Found this interview with Patrick Robinson, giving an insight to the over-haul of the series.
ROBINSON RELISHES NEW-LOOK BILL
By Dave Mark
PATRICK ROBINSON’S dignified stage performances have been likened to those of a young James Earl Jones, resonating with controlled passion and gravitas.Co-stars joke that he had to take so many bows during one standing ovation that he risked permanent curvature of the spine.
He was the first black man to play Romeo in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet, and performed the role with such aplomb that most reviewers forgot to mention the colour of his skin.On screen, he’s traded blows with Steven Seagal and took the role of black icon Thomas Peters in slavery epic Rough Crossings.
Why then, with such a varied CV, do people still think “that’s Ash from Casualty” when they spot Robinson in the street?
Perhaps it’s a measure of the esteem in which the Casualty character is held, even if 13 years have passed since he last wore the nurse’s uniform in the BBC1 medical drama.
“Thankfully, the people who remember me playing Ash tend to be in their 30s now so they’re a bit busy with kids and real lives to shout, ‘Hi Ash,’ and run away giggling,” laughs Robinson.
“But I do get the odd, ‘Hello,’ from people and then hear the word ‘Ash’ when they’re whispering. I don’t mind. I’ve got a lot of love for the character.”
These days, 46-year-old Robinson is best known to a new generation of viewers as the likeable DC Jacob ‘Banksy’ Banks in The Bill. And he’s delighted to be a part of the cast at such a seminal time in the show’s long history.
The show is moving to a new weekly 9pm time slot at the heart of the ITV1 schedule, finding itself repositioned as a post-watershed drama for the first time since it began 25 years ago.
“It’s an exciting time,” says Robinson. “Some people see these kind of moves as a licence to swear and show some nudity, but that’s not it at all.“We’re not reinventing The Bill. We’re not wiping out all that was good before. We’re just being given that little bit more freedom and as an actor, that’s tremendously challenging.
“It’s a tried and tested show and still has millions of fans so we have to be wary of suddenly altering everything. It’s more a change of tone. Sure, on-set it does feel a bit like being part of a new show, but that’s more because of the excitement in the air and the fact that everybody’s so keen for this to do well.”
Show executive producer Johnathan Young agrees: “We’re digging deeper into characters to tell stronger and more challenging stories which really examine the true causes and effects of crime.
“The later time slot allows us to produce darker, grittier and more hard-hitting drama, through the eyes of our existing characters. The heart of the show will remain the same, but it will look very fresh.”Robinson is clearly relishing the chance to once again play a regular role and takes the craft of character development very seriously. He is enjoying peeling back the layers of Banksy each week.
“That’s the thing about the post-watershed move,” he says. “We’ll just get a bit more freedom to flesh the characters out. To be a bit more real, I suppose. It won’t be full on, but it will have a bit more oomph, and the chance to play a character close to my heart in slightly grittier storylines, and still stay true to what has gone before, is a wonderful challenge for an actor.”
But does he think he could do the job for real? “Not a chance,” he laughs.“Banksy’s a great guy and if I was to be a police officer, I would hope to be one like him, but if I hear a gunshot or a scream I think I would do the sensible thing and run away from it. A police officer is somebody who goes towards it. That’s an instinctive thing.”
As a popular and recognisable talent, Robinson would seem an obvious choice for a role in a reality show, but admits he doesn’t find the prospect attractive.
“I probably wouldn’t say no to Strictly Come Dancing, but I’m not very keen on having a camera on me all the time. The dancing would be great fun to learn, but the cameras are intrusive. I’m quite a shy person really and that would be a hard thing for me to deal with.
“As for the others, it’s just not me. I don’t really want to be in a jungle eating monkey testicles, thank you. Some people might jump at the chance, but I’d give that a miss.”
Viewers did at least get to see him showcase his dance moves when he took part in Let’s Dance For Comic Relief, performing a brilliant Riverdance with former Bill colleague Lisa Maxwell.
So, given that he’s a recognised acting talent with a string of rave reviews on his CV, what on earth is he doing in The Bill? And what’s more, how long will he stay?
“There have obviously been a few cuts over the past few months and some talented people have been let go, and that’s a very sad thing, but in the current economic climate, nothing is certain any more. I’m grateful to have a paying job, and it happens to be one in a show that has a great following, lots of ambition and major potential.
“I consider myself very fortunate. I still adore the stage work but playing Banksy is great fun too, and I’m fortunate to be involved at such an important time. Before this, I was on tour in a stage play for next to nothing. There are no guarantees in this business.
“My old mate Huw Higginson used to play the legendary PC Garfield and when I used to tune in to watch him I was always impressed by the subtle little things that made it that cut above. And the year I joined, The Bill won a Bafta, so we must be doing something right.
“What’s more, I’m probably one of the few people who long-time viewers don’t remember playing a cameo part as a criminal when I was a youngster!
“Long term, I would love to be able to say what I see myself doing five, 10 and 20 years from now, but you quickly learn in this business that it doesn’t really work out that way. I love being a part of The Bill, and that’s my day job for as long as they want me.”
Friday 31 July 2009
Cry Wolf
MUST admit I was impressed by Cry Wolf – a sensitive and intelligent piece of writing with some great acting. Love the way the directors on The Bill can get truthful performances out of not just the regulars, but guest stars too.
Here’s the resume. Viewers in Scotland can see the episode on ITV3 on Monday at 11pm.
THE BILL
Episode 020 – Cry WolfThursday 30 July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
D.C. Mickey Webb (Chris Simmons) is frustrated after having to release teenager Grant Shepherd (Christopher Hughes) on suspicion of raping 17 year old Caitlin Macey (Ruby Thomas). Although there is no forensic evidence, Mickey is convinced that Caitlin was attacked but isn't certain that Grant is the rapist.
After speaking to D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel), Mickey is given another day to investigate and asks D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) for his help. The two officers, along with P.C. Mel Ryder (Rhea Bailey) head to Caitlin's home where they tell Caitlin's mother, Lorraine (Sarah Ball) and step-father Craig (Antony Edridge) that they need to question their daughter again.
However, as they wait for Caitlin to finish her bath, Mel realises that there is no one in the bathroom and discovers an empty bottle of pills. Horrified, the officers rush out of the house and find a semi-unconscious Caitlin down an alleyway...
After being discharged from the hospital, Mickey gently questions Caitlin who tells him that everything is jumbled up. Mickey tells her that he firmly believes she was raped, but that they may be looking at the wrong suspect.
As the investigation continues, Mickey and Banksy realise that the attack didn't take place recently, as Caitlin claimed. Mickey talks to Caitlin again and attempts to regress her memories: the interview provides Mickey with more evidence and between them, he and Banksy realise that the rape took place at a family party two years previously.
Lorraine and Craig are horrified by the latest turn of events but provide the police with a video tape from the party, which shows Caitlin, horribly drunk and stumbling up the stairs to her bedroom, followed swiftly by her step-father...
Mickey questions Craig who is disgusted by the allegation that he may have raped Caitlin. He tells Mickey that he helped her to bed and knowing how drunk she was, made sure that she wasn't sick before falling asleep. The D.C.’s instinct tells him that Craig had nothing to do with Caitlin’s attack but Mickey grows more frustrated with the case.
However, later that day, Caitlin calls Mickey and tells him that she remembers who raped her at the party, but the truth will blow two families apart. Can Caitlin reveal who attacked her, in order to move on with her life...?
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Matthew Bardsley, directed by Reza Moradi and produced by James Hall.
Here’s the resume. Viewers in Scotland can see the episode on ITV3 on Monday at 11pm.
THE BILL
Episode 020 – Cry WolfThursday 30 July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
D.C. Mickey Webb (Chris Simmons) is frustrated after having to release teenager Grant Shepherd (Christopher Hughes) on suspicion of raping 17 year old Caitlin Macey (Ruby Thomas). Although there is no forensic evidence, Mickey is convinced that Caitlin was attacked but isn't certain that Grant is the rapist.
After speaking to D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel), Mickey is given another day to investigate and asks D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) for his help. The two officers, along with P.C. Mel Ryder (Rhea Bailey) head to Caitlin's home where they tell Caitlin's mother, Lorraine (Sarah Ball) and step-father Craig (Antony Edridge) that they need to question their daughter again.
However, as they wait for Caitlin to finish her bath, Mel realises that there is no one in the bathroom and discovers an empty bottle of pills. Horrified, the officers rush out of the house and find a semi-unconscious Caitlin down an alleyway...
After being discharged from the hospital, Mickey gently questions Caitlin who tells him that everything is jumbled up. Mickey tells her that he firmly believes she was raped, but that they may be looking at the wrong suspect.
As the investigation continues, Mickey and Banksy realise that the attack didn't take place recently, as Caitlin claimed. Mickey talks to Caitlin again and attempts to regress her memories: the interview provides Mickey with more evidence and between them, he and Banksy realise that the rape took place at a family party two years previously.
Lorraine and Craig are horrified by the latest turn of events but provide the police with a video tape from the party, which shows Caitlin, horribly drunk and stumbling up the stairs to her bedroom, followed swiftly by her step-father...
Mickey questions Craig who is disgusted by the allegation that he may have raped Caitlin. He tells Mickey that he helped her to bed and knowing how drunk she was, made sure that she wasn't sick before falling asleep. The D.C.’s instinct tells him that Craig had nothing to do with Caitlin’s attack but Mickey grows more frustrated with the case.
However, later that day, Caitlin calls Mickey and tells him that she remembers who raped her at the party, but the truth will blow two families apart. Can Caitlin reveal who attacked her, in order to move on with her life...?
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Matthew Bardsley, directed by Reza Moradi and produced by James Hall.
Monday 27 July 2009
Die By The Sword
Loving the new look. It's amazing how you don't miss incidental music when it's not there, yet when it is, it brings a whole new sense of drama to a scene.
At last The Bill is back at the cutting edge of TV drama.
Here's a synopsis of the last episode for those who missed it. Courtesy, as ever, of The Bill press office.
THE BILL
Epsiode 008: Die By the Sword
Friday 24th July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
*Guest starring Andrew Tiernan as Craig Middleton*
D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) and D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) meet at St Hugh’s hospital, where Banksy reveals that Danny Sissoulu (Tunji Lucas) has just died: this is now a murder enquiry.
Back at the station, prime suspect Craig Middleton (Andrew Tiernan) is interviewed and he tells the officers that he was out walking his baby in through the park when Danny, his brother Kip (Mohammed Mansaray) and friend Mo Campbell (Lanre Malaolu) confronted him with a knife. He says that he was slashed several times and punched Danny in retaliation.
Banksy is tasked with updating the grieving Sissoulu family and Danny’s mother, Miriam (Sara Powell) is furious at the suggestion that her sons may have had knives on them. The officers are convinced that Kip knows exactly what happened the night Danny died, but are frustrated that they can’t get him to open up. Determined to get a result, Superintendent Jack Meadows (Simon Rouse) insists to Neil that they need to put surveillance equipment in the Sissoulu’s house and Banksy shouldn’t be told about it...
Elsewhere, Mo is finally traced and taken to the station for questioning. He admits a fight broke out between Danny and Craig when Craig confronted them for no reason, but swears there were no knives involved.
Banksy soon discovers that the boys were involved in an anti-knife campaign and tells Neil that the family should now be left alone. However, when surveillance in the Sissoulu’s house show Danny’s parents Miriam and Joseph (Mo Sesay) telling their daughter to delete a shocking video clip on their computer, Neil realises that they need to get their hands on the hard-drive.
Later, while the family are at the mortuary, Neil arranges for the surveillance team to retrieve the clip. However, Banksy turns up unexpectedly and Neil is forced to tell him what’s going on. Banksy is bitterly disappointed that Neil didn’t trust him and later has an angry altercation with D.S. Max Carter (Christopher Fox), who knew about the operation.
However, he is horrified when he and Neil watch the clip which shows Danny showing off with some knives. With the evidence mounting, Mo’s gangster facade starts to crack and reveals the truth, stunning the officers.
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Tom Needham, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Ciara McIlvenny.
At last The Bill is back at the cutting edge of TV drama.
Here's a synopsis of the last episode for those who missed it. Courtesy, as ever, of The Bill press office.
THE BILL
Epsiode 008: Die By the Sword
Friday 24th July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
*Guest starring Andrew Tiernan as Craig Middleton*
D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) and D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) meet at St Hugh’s hospital, where Banksy reveals that Danny Sissoulu (Tunji Lucas) has just died: this is now a murder enquiry.
Back at the station, prime suspect Craig Middleton (Andrew Tiernan) is interviewed and he tells the officers that he was out walking his baby in through the park when Danny, his brother Kip (Mohammed Mansaray) and friend Mo Campbell (Lanre Malaolu) confronted him with a knife. He says that he was slashed several times and punched Danny in retaliation.
Banksy is tasked with updating the grieving Sissoulu family and Danny’s mother, Miriam (Sara Powell) is furious at the suggestion that her sons may have had knives on them. The officers are convinced that Kip knows exactly what happened the night Danny died, but are frustrated that they can’t get him to open up. Determined to get a result, Superintendent Jack Meadows (Simon Rouse) insists to Neil that they need to put surveillance equipment in the Sissoulu’s house and Banksy shouldn’t be told about it...
Elsewhere, Mo is finally traced and taken to the station for questioning. He admits a fight broke out between Danny and Craig when Craig confronted them for no reason, but swears there were no knives involved.
Banksy soon discovers that the boys were involved in an anti-knife campaign and tells Neil that the family should now be left alone. However, when surveillance in the Sissoulu’s house show Danny’s parents Miriam and Joseph (Mo Sesay) telling their daughter to delete a shocking video clip on their computer, Neil realises that they need to get their hands on the hard-drive.
Later, while the family are at the mortuary, Neil arranges for the surveillance team to retrieve the clip. However, Banksy turns up unexpectedly and Neil is forced to tell him what’s going on. Banksy is bitterly disappointed that Neil didn’t trust him and later has an angry altercation with D.S. Max Carter (Christopher Fox), who knew about the operation.
However, he is horrified when he and Neil watch the clip which shows Danny showing off with some knives. With the evidence mounting, Mo’s gangster facade starts to crack and reveals the truth, stunning the officers.
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Tom Needham, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Ciara McIlvenny.
Friday 24 July 2009
Live By The Sword
Here’s the catch up for last night’s episode courtesy of The Bill press office.
The Bill
Epiosde 007: Live By the Sword
Thursday 23rd July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
*Guest starring Julia Ford as Debbie Readshaw & Andrew Tiernan as Craig Middleton*
Sergeant Stone (Sam Callis) and P.C. Ben Gayle (Micah Balfour) are out on patrol when they discover teenager Danny Sissoulu (Tunji Lucas) has been beaten unconscious, while his distraught younger brother, Kip (Mohammed Mansaray) and friend Mo Campbell (Lanre Malaolu) are covered in blood.
CID are called to the scene and as they begin to question potential witnesses, Stone confronts a suspicious looking teenager, Ollie Readshaw (Jazz Litott), who runs as soon as he see’s Stone, who chases after him while the rest of his team follow.
On a busy roadside, Stone attempts to reason with Ollie, but just as Ben catches up with his Sergeant, he sees the teenager turn away from Stone and run into the road, only to be hit and killed by a lorry. Did Stone chase him to his death?
D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) is tasked with questioning Ollie’s mother, Debbie (Julia Ford), about his whereabouts the night Danny was attacked. The grieving mother insists that Ollie was with her all night, but Neil is convinced she’s hiding something.
Debbie, although consumed with grief and anger seems to make a connection with the D.C. so when Neil is forced to return to her house later with a team to search her flat for evidence, she angrily attacks him. Can Neil console a mother and lay her son’s memory to rest, or will Debbie have to live with the fact that her son died after brutally attacking another teenager..?
Elsewhere, D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) is assigned the role of Family Liaison Officer for the Sissoulu family, keeping them informed as any new evidence comes to light. The D.C. is reluctant when Neil and D.C. Grace Dasari (Amita Dhiri) turn up at the house and tell him they need to interview younger brother Kip, but escorts the Sissoulu’s to the station.
In the soft interview room, a distraught Kip is gently questioned. He eventually breaks down and reveals that he, Danny and Mo were confronted by a man with a baby in the park where Danny was attacked. The man is quickly identified as Craig Middleton (Andrew Tiernan), a witness who was previously questioned. When they arrest him, he is horribly drunk and mumbling that it was self defence...
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Tom Needham, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Ciara McIlvenny.
The Bill
Epiosde 007: Live By the Sword
Thursday 23rd July 2009 9.00 to 10.00pm ITV1
*Guest starring Julia Ford as Debbie Readshaw & Andrew Tiernan as Craig Middleton*
Sergeant Stone (Sam Callis) and P.C. Ben Gayle (Micah Balfour) are out on patrol when they discover teenager Danny Sissoulu (Tunji Lucas) has been beaten unconscious, while his distraught younger brother, Kip (Mohammed Mansaray) and friend Mo Campbell (Lanre Malaolu) are covered in blood.
CID are called to the scene and as they begin to question potential witnesses, Stone confronts a suspicious looking teenager, Ollie Readshaw (Jazz Litott), who runs as soon as he see’s Stone, who chases after him while the rest of his team follow.
On a busy roadside, Stone attempts to reason with Ollie, but just as Ben catches up with his Sergeant, he sees the teenager turn away from Stone and run into the road, only to be hit and killed by a lorry. Did Stone chase him to his death?
D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) is tasked with questioning Ollie’s mother, Debbie (Julia Ford), about his whereabouts the night Danny was attacked. The grieving mother insists that Ollie was with her all night, but Neil is convinced she’s hiding something.
Debbie, although consumed with grief and anger seems to make a connection with the D.C. so when Neil is forced to return to her house later with a team to search her flat for evidence, she angrily attacks him. Can Neil console a mother and lay her son’s memory to rest, or will Debbie have to live with the fact that her son died after brutally attacking another teenager..?
Elsewhere, D.C. Jacob Banks (Patrick Robinson) is assigned the role of Family Liaison Officer for the Sissoulu family, keeping them informed as any new evidence comes to light. The D.C. is reluctant when Neil and D.C. Grace Dasari (Amita Dhiri) turn up at the house and tell him they need to interview younger brother Kip, but escorts the Sissoulu’s to the station.
In the soft interview room, a distraught Kip is gently questioned. He eventually breaks down and reveals that he, Danny and Mo were confronted by a man with a baby in the park where Danny was attacked. The man is quickly identified as Craig Middleton (Andrew Tiernan), a witness who was previously questioned. When they arrest him, he is horribly drunk and mumbling that it was self defence...
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Tom Needham, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Ciara McIlvenny.
New Look
A MAJOR milestone in the history of The Bill was reached last night with the broadcast of the first ‘new look’ episode on ITV1 – the first episode not to be screened in Scotland.
Good news is that ITV3 programme schedules have been rejigged so that Scottish viewers will have a chance to see the new episodes. Last night’s, Live By The Sword, will be broadcast next Wednesday at 11pm, part of a double-header with tonight’s ITV1 episode, Die By the Sword.
Thereafter, ITV3 will broadcast the previous Thursday’s ITV1 episode of The Bill on a Monday at 11pm.
Just for the record, a number of the series dropped by STV (including The Bill, Midsomer Murders, Benidorm, Lewis and Wycliffe) used to attract between 500,000 and 600,000 viewers.
Many of their replacements are managing only 200,000 viewers – a discrepancy of between 300,000 to 400,000. That’s two thirds of the audience gone... but STV bosses insist that’s fine, apparently it’s part of a long-game. Time will tell.
Anyway, this is how the launch of the ‘new look’ episodes of The Bill was announced to the rest of the UK’s viewing public.
TRANSMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT: A VIEW FROM THE FRONTLINE – NEW AT 9
The Bill moves to new 9pm timeslot with double-episode special
Top crime drama, The Bill, is to move to its new weekly 9pm time slot at the heart of the ITV1 schedule from Thursday 23rd July, as the BAFTA award-winning series is repositioned as a post-watershed drama for the first time in its 25 year history. As a one-off special to herald the start of the ‘new’ show, a second episode will be screened at 9pm on Friday 24th July.
The new-look continuing series will be shot in high definition, with a musical score and new title credits and theme music. Subtle echoes of the original theme music will remain, but the entire show has been given a new lease of life.
“We haven’t sought to totally reinvent The Bill,” commented executive producer Johnathan Young, “but we have wanted to create a more immersive experience for our viewers. We’re digging deeper into characters to tell stronger and more challenging stories which really examine the true causes and effects of crime. The later timeslot allows us to produce darker, grittier and more hard-hitting drama, through the eyes of our existing characters. The heart of the show will remain the same, but it will look very fresh.”
Sergeant Callum Stone (Sam Callis) and P.C. Ben Gayle (Micah Balfour) will be the first characters to tread Sun Hill streets in the new timeslot, so leading the action into the first big storyline, ‘Live by the Sword’. When a 15 year old boy is critically injured – ultimately, fatally – following a knife attack on an estate, investigations begin into identifying the killer. Featuring guest actors Julia Ford and Andrew Tiernan, the episode kicks off with high-octane energy, and sets the pace for the series. The second-part of the storyline – ‘Die by the Sword’ – airs on the consecutive night.
Viewers will get the first taster of the new-look show through a national ITV marketing campaign – including billboard posters and on-air trails – in coming weeks.
Good news is that ITV3 programme schedules have been rejigged so that Scottish viewers will have a chance to see the new episodes. Last night’s, Live By The Sword, will be broadcast next Wednesday at 11pm, part of a double-header with tonight’s ITV1 episode, Die By the Sword.
Thereafter, ITV3 will broadcast the previous Thursday’s ITV1 episode of The Bill on a Monday at 11pm.
Just for the record, a number of the series dropped by STV (including The Bill, Midsomer Murders, Benidorm, Lewis and Wycliffe) used to attract between 500,000 and 600,000 viewers.
Many of their replacements are managing only 200,000 viewers – a discrepancy of between 300,000 to 400,000. That’s two thirds of the audience gone... but STV bosses insist that’s fine, apparently it’s part of a long-game. Time will tell.
Anyway, this is how the launch of the ‘new look’ episodes of The Bill was announced to the rest of the UK’s viewing public.
TRANSMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT: A VIEW FROM THE FRONTLINE – NEW AT 9
The Bill moves to new 9pm timeslot with double-episode special
Top crime drama, The Bill, is to move to its new weekly 9pm time slot at the heart of the ITV1 schedule from Thursday 23rd July, as the BAFTA award-winning series is repositioned as a post-watershed drama for the first time in its 25 year history. As a one-off special to herald the start of the ‘new’ show, a second episode will be screened at 9pm on Friday 24th July.
The new-look continuing series will be shot in high definition, with a musical score and new title credits and theme music. Subtle echoes of the original theme music will remain, but the entire show has been given a new lease of life.
“We haven’t sought to totally reinvent The Bill,” commented executive producer Johnathan Young, “but we have wanted to create a more immersive experience for our viewers. We’re digging deeper into characters to tell stronger and more challenging stories which really examine the true causes and effects of crime. The later timeslot allows us to produce darker, grittier and more hard-hitting drama, through the eyes of our existing characters. The heart of the show will remain the same, but it will look very fresh.”
Sergeant Callum Stone (Sam Callis) and P.C. Ben Gayle (Micah Balfour) will be the first characters to tread Sun Hill streets in the new timeslot, so leading the action into the first big storyline, ‘Live by the Sword’. When a 15 year old boy is critically injured – ultimately, fatally – following a knife attack on an estate, investigations begin into identifying the killer. Featuring guest actors Julia Ford and Andrew Tiernan, the episode kicks off with high-octane energy, and sets the pace for the series. The second-part of the storyline – ‘Die by the Sword’ – airs on the consecutive night.
Viewers will get the first taster of the new-look show through a national ITV marketing campaign – including billboard posters and on-air trails – in coming weeks.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
The Bill 1 STV 0
ITV have just just announced that 'Scotland is not losing The Bill'.
ITV3 schedules have been reshuffled to allow repeats of the previous Thursday's episode on a Monday at 11pm.
STV viewers can return to the Sun Hill frontline on Wednesday 29, July with a special double-bill entitled Live By The Sword/Die By The Sword, on ITV3 between 11pm and 1am.
Thereafter, ITV3 will broadcast The Bill on a Monday at 11pm.
Result.
ITV3 schedules have been reshuffled to allow repeats of the previous Thursday's episode on a Monday at 11pm.
STV viewers can return to the Sun Hill frontline on Wednesday 29, July with a special double-bill entitled Live By The Sword/Die By The Sword, on ITV3 between 11pm and 1am.
Thereafter, ITV3 will broadcast The Bill on a Monday at 11pm.
Result.
Monday 20 July 2009
Flashback 2000: Sgt Cryer aka Eric Richard on the Royal Yacht Britannia
A touch of nostalgia now, with this piece which was written to coincide with a low-key visit to Edinburgh by Eric Richard. Enjoy.
Britannia fits The Bill as Eric beats a path to Leith
By LIAM RUDDEN
Edinburgh Evening News 25 Mar 2000
"HEY Sarge" is the cry that greets Eric Richard as he walks along the shore at Leith and on to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
It's the sort of recognition that goes with being one of Britain's most famous TV faces. As Sergeant Bob Cryer, the linchpin of Britain's longest running police show, The Bill, he has been a household name for 17 years. But there's more to Eric Richard than meets the eye.
In the little time he spends away from his Sun Hill beat you are just as likely to find him behind the camera as in front of it. Two years ago he formed his own company, Watchman Productions, which makes documentaries, and it's the latest of these which brings him to the Capital to film on board Britannia.
"Everywhere you go someone will recognise you," he says. To help him work smoothly on Britannia he even had to be provided with security to keep over-enthusiastic fans at bay.
"It's an ongoing project," he explains. "But initially we were here to create a video for retail sale on board the ship." That completed, Richard is looking forward to returning later in the year.
"Working on the ship is marvellous. It's exciting being able to get below stairs on such a famous vessel."
His first visit to the ship that took Charles and Diana on the first leg of their honeymoon, has left him with an unexpected insight into the Royal Family.
"It isn't as regal as I expected," he says. "I hadn't realised that the Royal Family were quite as austere as they are. I suppose it's because we all imagine that palaces are from fairy tales, where everything is made of solid gold.
"Exploring the ship, I realise that they lived in a very practical way. I'm told the Queen wanted the drawing room to resemble that of a country cottage, rather than a state room, and although you're on a ship, that's exactly what it feels like."
With so much attention to detail on board, capturing the ship's atmosphere on video was just as important, and though Richard himself has narrated many documentaries he has not been tempted to do this one.
"As the producer it's my job to ensure we do the best for the subject we are filming. Britannia was built in Scotland, and has now, we assume, come to reside in Scotland for the rest of its life, I wanted a Scottish lilt to the narration to reflect that."
Filming here has brought Richard back to Leith for the first time in 20 years. He has noticed some changes. "I was last here in '76 and '77," he recalls, "and my memory is that it certainly wasn't a place I would have gone sightseeing. I do remember being taken to a party there by some friends once, though.
"We ended up in some dodgy-looking flat, but as a southerner I'd say it's now more on par with the Docklands, or Covent Garden ".
He regards his film work as a welcome diversion from a gruelling TV schedule -being the country's best-loved copper since Dixon of Dock Green can be hard work.
The actor, born in Margate and brought up in Brixton, first appeared on our screens in The Bill in 1983, since then most of the original characters have moved on to pastures new, but Bob Cryer is still there.
"I don't think any actor can ever perceive being in something this long," he confesses. "It's not the way the business usually works, but it is nice to be secure in the knowledge that for six months, or a year, you will be paid a certain amount."
Life wasn't always that easy. He left school at 15, and was married for the first time, and working in the motor trade by the age of 21. His acting debut came almost by accident.
"A workmate introduced me to the local amateur dramatic club," he laughs, "and I remember thinking, what a great way to make a living".
For the next 15 years he worked solidly as a jobbing actor before, at the age of 45, landing the part that was to change his life. In a real force Sgt Bob Cryer would have been pensioned off by now, but Richard is still happy to play TV father figure to his ever-changing batch of rookies.
Away from the screaming sirens and flashing blue lights he has another great love. "I have a passion for motorbikes," he reveals.
With nine bikes to his name - the earliest is a 1952 Triumph Tiger 100, and the most recent a GSXR 750 Suzuki - he jumped at the chance to present an episode of the travel show, Wish You Were Here, touring Scotland on his bike.
"I didn't set out to collect motor cycles," he says, "they've just sort of gathered themselves around me". When he'd finished shooting his holiday report, Richard and his wife, Tina, decided to spend a little longer in Scotland tracing his roots. "My mother was a MacDonell. And we managed to trace the family back to the times of Mary Queen of Scots."
During The Clearances his family moved to Edinburgh, before making their way down south working as engineers on the Victorian railways.
One day, the father-of-two, found himself at Glencoe, gazing out over his heritage - and taking some of his Kiwi fans by surprise.
"We were on our bikes, on the rise by the waterfall at the side of Glencoe," he remembers, "and it was raining. A car pulled up beside us, and five people got out to share the view. They were New Zealanders, and for some reason The Bill is really big out there. Imagine their faces as they stepped from their car only to be confronted by Sgt Cryer, in full motorcycle kit, standing drenched in the peeing rain in Glencoe.
"I've never seen anyone look so shocked," he laughs. "I'm sure they thought I should have been in a Rolls Royce and at least wearing a Barbour jacket!"
Britannia fits The Bill as Eric beats a path to Leith
By LIAM RUDDEN
Edinburgh Evening News 25 Mar 2000
"HEY Sarge" is the cry that greets Eric Richard as he walks along the shore at Leith and on to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
It's the sort of recognition that goes with being one of Britain's most famous TV faces. As Sergeant Bob Cryer, the linchpin of Britain's longest running police show, The Bill, he has been a household name for 17 years. But there's more to Eric Richard than meets the eye.
In the little time he spends away from his Sun Hill beat you are just as likely to find him behind the camera as in front of it. Two years ago he formed his own company, Watchman Productions, which makes documentaries, and it's the latest of these which brings him to the Capital to film on board Britannia.
"Everywhere you go someone will recognise you," he says. To help him work smoothly on Britannia he even had to be provided with security to keep over-enthusiastic fans at bay.
"It's an ongoing project," he explains. "But initially we were here to create a video for retail sale on board the ship." That completed, Richard is looking forward to returning later in the year.
"Working on the ship is marvellous. It's exciting being able to get below stairs on such a famous vessel."
His first visit to the ship that took Charles and Diana on the first leg of their honeymoon, has left him with an unexpected insight into the Royal Family.
"It isn't as regal as I expected," he says. "I hadn't realised that the Royal Family were quite as austere as they are. I suppose it's because we all imagine that palaces are from fairy tales, where everything is made of solid gold.
"Exploring the ship, I realise that they lived in a very practical way. I'm told the Queen wanted the drawing room to resemble that of a country cottage, rather than a state room, and although you're on a ship, that's exactly what it feels like."
With so much attention to detail on board, capturing the ship's atmosphere on video was just as important, and though Richard himself has narrated many documentaries he has not been tempted to do this one.
"As the producer it's my job to ensure we do the best for the subject we are filming. Britannia was built in Scotland, and has now, we assume, come to reside in Scotland for the rest of its life, I wanted a Scottish lilt to the narration to reflect that."
Filming here has brought Richard back to Leith for the first time in 20 years. He has noticed some changes. "I was last here in '76 and '77," he recalls, "and my memory is that it certainly wasn't a place I would have gone sightseeing. I do remember being taken to a party there by some friends once, though.
"We ended up in some dodgy-looking flat, but as a southerner I'd say it's now more on par with the Docklands, or Covent Garden ".
He regards his film work as a welcome diversion from a gruelling TV schedule -being the country's best-loved copper since Dixon of Dock Green can be hard work.
The actor, born in Margate and brought up in Brixton, first appeared on our screens in The Bill in 1983, since then most of the original characters have moved on to pastures new, but Bob Cryer is still there.
"I don't think any actor can ever perceive being in something this long," he confesses. "It's not the way the business usually works, but it is nice to be secure in the knowledge that for six months, or a year, you will be paid a certain amount."
Life wasn't always that easy. He left school at 15, and was married for the first time, and working in the motor trade by the age of 21. His acting debut came almost by accident.
"A workmate introduced me to the local amateur dramatic club," he laughs, "and I remember thinking, what a great way to make a living".
For the next 15 years he worked solidly as a jobbing actor before, at the age of 45, landing the part that was to change his life. In a real force Sgt Bob Cryer would have been pensioned off by now, but Richard is still happy to play TV father figure to his ever-changing batch of rookies.
Away from the screaming sirens and flashing blue lights he has another great love. "I have a passion for motorbikes," he reveals.
With nine bikes to his name - the earliest is a 1952 Triumph Tiger 100, and the most recent a GSXR 750 Suzuki - he jumped at the chance to present an episode of the travel show, Wish You Were Here, touring Scotland on his bike.
"I didn't set out to collect motor cycles," he says, "they've just sort of gathered themselves around me". When he'd finished shooting his holiday report, Richard and his wife, Tina, decided to spend a little longer in Scotland tracing his roots. "My mother was a MacDonell. And we managed to trace the family back to the times of Mary Queen of Scots."
During The Clearances his family moved to Edinburgh, before making their way down south working as engineers on the Victorian railways.
One day, the father-of-two, found himself at Glencoe, gazing out over his heritage - and taking some of his Kiwi fans by surprise.
"We were on our bikes, on the rise by the waterfall at the side of Glencoe," he remembers, "and it was raining. A car pulled up beside us, and five people got out to share the view. They were New Zealanders, and for some reason The Bill is really big out there. Imagine their faces as they stepped from their car only to be confronted by Sgt Cryer, in full motorcycle kit, standing drenched in the peeing rain in Glencoe.
"I've never seen anyone look so shocked," he laughs. "I'm sure they thought I should have been in a Rolls Royce and at least wearing a Barbour jacket!"
New Episode Titles
Some future episode titles just in.
Thursday 6, August, 2009: Absolute Power
Thursday 13, August, 2009: Psychiatric Help
Thursday 6, August, 2009: Absolute Power
Thursday 13, August, 2009: Psychiatric Help
Friday 17 July 2009
Coming Soon...
STV might have screened their last episode of The Bill, but elsewhere viewers are looking forward to a new-look show. Just check out the trailer below.
http://www.thebill.com/videos/videodetail/item_200053.htm
And for those who missed last night's episode, here's the press synopsis by way of a catch-up.
http://www.thebill.com/videos/videodetail/item_200053.htm
And for those who missed last night's episode, here's the press synopsis by way of a catch-up.
THE BILL
Episode 004 – Conviction: Judgement Day
Thursday 16 July 2009 8.00 to 9.00pm ITV1
**Guest starring Natasha Little as Stephanie Anderson & Danny Webb as Matthew Devlin**
On the morning of Jason Devlin’s (Guy Flanagan) court case, accusing him of alleged people trafficking, Sergeant Stone (Sam Callis) tries to reassure Sergeant Smith (Alex Walkinshaw) that they have enough evidence without him having to give evidence.
However, the morning takes a dramatic turn when distraught Ara Byat (Pooneh Hajimohammadi) contacts the police to say that her niece, Jala (Hannah McCall), has gone missing.
Ara is convinced that the Devlin’s have uncovered her relationship with Khaled Hasiq (Leeshon Alexander), their former book keeper and main witness against them. She is convinced that they have arranged for Jala to be taken as a warning not to testify.
Ara manages to get a message to Khaled about Jala’s disappearance and he immediately tells Smithy that he refuses to give evidence until Jala is found safe. Without Khaled, Smithy will be forced to take to the stand…
While the frantic search for Jala continues, D.C. Stevie Moss (Lucy Speed) is subjected to an intense cross examination by Jason’s tough lawyer, Stephanie Anderson (Natasha Little). Anderson implies that she and Smithy were emotionally involved with one another, which lead to the Sergeant to attack Jason.
Smithy is then placed in the dock, where he faces a barrage of accusations from Anderson. When he is asked to talk through his actions on the day of the riot and directly questioned about the attack on Jason, will Smithy lie to obtain justice for the illegal immigrants, or will his conscience get the better of him…?
At the end of the court case, Superintendent Heaton (Daniel Flynn) tells Inspector Rachel Weston (Claire Goose) that D.S. Stuart Turner (Doug Rao) and D.C. Kezia Walker (Cat Simmons) have decided to leave Sun Hill and join him at a specialist trafficking unit.
Heaton is delighted when Rachel agrees to go with him for a year, leaving D.C.I. Jack Meadows (Simon Rouse) as the new Superintendent and Smithy as Inspector. After recent events, will Jack and Smithy be able to handle their new promotions…?
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Maxwell Young, directed by Indra Bhose and produced by Kevin Rundle.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Conviction: Riot City
SAD night for Scottish television tonight as STV broadcast their last ever episode of The Bill.
A crazy decision, but then my views are well documented.
Got a sneak preview of the new look The Bill last night. Love the new theme, and the incidental music and the grittier feel.
Also love the camera work and use of Canary Wharf landmarks. The rest of the country are in for a treat from next Thursday.
Meanwhile, here's the press synopsis issued for last night's episode, just in case you missed it.
THE BILL
Episode 003 – Conviction: Riot City
Wednesday 15 July 2009 8.00 to 9.00pm ITV1
**Guest starring Danny Webb as Matthew Devlin**
Following the recent riot with illegal immigrants on the Westgate Estate, Inspector Rachel Weston (Claire Goose) decides that uniform need extra training, in preparation for any similar situations.
Rachel heads to the training centre where she makes Sergeants Smith (Alex Walkinshaw) and Stone (Sam Callis) team leaders. As the demanding day wears on, tensions mount between the Sergeants and when Smithy leaves Stone hanging during an exercise, Stone is given a dressing down by Rachel in front the troops, while Smithy looks on.
During a break, Smithy and Stone walk to an isolated part of the training centre where they finally confront one another, punching and fighting until they are both exhausted. Stone tells Smithy he needs to make a decision about admitting to attacking Jason Devlin (Guy Flanagan). Stone makes it clear that Smithy needs to choose between his conscience and justice: he doesn’t get both…
Back at the station, Jason has made a formal complaint about Smithy, alleging that he beat him up and planted evidence in his car. D.C.I. Jack Meadows (Simon Rouse) and D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) work together in order to establish the truth and are devastated when a witness comes forward to say he saw Smithy attacking Jason.
However, as the witness is one of Jason’s tenant's, CID hope to establish that he has been paid to lie by the Devlin's. Jack and Neil task D.C. Stevie Moss (Lucy Speed) with asking Smithy if he wishes to change anything in his statement before it’s examined in court, much to Stevie’s discomfort. Stevie tells Smithy about the allegations that have been made, but the Sergeant tells her he didn’t touch Jason or have anything to do with the evidence found.
At the end of a long day, Superintendent Heaton (Daniel Flynn) tells Rachel that he’s particularly keen to get a good result on this case as he’s leaving to head up a specialist unit targeting human trafficking – and he wants her to go with him…
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Maxwell Young, directed by Indra Bhose and produced by Kevin Rundle.
A crazy decision, but then my views are well documented.
Got a sneak preview of the new look The Bill last night. Love the new theme, and the incidental music and the grittier feel.
Also love the camera work and use of Canary Wharf landmarks. The rest of the country are in for a treat from next Thursday.
Meanwhile, here's the press synopsis issued for last night's episode, just in case you missed it.
THE BILL
Episode 003 – Conviction: Riot City
Wednesday 15 July 2009 8.00 to 9.00pm ITV1
**Guest starring Danny Webb as Matthew Devlin**
Following the recent riot with illegal immigrants on the Westgate Estate, Inspector Rachel Weston (Claire Goose) decides that uniform need extra training, in preparation for any similar situations.
Rachel heads to the training centre where she makes Sergeants Smith (Alex Walkinshaw) and Stone (Sam Callis) team leaders. As the demanding day wears on, tensions mount between the Sergeants and when Smithy leaves Stone hanging during an exercise, Stone is given a dressing down by Rachel in front the troops, while Smithy looks on.
During a break, Smithy and Stone walk to an isolated part of the training centre where they finally confront one another, punching and fighting until they are both exhausted. Stone tells Smithy he needs to make a decision about admitting to attacking Jason Devlin (Guy Flanagan). Stone makes it clear that Smithy needs to choose between his conscience and justice: he doesn’t get both…
Back at the station, Jason has made a formal complaint about Smithy, alleging that he beat him up and planted evidence in his car. D.C.I. Jack Meadows (Simon Rouse) and D.I. Neil Manson (Andrew Lancel) work together in order to establish the truth and are devastated when a witness comes forward to say he saw Smithy attacking Jason.
However, as the witness is one of Jason’s tenant's, CID hope to establish that he has been paid to lie by the Devlin's. Jack and Neil task D.C. Stevie Moss (Lucy Speed) with asking Smithy if he wishes to change anything in his statement before it’s examined in court, much to Stevie’s discomfort. Stevie tells Smithy about the allegations that have been made, but the Sergeant tells her he didn’t touch Jason or have anything to do with the evidence found.
At the end of a long day, Superintendent Heaton (Daniel Flynn) tells Rachel that he’s particularly keen to get a good result on this case as he’s leaving to head up a specialist unit targeting human trafficking – and he wants her to go with him…
THE BILL is a talkbackTHAMES production and a direct commission by ITV. This episode was written by Maxwell Young, directed by Indra Bhose and produced by Kevin Rundle.
Monday 13 July 2009
Alex Walkinshaw talks about playing Sgt Smithy Smith
Here's my interview with Alex Walkinshaw
Alex fights on as The Bill gets paid off in Scotland
Edinburgh Evening News
11 Jul 2009
EXCLUSIVE
EVENING all! Life can be tough on the Sun Hill beat. Just ask Sgt 'Smithy' Smith.
He's had a crisis of conscience of late. Ever since denying that he beat people-trafficker Jason Devlin( Guy Flanagan) to pulp after catching him kicking DC Stevie Moss( Lucy Speed) unconscious, The Bill favourite has been treading eggshells. Not least with fellow officer Sgt Stone( Sam Callis), who knows exactly what happened.
Things comes to ahead next Wednesday in the first of two action-packed episodes, in which Sgts Smith and Stone come to blows over the incident during a riot training exercise.
"Fight scenes are such great fun but they're demanding both physically and mentally," admits Alex Walkinshaw, who plays the everpopular Smithy.
"After recording the fight, Sam and I were covered from head to toe in bruises. It took us, five, six, seven hours to film it, and just the pure repetition of being bashed into a wall here or grabbed by the arm there or pushed in the chest, meant that we ended up black and blue."
With a grin, he adds, "But I loved it."
The current story-line has proved an exciting one for the 34-year-old actor who has played his character for ten years now. Not only does Smithy go battling with his fellow officer next week, but he finds him-selon the receiving end of a barrage of bricks and petrol bombs.
"When you're doing riot scenes, and up against different groups of people, that's quite difficult. Filming becomes very technical because there are 50 of you all having a fight. Some are waving metal poles around, you've got petrol bombs exploding, flame bars, and broken glass everywhere because you've been smashing up cars... there are just so many things to think about," he says, adding with just a hint of glee, "and then you've got to try to act and say words as well."
Wednesday's episode, Riot City, and Thursday's, Judgement Day, mark the end of an era for the award-winning cop show. Part of nationwide TV schedules for the past 26 years, they will be the last ever screened by STV, after the company chose to opt out of new episodes in favour of" home-spun" documentaries.
"That really is a shame because we get a lot of support from Scotland. I get loads of letters and emails from people in Scotland. But there are other ways of watching it, the new episodes are going to be on-line," says Walkinshaw, who actually made Bill debut 20 years ago - on the wrong side of the law.
"I've been with the show off and on for ten years now, but my relationship with The Bill started when I was 15 and did the first of a number of guest slots as various different no-goods," he says.
"My first scene was with Graham Cole( PC Stamp). He's the longest running character in the show now and I spent that scene day trying to kick him in the head - that was a day to remember."
Walkinshaw went on to play another couple of" little ruffians" before being offered the role of PC Smith in 1999. For a fan of the show, it was a no-brainer.
"As a kid I had a secret crush on old June Ackland - I still do if I'm being totally honest," he laughs, "But I loved The Bill when I was growing up. Like most people it was a series I dipped in and out of - you can always go back to The Bill, that's one of the successes of the series.
"Anyway, up to that point I'd always worked but never had a job where I had sustained a character for any real length of time, so the part came at just the right moment."
Ironically, for someone who had grown up with the show, it was one of Walkinshaw's early story-lines in 2001 that finished the career of one of the series' best loved characters, Sgt Bob Cryer.
"Which is interesting," says the actor. "My character shot Bob Cryer and has now taken on that kind of relief sergeant role himself. He's actually become a bit of Bob Cryer in that he is the protector and guardian of uniform."
Talking of uniform, Riot City was filmed at the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre, at Gravesend, where Walkinshaw and Co watched police officers undergoing the training before joining them.
So what do the real boys in blue think of their TV counterparts?
"The biggest reaction we get is that they never see us do any paperwork," laughs Walkinshaw.
"But then at the end of the day, we are making drama so we do bend procedure a bit, especially as in the real world, there is a separate task-force for everything - at Sun Hill, we do it all.
"That said, they're very supportive of us, although some say, 'I can't watch The Bill because I've been at work all day and the last thing I need to see is more people running around in police uniforms'.
"But you have to take that as a bit of a compliment."
The Bill - Conviction: Riot City, STV, Wednesday, 8pm The Bill - Conviction: Judgement Day, STV, Thursday, 8pm
Alex fights on as The Bill gets paid off in Scotland
Edinburgh Evening News
11 Jul 2009
EXCLUSIVE
EVENING all! Life can be tough on the Sun Hill beat. Just ask Sgt 'Smithy' Smith.
He's had a crisis of conscience of late. Ever since denying that he beat people-trafficker Jason Devlin( Guy Flanagan) to pulp after catching him kicking DC Stevie Moss( Lucy Speed) unconscious, The Bill favourite has been treading eggshells. Not least with fellow officer Sgt Stone( Sam Callis), who knows exactly what happened.
Things comes to ahead next Wednesday in the first of two action-packed episodes, in which Sgts Smith and Stone come to blows over the incident during a riot training exercise.
"Fight scenes are such great fun but they're demanding both physically and mentally," admits Alex Walkinshaw, who plays the everpopular Smithy.
"After recording the fight, Sam and I were covered from head to toe in bruises. It took us, five, six, seven hours to film it, and just the pure repetition of being bashed into a wall here or grabbed by the arm there or pushed in the chest, meant that we ended up black and blue."
With a grin, he adds, "But I loved it."
The current story-line has proved an exciting one for the 34-year-old actor who has played his character for ten years now. Not only does Smithy go battling with his fellow officer next week, but he finds him-selon the receiving end of a barrage of bricks and petrol bombs.
"When you're doing riot scenes, and up against different groups of people, that's quite difficult. Filming becomes very technical because there are 50 of you all having a fight. Some are waving metal poles around, you've got petrol bombs exploding, flame bars, and broken glass everywhere because you've been smashing up cars... there are just so many things to think about," he says, adding with just a hint of glee, "and then you've got to try to act and say words as well."
Wednesday's episode, Riot City, and Thursday's, Judgement Day, mark the end of an era for the award-winning cop show. Part of nationwide TV schedules for the past 26 years, they will be the last ever screened by STV, after the company chose to opt out of new episodes in favour of" home-spun" documentaries.
"That really is a shame because we get a lot of support from Scotland. I get loads of letters and emails from people in Scotland. But there are other ways of watching it, the new episodes are going to be on-line," says Walkinshaw, who actually made Bill debut 20 years ago - on the wrong side of the law.
"I've been with the show off and on for ten years now, but my relationship with The Bill started when I was 15 and did the first of a number of guest slots as various different no-goods," he says.
"My first scene was with Graham Cole( PC Stamp). He's the longest running character in the show now and I spent that scene day trying to kick him in the head - that was a day to remember."
Walkinshaw went on to play another couple of" little ruffians" before being offered the role of PC Smith in 1999. For a fan of the show, it was a no-brainer.
"As a kid I had a secret crush on old June Ackland - I still do if I'm being totally honest," he laughs, "But I loved The Bill when I was growing up. Like most people it was a series I dipped in and out of - you can always go back to The Bill, that's one of the successes of the series.
"Anyway, up to that point I'd always worked but never had a job where I had sustained a character for any real length of time, so the part came at just the right moment."
Ironically, for someone who had grown up with the show, it was one of Walkinshaw's early story-lines in 2001 that finished the career of one of the series' best loved characters, Sgt Bob Cryer.
"Which is interesting," says the actor. "My character shot Bob Cryer and has now taken on that kind of relief sergeant role himself. He's actually become a bit of Bob Cryer in that he is the protector and guardian of uniform."
Talking of uniform, Riot City was filmed at the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre, at Gravesend, where Walkinshaw and Co watched police officers undergoing the training before joining them.
So what do the real boys in blue think of their TV counterparts?
"The biggest reaction we get is that they never see us do any paperwork," laughs Walkinshaw.
"But then at the end of the day, we are making drama so we do bend procedure a bit, especially as in the real world, there is a separate task-force for everything - at Sun Hill, we do it all.
"That said, they're very supportive of us, although some say, 'I can't watch The Bill because I've been at work all day and the last thing I need to see is more people running around in police uniforms'.
"But you have to take that as a bit of a compliment."
The Bill - Conviction: Riot City, STV, Wednesday, 8pm The Bill - Conviction: Judgement Day, STV, Thursday, 8pm
Saturday 11 July 2009
The Guardian champions The Bill in Scotland
IT seems I'm not the only one unhappy about STV's decision to opt out of The Bill.
This is from The Guardian, Wednesday, July 8, 2009:
The Bill fans furious as show is axed in Scotland
A decision by Scottish independent ITV franchise holder STV to axe police drama The Bill from its schedule after 25 years has angered fans of the show as well ITV plc executives.
STV will not air the revamped drama when it hits screens in the rest of the country on 23 July and will instead use the weekly 9pm slot to broadcast more locally produced programming, such as documentary series Made in Scotland.
The move comes after a long-running dispute about how much ITV plc charges STV and the other independent ITV companies, UTV and Channel TV, for programming. STV reportedly deemed The Bill too expensive at £30,000 an episode.
Fans of The Bill have condemned the move to axe the show in Scotland on Internet web forums, while ITV plc executives in London have questioned the move, saying STV traditionally pulled in one of the highest audience shares of any region for the show.
For full story visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jul/08/the-bill-axed-in-scotland
This is from The Guardian, Wednesday, July 8, 2009:
The Bill fans furious as show is axed in Scotland
A decision by Scottish independent ITV franchise holder STV to axe police drama The Bill from its schedule after 25 years has angered fans of the show as well ITV plc executives.
STV will not air the revamped drama when it hits screens in the rest of the country on 23 July and will instead use the weekly 9pm slot to broadcast more locally produced programming, such as documentary series Made in Scotland.
The move comes after a long-running dispute about how much ITV plc charges STV and the other independent ITV companies, UTV and Channel TV, for programming. STV reportedly deemed The Bill too expensive at £30,000 an episode.
Fans of The Bill have condemned the move to axe the show in Scotland on Internet web forums, while ITV plc executives in London have questioned the move, saying STV traditionally pulled in one of the highest audience shares of any region for the show.
For full story visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jul/08/the-bill-axed-in-scotland
TV HELL
SO the next two episodes of The Bill are the last to be screened in the STV region.
Here's the column I wrote for yesterday's issue of The Guide/Edinburgh Evening News.
TV HELL
FOR more than a quarter of a century viewers have tuned in to watch the Sun Hill bobbies hit the blues and twos as they bring them their weekly dose of cops and robbers from the big smoke.
During that time characters have come and gone, three different locations have been used for the station and the series has gone from strength to strength, winning the 2008 Royal Television Society Awards for Best Continuing Drama and this year’s Inside Soap Award for Best Drama.
The Bill started life in 1983 as a one-off drama called Woodentops and became a series of post watershed one hour episodes the following year. Four years and three series later it became a half hour pre-watershed continuing drama. Later the episodes were restored to their original one hour length.
Later this month the series will come full circle when it returns to a 9pm slot for the first time in more than a decade, a move that will allow producers to bring back the gritty feel of the original episodes, which can only be a good thing... as long as you don’t live in the STV region.
STV has decided to opt out of the long-running series, so next week’s episodes will be the last Edinburgh fans of The Bill will get to see. Yes, as The Bill enters a new exciting, so STV have decided to axe it, a move that has been kept very low-key.
Commenting on the decision Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV said: “We’re taking greater control of our schedule and are absolutely committed to maintaining a healthy creative industry in Scotland by investing in new, high quality Scottish productions and creating a diverse schedule for viewers.”
If past experience of STV’s opt-out strategy is anything to go by we should all be worried. The most recent example being the introduction of South Park, a Channel 4 reject that was arguably past its sell by date after its first series way back in 1997, to schedules as something to champion! I can’t figure out what is particularly Scottish about it either as STV’s replacements for The Bill suggest we can expect a return to the old tartan/shorbread image enjoyed by the channel in the days of Garnock Way and Molly Wier.
Yes, instead of the award-winning drama you can now look forward to “a celeb-packed documentary series called Made In Scotland, examining the iconic symbols that give Scotland such strong visibility internationally”. Cue Carol Smillie, Lorraine Kelly and other ‘professional’ Scots no doubt – or am I just being cynical?
That will be followed by, “A visually stunning exploration of Scotland from the air entitled Scotland Revealed” – sound like a regional episode of BBC’s Coast.
Finally, there’s a “fascinating” series covering the stories of the thousands of Scots who fought against Franco in the Spanish Civil War, called believe it or not, The Scots Who Fought Franco”. That’ll be a mass ratings-winner!
It seems that STV bosses believe viewers want a diet of documentaries, soaps (we still have Corrie and Emmerdale) and cartoons, although it would surprise me if they also bring back Thingummyjig in the spirit of further exploring our culture and roots.
Of course, viewers can always vote with their feet. If enough do, advertisers won’t be far behind. If no-one is watching what’s the point of advertising.
There is some good news however, for Edinburgh’s fans of The Bill. The new episodes will be available to watch on the ITV website and on digital TV, just tune your digibox to ITV1 London or ITV1 Border.
In the meantime, make the most of next week’s explosive episodes.
Here's the column I wrote for yesterday's issue of The Guide/Edinburgh Evening News.
TV HELL
FOR more than a quarter of a century viewers have tuned in to watch the Sun Hill bobbies hit the blues and twos as they bring them their weekly dose of cops and robbers from the big smoke.
During that time characters have come and gone, three different locations have been used for the station and the series has gone from strength to strength, winning the 2008 Royal Television Society Awards for Best Continuing Drama and this year’s Inside Soap Award for Best Drama.
The Bill started life in 1983 as a one-off drama called Woodentops and became a series of post watershed one hour episodes the following year. Four years and three series later it became a half hour pre-watershed continuing drama. Later the episodes were restored to their original one hour length.
Later this month the series will come full circle when it returns to a 9pm slot for the first time in more than a decade, a move that will allow producers to bring back the gritty feel of the original episodes, which can only be a good thing... as long as you don’t live in the STV region.
STV has decided to opt out of the long-running series, so next week’s episodes will be the last Edinburgh fans of The Bill will get to see. Yes, as The Bill enters a new exciting, so STV have decided to axe it, a move that has been kept very low-key.
Commenting on the decision Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV said: “We’re taking greater control of our schedule and are absolutely committed to maintaining a healthy creative industry in Scotland by investing in new, high quality Scottish productions and creating a diverse schedule for viewers.”
If past experience of STV’s opt-out strategy is anything to go by we should all be worried. The most recent example being the introduction of South Park, a Channel 4 reject that was arguably past its sell by date after its first series way back in 1997, to schedules as something to champion! I can’t figure out what is particularly Scottish about it either as STV’s replacements for The Bill suggest we can expect a return to the old tartan/shorbread image enjoyed by the channel in the days of Garnock Way and Molly Wier.
Yes, instead of the award-winning drama you can now look forward to “a celeb-packed documentary series called Made In Scotland, examining the iconic symbols that give Scotland such strong visibility internationally”. Cue Carol Smillie, Lorraine Kelly and other ‘professional’ Scots no doubt – or am I just being cynical?
That will be followed by, “A visually stunning exploration of Scotland from the air entitled Scotland Revealed” – sound like a regional episode of BBC’s Coast.
Finally, there’s a “fascinating” series covering the stories of the thousands of Scots who fought against Franco in the Spanish Civil War, called believe it or not, The Scots Who Fought Franco”. That’ll be a mass ratings-winner!
It seems that STV bosses believe viewers want a diet of documentaries, soaps (we still have Corrie and Emmerdale) and cartoons, although it would surprise me if they also bring back Thingummyjig in the spirit of further exploring our culture and roots.
Of course, viewers can always vote with their feet. If enough do, advertisers won’t be far behind. If no-one is watching what’s the point of advertising.
There is some good news however, for Edinburgh’s fans of The Bill. The new episodes will be available to watch on the ITV website and on digital TV, just tune your digibox to ITV1 London or ITV1 Border.
In the meantime, make the most of next week’s explosive episodes.
Monday 6 July 2009
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