THE city of dreaming spires was the scene of murder, subterfuge and intrigue yesterday as ITV continued filming the latest series of Endeavour.

Liverpool-actor Shaun Evans was spotted around Christ Church Meadow as the young Inspector Morse while filming the third season of the prequel to the Oxford-based detective series.

The 35-year-old took on the role in 2012, and seems to have won the support of Inspector Morse creator and crime writer Colin Dexter.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the 84-year-old author and Oxford resident said: “Shaun Evans is a very talented actor, he’s a great talker, I think he’s splendid and I’m pleased to see him take on the role.”

Although the creator of the ale-swilling detective has not been involved in the latest series, he is still invited on set and has appeared in a number of episodes with cameo roles.

The writer, who also appeared in Inspector Morse and Lewis, filmed one of his cameo’s yesterday at Christ Church.

He said: “I’ve always been involved in the programmes.

“I was on the sets of all the 34 episodes of Morse, more than 34 episodes of Lewis, and now here with Endeavour.

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Supporter: Inspector Morse creator Colin Dextor arrives on set

“They always invite me over when they are filming.

“I think it is a wonderful series and hope everyone will look forward to seeing it soon.”

Mr Dexter would not provide any spoilers for the next series, but eagle-eyed viewers will be likely to spot him when it is aired.

No date has been given yet, but filming will continue in areas of Oxford in June.

Endeavour follows a young Morse after he left the fictional Lonsdale College without a degree and became a policeman.

The daughter of deceased Morse actor John Thaw, Abigail, featured in the first episode of Endeavour as the editor of the Oxford Mail.