By Neal Wallace

David Suchet is set to star as Agatha Christie's Poirot for the last time next year, according to news reports.

The actor, who has appeared as the Belgian sleuth 65 times over the past 22 years, will star in ITV's remaining adaptations of the Poirot short stories and novels next year.

Clocks, which is the most recent adaptation of the mystery stories, features an ensemble cast, including the late Anna Massey, and will be shown this Christmas.

Mr Suchet has described his delight at reprising the role, saying that it's been his "life's ambition to bring this amazing canon of works to completion".

"Poirot is a brilliant, yet profoundly complicated character and I've always loved playing him," he added.

ITV also confirmed that Julia McKenzie will star in three new Miss Marple films, to be shot next year.

Earlier this year, 65-year-old Suchet, who is best known for playing the TV detective, collected a CBE from Buckingham Palace for his services to drama.