Entertainment

Lewis star Laurence Fox leads tributes to 'wonderful' Colin Dexter

The writer will be fondly remembered by those who worked with him over the years.
The writer will be fondly remembered by those who worked with him over the years.

Tributes have poured in for Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter, who has died aged 86.

Dexter was best known for writing the novels about the cerebral, crossword-loving, ale-drinking detective and for his work on the Inspector Morse TV series and its two spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour.

Actor Laurence Fox, who starred in Lewis, led the messages of condolence for Dexter, who died at his home in Oxford.

He wrote on Twitter: “Farewell wonderful Colin. Thankyou for your rich characters, your mischief and for being the best dinner companion anyone could wish for.”He also tweeted a picture of himself with Dexter.

Rebecca Front, who also appeared in Lewis – which ran from 2006 until 2015 – said: “Colin Dexter loved his ‘Hitchcock’ moments on Lewis.“I remember him once setting me crossword clues to pass the time. I failed to solve any.”Crime writers Ian Rankin and Val McDermid were among Dexter’s literary contemporaries paying tribute.

Colin Dexter.
Colin Dexter (Sean Dempsey/PA)

Ian wrote on Twitter: “Sad news – a gentle man with a steel mind; and the creator of such an iconic character.”Val said she was “deeply sorry to hear of the death of my good friend Colin Dexter”.She added: “He brought pleasure to millions and joy to his friends.”Vera writer Ann Cleeves said: “I have such fond memories of Colin Dexter. Very sad to hear of his death today.”A statement from Dexter’s publisher, Macmillan, confirmed that he had died on Tuesday.

It read: “With immense sadness, Macmillan announces the death of Colin Dexter, who died peacefully at home in Oxford this morning.”His character Inspector Morse was first introduced in 1975 in Dexter’s novel Last Bus To Woodstock and appeared in more than 10 other novels, as well as several short stories.The author was known for making cameo appearances in the ITV drama series Morse, which starred John Thaw in the title role across its 33-episode run between 1987 and 2000.Dexter was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature in 2000.