Inspector Morse spin-off axed?

An article in The Daily Express newspaper claims that the Inspector Morse spin-off series Lewis has been axed by ITV as part of its cost cutting measures.

The Daily Express newspaper is claiming that the popular Inspector Morse spin-off series, Lewis, has been axed by ITV as part of its drive to cut costs. Yesterday the broadcaster announced it would be axing jobs and slashing its budgets, meaning some shows would likely be axed, after it saw record losses in 2008. The Express claims that amongst the programmes axed by ITV to save money is Lewis.

“Hit shows such as Sharpe and Wire in the Blood will be discarded. Other favourites to be confined to history will include Heartbeat, The Royal and Lewis – the popular spin-off from Inspector Morse – after the network recorded a loss of around £2.7billion last year.” Extract from The Daily Express

Lewis stars Kevin Whately reprising his role of Robbie Lewis from the Inspector Morse television series. A pilot episode aired in 2006 and was a hit with viewers and since then there has been two further series’ with a third due to air later this spring. Also amongst the cast are Rebecca Front and Laurence Fox. The series has proved to a ratings winner for ITV.