Twenty years ago, when Inspector Morse was first broadcast, I wasn’t watching much telly and certainly didn’t have time to commit to a new series. As a result, I never really got into it and although this story has been repeated for me with several other shows, I never regretted it more than with Morse, which the nation took to their hearts in a way that will probably never happen again now that we have so much viewing choice. Indeed with world-wide audiences for Morse estimated at a billion people in countries as diverse as Mongolia, Malawi and Papua New Guinea, you could say the world took him to their hearts.

Good news then for Morse fans, that ITV are planning a weekend of special programmes on ITV3 to commemorate the anniversary.

As well as screening 12 Morse episodes, each with an
introduction by Kevin Whately (Det. Sgt. Lewis) recounting his memories from filming, the Inspector Morse Weekend features new documentaries,
including There’s Something About Morse, in which actors – among them
John Thaw’s widow Sheila Hancock – writers and producers explore Morse’s phenomenal success, and The Music of Morse, a
detailed examination of how music is used in the drama, narrated by
Whately.

And music is at the heart of the climax to the weekend – a live concert at the Albert Hall bearing the rather original title Morse Live At The Albert Hall – which will be hosted by Michael Parkinson and include appearances by opera stars Lesley Garrett, Sir Willard White and Alfie Boe. The concert, which will be simulcast with Classic FM, includes not only performances of selected music from the series, but also pieces from Morse’s favourite composers and other music intended to illustrate aspects of the Oxford detective’s character and life.

There will also be another chance to see The John Thaw Story, first transmitted on ITV in 2002, during the weekend.

Steven Andrew, Programme Director, ITV Digital Channels, said that in designing a fitting acknowledgement to the show’s contribution to TV culture, they had wanted a celebration that was about more than just repeats. "We wanted an event that both supported ITV3 values as well as giving our viewers a chance to participate," he said.

Morse was famous for the quality of the British acting talent it attracted to guest roles. Whether suspects or villains, academics or victims actors such as the late Sir John Gielgud, Richard Briers, Anna Massey, Richard Wilson, Sheila Gish, Frances Barber, Joanna David, Sean Bean, Sorcha Cusack, Jim Broadbent and Diana Quick, queued up to be part of the Morse success story.

The show also provided a platform for new talent, and actors such as Amanda Burton, Philip Middlemiss, Martin Clunes and Charlotte Coleman made early appearances with the great detective, while a young Elizabeth Hurley appears in Last Seen Wearing as a pupil at a girls’ private school.

Morse broke new ground with television drama formats too. The first Morse film The Dead Of Jericho established the two-hour drama format for television. And of course the success of the show was due in no small measure to the success and abilities of its lead actor John Thaw, those abilities being recognised in 1990 when he received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Morse, and the next year was voted ITV Personality of 1990 and TV Times’ Favourite Actor of 1990.

Morse at 20, a celebration weekend: ITV3, 28th and 29th April.