Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox are to return for a ninth series of Lewis, broadcaster ITV confirmed today.
The pair will reprise their roles as Detectives Robbie Lewis and James Hathaway, alongside Clare Holman as forensic pathologist Laura Hobson and Angela Griffin as Detective Sergeant Lizzie Maddox, for the six-part series.
The arrival of a new Chief Superintendent heralds a fresh dawn for Oxfordshire Police, although the high flyer soon clashes with Lewis over the latter’s more traditional approach to detective work.
With Laura contemplating early retirement, and the new boss piling on the pressure, will Lewis finally decide to call time on his policing career?
Meanwhile, after years of avoiding the thorny issue of family ties, Hathaway (Laurence Fox) is forced to confront his past…
ITV says the new stories will go into production in May 2015.
An ITV Studios production, the Producer is Chris Burt, who has been at the helm since the series first screened in 2006. The Executive Producer is Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck, who continues to produce the series for ITV Studios.
Steve November, ITV’s Director of Drama, commented: “We are delighted that Kevin and Laurence are returning for a ninth series of Lewis.
“Each story is complex and intriguing and Detectives Robbie Lewis and James Hathaway are a formidable partnership much loved by ITV viewers.
“I am also pleased to welcome back Angela Griffin as DS Lizzie Maddox.”
Executive Producer Michele Buck added: “I am thrilled to be making a ninth series of Lewis, one of ITV’s best-loved drama’s.
“Against the beautiful backdrop of Oxford, Lewis and Hathaway will once again investigate the city’s darkest crimes.”