THE stars of detective drama Lewis are back in Oxford — facing the possibility of being killed off by TV bosses.

Earlier this month, Kevin Whately, the star of the series, cast doubt over the future of the Inspector Morse spin-off in the wake of cost-cutting at ITV, which saw the loss of 600 jobs.

Mr Whately, who plays Det Insp Robbie Lewis, admitted the drama was “hugely expensive” and said fans should treasure the third series because it might be the last.

However, ITV bosses said there were no plans to “de-commission” the drama.

The third series was filmed in Oxford last year, with scenes shot in Broad Street, High Street, the King’s Arms pub, the Randolph Hotel and at University College.

The second series of Lewis attracted eight million viewers per episode and Inspector Morse expert Paul Allen urged people to save the drama by watching the latest episodes.

Mr Allen, who wrote the Morse locations guide, Endeavouring to Crack the Morse Code, said: “If enough people watch these latest episodes then I’m sure they could save the drama for the future because viewing figures are very important to advertisers and programme makers.

“Viewers get to watch top actors in beautiful historic locations around Oxford and it would be a great shame if the series had to come to an end.

“The calibre of actors in the dramas is very high — Laurence Fox’s father James Fox is in the first episode, Allegory of Love, with Art Malik, and Simon Callow and Joanna Lumley appear in later episodes.

“Lewis attracts the top actors and carries on the great tradition of Inspector Morse.”

Laurence Fox, 30, who is resuming his role as Det Sgt James Hathaway, said he enjoyed acting alongside his father.

He added: “He was very nice to me because I think he realised I was nervous; he was very supportive.”

Mr Fox has now been playing the theology student-turned-police sergeant for four years and added: “I feel I’ve got to know him more and I’m fonder of him.

“He has a bit more of a social life in this series. We do see him with a young lady in one story.”

In October, Laurence’s wife Billie Piper gave birth to their first child, Winston.

Just a week later, the proud parents took their son to the Oxford film set.

Mr Fox said: “The production crew were very kind — they shut the unit down for a day after Winston was born.

“And then it was straight back to work when he was two days old. There were some real sleepless nights — and there still are.

“But in a funny way, your performance can get a bit better if you don’t sleep; you don't make as much effort and therefore you come across as more natural, I suppose.

“I had no life other than work or sleep for six weeks, but we got through it and that’s all that matters. I missed him, I wanted to be at home with my son. I’m making up for it now.”

Laurence’s co-star Kevin Whately also knows about juggling a career and fatherhood. His two children were only young when he first appeared in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and Inspector Morse.

Mr Fox said: “Kev told me little bits and bobs of what works well with a child and what doesn’t.”

l The first of four new episodes airs on Sunday on ITV1 at 9pm.