Lewis recommiioned - cast update

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ITV commissions a new series of Lewis starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox from ITV Studios.

The perfect' detective team of Lewis and Hathaway are set to return to ITV in six new episodes of Lewis, one of ITV's best-loved and most enduring dramas.

Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox reprise their roles as the detectives who investigate grisly murders against the backdrop of the beautiful university spires of Oxford. But this time it's different

After an extended break from the Police, Hathaway has been promoted to Inspector. When the chemistry that exists with Lewis eludes Hathaway, retired Lewis is drafted back to renew their partnership. It's a new dynamic for our detectives, but one they'll have to come to terms with quickly if they are to achieve results.

The combination of Robbie Lewis's instinct for tracking murderers and unraveling motives and Cambridge graduate James Hathaway's deep thinking and erudite approach has served the duo well in the past.

Lewis and Hathaway will be joined by career copper, Detective Sergeant, Lizzie Maddox, played by Angela Griffin (Mount Pleasant, Waterloo Road, Coronation Street).

It's been a slow route to sergeant, but Lizzie loves her work, and has ambitions to be an inspector. She is an expert multi-tasker and fierce when she wants to be. Married to childhood sweetheart, Tony, Lizzie's home is her haven and she is very much commander-in-chief in the relationship. In her police work, she's staunch, practical, hard working, and has an easy rapport with everyone she meets.

Kara Tointon (Last Passenger, The Sweeney, EastEnders) also joins the cast for the first of the new films, Entry Wounds'. Kara plays Erica the naturally glamorous wife of murdered neurosurgeon, Alastair Stoke. Could she have murdered her husband? Lewis and Hathaway are called to investigate ..

An ITV Studios production, Lewis will be produced by Chris Burt who has been at the helm for 30 episodes of Lewis since the series first screened in 2006. The Executive Producer is Mammoth Screen's Michele Buck, who continues to produce the series for ITV Studios.

ITV's Director of Drama, Steve November has commissioned the new episodes and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea and Head of Drama Series, Jane Hudson will oversee the drama for ITV.

Viewers have a great deal of respect for Inspector Lewis and a huge loyalty to Kevin Whately, said Steve. Together with Laurence, he has forged a formidable partnership and we're delighted to have them back on ITV.

Executive Producer Michele Buck added: Lewis has a special place in the hearts of the ITV audience. Each story is intriguing and complex and viewers relish the fine writing, acting and excellent production values.

The new series will go into production in March 2014 and once again feature the beautiful locations in and around the city of Oxford, including the Cherwell and Isis rivers and the magnificent university colleges.

Also reprising her role in the new series is Clare Holman, who was introduced to viewers as forensic pathologist Laura Hobson in the 1995 Morse film, The Way through the Woods, and has continued to appear in Lewis. Rebecca Front will also return to the series as Chief Superintendent Jean Innocent who is frequently at odds with Lewis over his investigative style.

The new films 6 x 60 minutes will be written by Helen Jenkins (Lewis, Holby City) and the final two part episodes written by Steve Coombes (New Tricks, Hustle, Outlaws).

Director Nick Renton (Lewis, Inspector George Gently, Silent Witness) will direct the first two-part film, Entry Wounds'.

Michele continues: We're delighted ITV have commissioned series 8 of Lewis. Since we started producing the series in 2006, Lewis has achieved a reputation for thought provoking stories and we're determined to continue to set high standards.

The creator of Morse, Colin Dexter, continues his association with Lewis acting as consultant on all aspects of production.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes Lewis internationally.

LINK:	http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/lewis-recommissioned-cas...
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