Inspector George Gently to end with two feature-length specials

POLICE drama Inspector George Gently is coming to an end after 10 years.

The BBC1 series – starring Martin Shaw as the honourable Detective Chief Inspector and Lee Ingleby as Inspector Bacchus – will wrap with two feature-length films set in the North East.

Shaw, 71, said it was wonderful to be returning for “a farewell that befits such a popular series”.

The 1960s-set detective drama, which was created by Peter Flannery and originally based on the Gently novels by Alan Hunter, made its debut in 2007 and 23 episodes have aired.

The final two instalments begin filming this week.

Gently Liberated, which is set in 1970, sees the team become involved in an investigation that may be a miscarriage of justice.

Gently And The New Age begins with Gently giving evidence at The Old Bailey against corrupt police officers in the Met – his old enemies.

It should be one of the final acts of his career but he is asked to take on one last job by the head of a new special investigations squad, which examines evidence against “bent” coppers.

Richard Harrington, Adam Levy and Steven Robertson guest-star in the episode.

Shaw said: “It’s wonderful to be coming back to the show.

“We’re a very happy and close company, and working with such friends is a joy.

“I’m excited at being able to bring the series to a proper finale, a farewell that befits such a popular series.”

Michele Buck, chief executive officer of Company Pictures, said it was felt the character was coming to a “natural end”, adding: “We wanted to bring the audience an ambitious and exciting conclusion to such a well-loved show.”

Executive producer Flannery said: “It’s been a privilege along the way to work with talented and committed teams, and I hope that many of them will look back on George Gently – as I will – with pride and pleasure.”