredible, wonderful Series. I'm so sad, really sad. Each time I've watched the trailer I've cried. It's so difficult to comprehend that there won't be anymore, although I thought this would be the last".
"Such a pity to end such a fabulous drama," David Owen replied to the post: "The scripts and the acting are as excellent today as they were in the pilot shown in January 2012". Gabriele tweeted: "All good things must come to an end. Sad, but expected. Thank you all, actors and team #Endeavour, for bringing us 10 wonderful years, it had been a delight. You should be all very proud, you were part of something very special. Good luck to all of you in your future".
"Devastated to hear this news! @EndeavourTV is one of the best ever detective series. Great cast and intriguing story lines set in periods of recent history with relevant music. Can’t wait to see how the series will finally be wrapped up. Congratulations to all involved," Lesley tweeted.
"A little melancholy even though I knew it was near," Rachel Crow posted: "Thank you all for 10 fabulous years of great story writing & amazing actors to bring it all to life. #Endeavour has found me some amazing friends and given us some unforgettable times together. We'll always have Oxford".
Endeavour is currently filming series nine - which will include three episodes - in Oxford. A release date for the final series will be announced in due course.
