ITV has confirmed the cast for series 7 of Endeavour as filming begins on the new episodes.
The show – which wrapped up its sixth series earlier in 2019 – follows the early career of the young Endeavour Morse, played by acclaimed actor, Shaun Evans.
Based on author Colin Dexter’s characters, a brand new set of films will see Evans reprise his role alongside celebrated star of stage and screen, Roger Allam as mentor DI Fred Thursday.
Written once again by Russell Lewis, the new series will be set in 1970 and will air on TV in 2020.
Alongside Evans and Allam, also on the Endeavour cast for series 7, Anton Lesser (Game Of Thrones) returns as CS Reginald Bright, Sean Rigby (Gunpowder) as DS Jim Strange, James Bradshaw (Close To The Enemy) as Dr Max DeBryn, Abigail Thaw (I Want My Wife Back) as Dorothea Frazil, Caroline O’Neill (Last Tango In Halifax) as Win Thursday and Sara Vickers (Watchmen) as Joan Thursday.
A synopsis for the episodes teases: “The new trilogy of films mark Endeavour and his colleagues entering a new decade and era of change. Opening on New Year’s Eve 1970, normal order has been resumed, and the team reunited at Castle Gate CID, with Chief Superintendent Bright back in charge.
“However, the events of the past year have left their mark, and the new series will see old friendships challenged and new relationships blossom.
“In the dawn of women’s liberation, social progression and scientific growth, the 1970s begin for Oxford’s finest with the discovery of a body at the canal towpath on New Year’s Day. With the only clue in the investigation a witness who heard whistling on the night of the crime, the team have their work cut out to uncover their culprit.
“With a strong, overarching plot connecting the three films, the seventh series will test Endeavour’s moral compass to breaking point, both personally and professionally.”
Writer Russell Lewis commented: “The prospect of Colin Dexter’s immortal creation entering a new decade is hugely exciting for all of #TeamEndeavour. We’re always looking to break new ground, and go places we haven’t been before – both physically and emotionally.
“The narrative design of this series gives us the opportunity to deliver a particularly distinctive story shape. Though each film can be enjoyed as a standalone – we have approached Endeavour 1970 as three panels of a triptych, or – in musical terms – a grand opera that unfolds across three acts. Whether it wears the mask of comedy or tragedy remains to be seen…”
Endeavour started out as a one-off film in 2012 and has gone on to air a total of 24 episodes.
You can purchase the full series on DVD or watch online via Amazon Video here.
Series 8 will air on ITV in 2021.
