ITV1 is to broadcast a special one-off documentary to mark the end of TV's Inspector Morse, the iconic Oxford detective celebrated across the globe.

Series of nine of Endeavour - the last - is finishing on Sunday, March 12 when the last of three episodes will be shown, making the end of a decade of the Morse prequel.

From the original Inspector Morse (1987-2000), through to the spin off ‘Lewis’ in (2006-2015) and after Endeavour, which explores the detective’s back story in 1960s an early 1970s Oxford, the story of Inspector Morse is finally coming to an end.

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The TV role of Inspector Morse, first played by John Thaw, is based on the character created by Oxford author Colin Dexter, who had a number of cameo roles in the three series.

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Featuring interviews with all the main cast members, the documentary explores the global appeal of this Oxford universe of crime.

ITV will go behind the scenes during the filming of the last series of Endeavour as they tie together over six decades of interconnecting plots.

Actress Abigail Thaw, daughter of original Morse star John Thaw reveals how she became a regular member of the ‘Endeavour’ cast.

Endeavour star Shaun Evans explores the journey he’s taken from bringing the origins of the detective to life to his more recent challenges directing episodes of the series.

And original Morse star Kevin Whately reflects on the huge effect the hit detective series has had on his career.

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As the series comes to an end, all the cast and crew of Endeavour reflect on the rich appeal of this series set in 1960s Britain as they bring this epic story to an end.

Last week viewers were reminded that Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter wrote a clause in his will banning anyone else playing the part of the detective after his death – to prevent future actors 'competing' with John Thaw.

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The author died in 2017 and a memorial service was held at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford the following year.

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Before he died he made it clear that he did not want any other TV dramas to follow Endeavour in the series - Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour was enough.

The author said: "We never want to repeat what John has done.

"A lot of people connected with Morse didn’t want anyone coming along to say we will try and outdo dear old John. I said I’m not ever going to allow that, full stop.”

Morse & the Last Endeavour is a Multistory Media production for ITV1, and will be shown on Sunday at 10pm.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF