TEN years after solving his last crime, Inspector Morse returned to Oxford last night – this time as a star of the stage.

The famous detective arrived at the New Theatre in George Street to solve the murder of a young Oxford actress in a new play, House of Ghosts.

The iconic role is being played by former Dr Who star Colin Baker.

Kevin Whately, who starred with John Thaw in the TV series of Morse and is now the star of spin-off series Lewis, was filming in the city yesterday and met Mr Baker to wish him luck with the role.

Last week Mr Baker told the Oxford Mail he was flattered to play the Jaguar-driving detective. He said: “It’s quite a privilege, really, because Morse is ITV’s equivalent to Dr Who in many ways – it’s their iconic Oxford programme.”

Nick Earle, company manager of the show, promised people the Morse on stage would be the inspector they know and love. He said: “Oxford is the perfect place to bring back Morse and it is great to be here.

“I’m confident everyone will love seeing Morse back alive and kicking.”

The show, which started its run in Stevenage in August, is on tour around the country. The production is the third format for Colin Dexter’s creation, which began as a novel in 1975.