Sharpe re-Morse for ITV

ITV is returning a host of classic drama series' to our screens, it has emerged.

11:47 16 July 2004

ITV is returning a host of classic drama series' to our screens, it has emerged.

"Rumpole of the Bailey", "Sharpe", "Miss Marple" and "Inspector Morse" could all return to viewing schedules.

John Thaw, who played Oxford-based detective Endeavour Morse, died two-and-a-half years ago. But ITV are in talks with Kevin Whately, who played Morse's sidekick Sergeant Lewis, to star in a new series provisionally titled "After Morse".

Morse died in the last ever episode of the series, watched by over 13 million, broadcast in November 2000.

"Rumpole of the Bailey" is also being lined up for a renaissance with Albert Finney set to play the grumpy barrister. The series will see Rumpole return to the Bar after a period in a nursing home.

Sean Bean, star of the "Sharpe" series has reportedly told ITV he would like to return to the role - which is likely to be filmed on location in India.

The series' are widely regarded as some of the most popular dramas ever produced by ITV, with repeat showings still attracting high viewing figures.

The new episodes of "Morse" and "Rumpole" will be penned by Russell Lewis, while both series' were based on bestselling books, by Colin Dexter and John Mortimer respectively, all the original stories have already been adapted.