I have been an avid The Bill fan/watcher since its inception in the mid 1980s.  I have the first series on DVD (ordered from the UK) and am looking forward to further series' releases on DVD.  Even though the show has "lost the plot" in recent times (I blame aiming it towards US audiences for this), I still find myself loyally tuning in most Tuesdays and Saturdays for my bi-weekly "fix".  Last Tuesday's episode (the siege at the station) was one of the best for a very long time and I am hoping this may signal a return to the former days of detective work and believable plots.  What do others think?

I keep abreast of the story line mostly by viewing the UK web site, and flicking across to see where we are in the time line, if we are somewhere interesting I will watch for a week or two, then go back to flicking occassionally. I think the one just gone was the "live epsiode" We must be getting close to when Gabriel goes troppo, that should be good.

Quoted from BB

I keep abreast of the story line mostly by viewing the UK web site, and flicking across to see where we are in the time line, if we are somewhere interesting I will watch for a week or two, then go back to flicking occassionally. I think the one just gone was the "live epsiode" We must be getting close to when Gabriel goes troppo, that should be good.

Indeed, this was the episode that went out live in the UK, and hats off to the cast and crew as the whole hour ran faultlessly...even though, in the back of my mind, I was hoping for at least one c**k-up !!

Quoted from BB

. . . . .  We must be getting close to when Gabriel goes troppo, that should be good.

I am looking forward to that too . . .the Gabriel storyline has gone on too long now. . glad to see they are 'on to him'.  

^  bit of a spoiler  

I love the Bill but its just not the same show it was in the 80s. I used to LOVE the stories and the characters, but now its more of a "watch it cause there isnt much else on" kind of show. I watch it with a kinda nostalgic wish that the old characters were there.

I wish they would return to what it used to be instead of the "soap" like storylines.

I AGREE.  I actually did once rather like this show now I only watch it because Paula insists (I'm going to be in trouble for that).  

I have bought series 1 and 2 on DVD and after watching both (especially series 2) I am more than happy to say, The Bill ain't what it used to be.  

PS Remember Ted Roach?  He was rather sexy.  

For anyone interested on the Aussie release, The Bill is available in two volumes (Seasons 1-3 & 4-5) in 12-disc "Super Wallets". Well, 4-5 won't be available until December according to EzyDVD and they retail for $99.95, although many retailers will sell them for considerably less.

I've only watched one episode briefly, and I thought the acting was absolutely horrible and unbelieveably melodramatic. Although I'll probably give it a fair go and watch a full episode in the future.

i loved the bill when the serial killer ''pat kitson'' was around but when cathy bradford left the show (haha i loved that pshyco) i stopped watching!

I am currently watching an episode called "Ringer", about illegal cars.  One of these was involved in an horrific accident in which 6 people were killed and the story is based around the investigation into the cause.  It's pure police work, not the hyped up drama one gets with some US shows, just a factual account of what can and does happen in these cases.  It's brilliant!

A few of the latest episodes have been rather good (eg the missing 7 year old girl).  I wonder if ITV listened to the results of their own poll (run on their website) that showed a large number of viewers wanted more detection and less soap.  Could be a first; TV station actually listening to their audience.    Only time will tell...

Quoted from Paula

A few of the latest episodes have been rather good (eg the missing 7 year old girl).  I wonder if ITV listened to the results of their own poll (run on their website) that showed a large number of viewers wanted more detection and less soap.  Could be a first; TV station actually listening to their audience.    Only time will tell...

I agree. Last nights wasn't too bad. I wouldnt have minded if it had kept going, it eneded and I was like, "what? noo! but where is she?"

The only thing that bugged me was that if this was a US show, they would have been working around the clock to find that girl, not popping off down to the pub for farewell drinks.  

Quoted from astrogirl

... The only thing that bugged me was that if this was a US show, they would have been working around the clock to find that girl, not popping off down to the pub for farewell drinks.  

That's because what we see on the US shows is sometimes far from what really happens.  In The Met there would be another team working on the case while the ones in the pub had time off.  One of the reasons I like the Bill is that what we see (as far as police work) is fairly true to the real thing.  I have parents and an uncle who are ex Met and who keep in touch with their former colleagues, many of whom have offspring there these days, so I get feedback on how realistic things are.

You could probably apply that to most UK shows that involve detective work. Frost and Morse are also probably fairly realistic as far as police work goes. In the US The Shield and NYPD Blue are kind of realistic.

Love this show! It's essential viewing for me on Tuesdays & Saturdays. I agree that the soap opera crap needs to stop and more attention should be paid to the cases though.
A little insight into the officers lives is one thing but spending whole episodes on it is just annoying. lol
I'm glad it's starting to get back to the cases and I'm really enjoying the current story line about the missing girl. Can't wait to watch it tonight.

I have to say...Neil Manson annoyed the **** out of me when he first arrived but I'm really starting to like him now. He's not quite the bland, no emotion character he was to begin with.
Sorry..that was a random thought.

Cass.

Quoted from Paula

I have been an avid The Bill fan/watcher since its inception in the mid 1980s.  I have the first series on DVD (ordered from the UK) and am looking forward to further series' releases on DVD.  Even though the show has "lost the plot" in recent times (I blame aiming it towards US audiences for this), I still find myself loyally tuning in most Tuesdays and Saturdays for my bi-weekly "fix".  Last Tuesday's episode (the siege at the station) was one of the best for a very long time and I am hoping this may signal a return to the former days of detective work and believable plots.  What do others think?

I'm also one of those who watched faithfully from the beginning.
I liked the half hour episodes best.
My favourites have long gone:
Burnside, Carver, Boulton, Beech (before he turned 'killer').
I loved 'The Old Bill'.
Way before they added the 'soap' stuff.
Thankfully, that's almost gone.
I actually stopped watching for awhile because it wasn't up to the same standards as before.
But I started to watch now & then.
I think it's getting there again ...
sometimes there's a glimpse of the old show we loved,
and I think that's why we do stay ... in hopes it will be back & better than before.

I used to watch the Bill, then I gave up on it, but that was about 5 years ago then I got hooked again, and now I don't miss an epp, they could sexy it up a little don't you think ?

Quoted from JoshFan

I'm also one of those who watched faithfully from the beginning.
I liked the half hour episodes best.
My favourites have long gone:
Burnside, Carver, Boulton, Beech (before he turned 'killer').
I loved 'The Old Bill'.
Way before they added the 'soap' stuff.
Thankfully, that's almost gone.
I actually stopped watching for awhile because it wasn't up to the same standards as before.
But I started to watch now & then.
I think it's getting there again ...
sometimes there's a glimpse of the old show we loved,
and I think that's why we do stay ... in hopes it will be back & better than before.

I have all The Bill episodes on DVD (bought legally, not downloaded and I'm poor again ) and must concur with JoshFan re Burnside et al.  The late 1980s were the best episodes.  Beech has just turned up (pre Beech days) as a DI from another 'nick' that Ted Roach hates.  He's so young!  And OMG and Tony Stamp!

^ yes Paula , they have aged, when you look back on the old epps,   good thing we haven't  

Acouple of early 1980's bill opening credits:

1984:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAaSj8zpS8&feature=related
1985:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvcCGq42Lxo

1988:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMz2XVIHbDc&feature=related

End credits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdQYX93_13U

1997 end credit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3YrTqyejH4

'Bill' star slashes wrists after being sacked
Wednesday, January 9 2008, 09:52 GMT

By Beth Hilton


Actor Jeff Stewart reportedly tried to commit suicide after learning that he was sacked from The Bill.

Stewart, who has played PC Reg Hollis on the police drama since 1984, was rushed to St George's Hospital in Tooting, South London, after the incident yesterday.

He is believed to have slashed his wrists in his dressing room moments after being told that his contract would not be renewed.

The decision follows his week-long suspension last month after losing his temper during filming.

The actor alerted security at the studio in Merton, South London, before being taken to hospital, where he was kept in overnight.

An source told The Sun: "This was a desperate cry for help. It's extremely sad. He is in hospital and is being cared for."

The 52-year-old suffered an emotional breakdown last year after collapsing at his home. He later admitted that he had spent time in rehab but felt he was back on track, saying: "There is no way I would ever take my own life."

credit: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a83907/bill-star-slashes-wrists-after-being-sacked.html

Suzi posted that in the Celebrity section of the forum yesterday.  We probably knew before you .

I actually searched for this thread twice yesterday and couldn't find it so hence posted in Celebrity thread. It is a very sad turn of events for someone we love so much for 23 odd years now.

I think it's sad that someone's job means so much that life isn't worth living without it.  

What you said in your last post Paula was exactly what I was thinking.  



This evening an update:
Sara Nathan, The Sun

January 10, 2008 06:00pm

IT'S been revealed that Jeff Stewart - the star of ABC's crime show The Bill - tried to kill himself after racking up online gambling debts.

Jeff, 52 - who plays PC Reg Hollis - slashed his wrists on the set of the top cop show minutes after being sacked following 24 years in the role.

Last night, pals planned to take him to the Priory clinic in Roehampton, South-West London, as he told them: “I’m on the edge.”

A source close to Jeff said: “Jeff is in financial trouble.

"He has been sobbing and there have been a lot of tears.

"He was semi-conscious in hospital, so he has been through an ordeal. He is very badly hurt and terribly disappointed about being axed.”

Jeff is the longest-serving actor on The Bill and the highest-paid on almost $400,000 a year - but pals say it does not cover his debts.

A Bill insider said his salary was one reason for his sacking. They added: “There are big cuts on the show, but Jeff thought his talents were worth more than just money.”

It had been feared he made a second suicide bid at home after leaving St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, yesterday.

Scotland Yard said officers went to his £1million house in Kingston after “a member of the public expressed concern for the occupant”.

A spokesman added: “They’re satisfied he is safe.”

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23033956-5012980,00.html

poor Reg  

I share a birthday with Chris Simmons, the actor who plays DC Mickey Webb.  

Quoted from Paula

I share a birthday with Chris Simmons, the actor who plays DC Mickey Webb.  

Awww , we missed it ( or I did , anyway ! )

Belated Happy Birthday , Paula



Hope it was better than your Christmas !!!!

Quoted from Dalton

...

Belated Happy Birthday , Paula



Hope it was better than your Christmas !!!!

Thanks Dalton, I had a great time.


Did anyone see The Bill last night?  I thought it the best episode in a long time.

Quoted from astrogirl

I love the Bill but its just not the same show it was in the 80s. I used to LOVE the stories and the characters, but now its more of a "watch it cause there isnt much else on" kind of show. I watch it with a kinda nostalgic wish that the old characters were there.

I wish they would return to what it used to be instead of the "soap" like storylines.

I used to love the program in the 80s & early 90s

When each episode was wrapped up nicely, sometimes the criminals got away & some times they didn't... sometimes you even had to look for a police badge to see which was which

Does anyone remember the Scottish policeman(detective Sergeant) getting into an argument in the pub with a couple of teenagers, who held him over the pool table & stabbed him in the bottom with a broken glass, for which he was so embarrassed that he pretended to have haemorrhoids rather than confess to his workmates?

Quoted Text

Does anyone remember the Scottish policeman (detective Sergeant)

DS Alistair Greig?  He played in the Police Band (clarinet I think), much to the annoyance of DI Frank Burnside.

I just read today that they're getting rid of Reg Hollis and that the actor tried to kill himself in his dressing room after finding out his contract was being terminated.
Reg is the last original cast member. They can't get rid of him. It's so sad.

Cass.

Oh no, you are kidding me. Reg is great. He is one  of the reasons I still watch the Bill

Quoted Text

I just read today that they're getting rid of Reg Hollis and that the actor tried to kill himself in his dressing room after finding out his contract was being terminated.  
Reg is the last original cast member. They can't get rid of him. It's so sad.

Cass.

Yeah it's terrible; we had a bit of a discussion about it at post 20+ here...

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/eblah/m-1149911486/s-15/

and post 170+ here...

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/eblah/m-1161472557/s-165/

Quoted Text

Does anyone remember the Scottish policeman(detective Sergeant) getting into an argument in the pub with a couple of teenagers, who held him over the pool table & stabbed him in the bottom with a broken glass, for which he was so embarrassed that he pretended to have haemorrhoids rather than confess to his workmates?

It was DS Roach (Tony Scannell) who I think was Irish.  It was in the episode called "Missing, presumed dead... Series three (1987).  I've just finished watching it on DVD.

for the first time (that I can remember) I had a little tear, when the new PC was killed ,

Yes, so did I Chris.  He'd have been a likable character had he not been killed, I think; bit of a lad.

Hey Paula , do you like the new Sergeant, ?
I think he will be good, might clash with Gina and even Smiffy  

I dunno yet, Chris.  He's easy on the eyes, but Gina won't like him and he and Smithy will clash a bit too...

oh no so is that it for PC Casper ? I liked him , will he be in next week, for drinks at the pub?

And I hear DS Hunter isn't too far behind either.

ooh the new boy is starting to show his true colours

Quoted from @1

ooh the new boy is starting to show his true colours

I knew there was something I didn't like about him...

Pity more cops didnt get rid of scum this way...........would save the country a fair bit of money  

since when did the Bill become a comedy ? I had a few (yes more than one) lol   moments , there is often the tongue in cheek bits and the titter  but not often lol   I thought Saturdays epps were very funny in parts, or is it just me ?

I often have a chuckle during the Bill, just as I do in real life.  If I don't then I know the Bill isn't working for me.

where is Smiffy ? havn't seen him for a long time  

and is Callum now losing the plot, letting too many people in on his ways ?

Smiffy was featured a lot in the episodes 3 or so weeks ago, about the young woman who was killed by her baby's father.

^ yes but since then nothing, is he on stress leave  

Anyone know the name of the Australian actor on the show last night?

he played the role of Jonah in Home and Away,

Still trying to see if I can get his name for you

found it his name is, James Mitchell.

Ah I was thinking he was in H & A.  Thanks, Chris.

no worries Paula,  also are you enjoying the new PCs ?

Yeah, what happened there.  I missed a weekend and there's about 4/5 new PCs.  Are they trying to youthinaise us or something (sorry, bad joke - just reminded me of one I heard MANY years ago).

I think they were short staffed before and needed to replace Emma and Reg (who resigned).

I don't know about the new PCs yet, Chris.  Ask me in 3 weeks or so.  

Roberta Taylor, who plays Gina on the Bill is going to be at our library next tuesday. She has written a new book. i have my name down to meet her

A every year charity called children in need is taking place on bbc tv in the uk at the moment and the bill like other shows have contributed with stars singing and doing sketches:

The bill medly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dk8lraSJIo

Quoted from LB

Roberta Taylor, who plays Gina on the Bill is going to be at our library next tuesday. She has written a new book. i have my name down to meet her

How was it, LB?

Quoted from Paula

How was it, LB?

Its this coming tuesday..........I will let you know

Quoted from LB

Its this coming tuesday..........I will let you know

cool  

I like "Mel".  She is a straight shooter and credible.

The undercover episodes involving Smithy are quite good apparently, so my friend in the UK tells me.

Its a pity she leaves the series  

And another new one.  Have they given them all 3 mth contracts now or what.  IS there ANY original characters left.

Tony ?   and   Jack I think would be the next oldest   and then..............

I think I remember Tony but that's about it.

None of the present characters are from the original pilot episode, not even "Tony Stamp".  He is, however, now the longest "serving" actor in the series.  The trouble is that The Bill has been around for 20+ years and, as in life, people age, retire and move on...

^ true , but they do live on forever in TV land,  as with most tv series a lot of the actors get killed off,

Still like the show and hope its around for another 20+ years

Didn't they have a spin off series that was supposed to be grittier or something like that.  I'm struugling to remember today's Friday so I could be wrong.

Quoted from SBro

Didn't they have a spin off series that was supposed to be grittier or something like that.  I'm struugling to remember today's Friday so I could be wrong.

Yes, Murder Squad or something I think.  

^ that was good

Quoted from LB

Its a pity she leaves the series  

It looks like she's 'losing it'.  

Quoted from SBro

Didn't they have a spin off series that was supposed to be grittier or something like that.  I'm struugling to remember today's Friday so I could be wrong.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bill
Spin-offs
The Bill has spawned three spin-off productions.

The first of these was known as Burnside. It lasted a single series of six episodes, the first of which debuted on 7 July 2000. The series focused on the newly promoted DCI Burnside as a member of the National Crime Squad. It was created and produced by Richard Handford. The DVD release in Australia will feature all of the episodes in a 3 disc set. It is scheduled to be released 8 October 2008.

The second spin-off debuted in 2001, and also lasted only six episodes, although was more of a break away from the regular Bill (it was shown in the Bill timeslot) than a complete spin-off. Beech is Back focused on dodgy ex-DS Don Beech, still on the run from Claire Stanton who wants him brought to justice for the murder of her boyfriend DS John Boulton. None of the episodes were given a title, with each being part of a single six part serial. At the end Beech is brought to justice and sent to prison, although he would return in The Bill three years later.

In 2003, ITV debuted the third spin-off of the show, entitled MIT: Murder Investigation Team. The first episode investigated the drive-by shooting of Sgt. Matthew Boyden, who had been at Sun Hill for eleven years. The first series consisted of ten one-hour episodes. The second series was filmed in 2004, but not shown until mid 2005, and consisted of four ninety-minute episodes. It featured Eva Sharpe (Diane Parish) from The Bill, who had transferred to MIT. (Before it was broadcast, it was also rumoured to feature Chris Simmons as Mickey Webb, who had recently departed from The Bill, but these rumours turned out to be false). The series was created by Paul Marquess. The second series was produced by Johnathan Young.

A German version of The Bill, utilising original Bill scripts was produced for RTL Television from 1994 to 2006. It was called Die Wache

Very thorough, thanks for that

I see that the same people that make casualty have made what looks like a Bill clone.  Didn't remember what it's called but it just looks like same thing.

Quoted from SBro

Very thorough, thanks for that

I see that the same people that make casualty have made what looks like a Bill clone.  Didn't remember what it's called but it just looks like same thing.

holby blue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoLN6Kn1ioU

Cool, thanks for that.  I saw it on Free to Air (thought it was UKTV).  Didn't really catch my interest as it looked like The Bill crossed with Footballers Wives.

It was on 7 or 9 the other night;  I didn't much like it either...

OMG so what about sat nights epp ?

I think Smiffy is on to "Stone" , he will keep an eye on him now  

so we will have to wait to see if and when he slips up.

Quoted from @1

OMG so what about sat nights epp ?

I think Smiffy is on to "Stone" , he will keep an eye on him now  

so we will have to wait to see if and when he slips up.

I think so too, but I doubt he'd do anything official about it as he too has "bent the rules" (in episode when Insp. Gold was over the limit he bent the same rules as Stone).

yes thats so,
I know that she was over the limit and should not have driven , but some times we all make a little mistake, there is no need to ruin ones life, and most of us learn from our mistakes.  

Excluding politicians I am guessing

Quoted from SBro

Excluding politicians I am guessing

oops forgot about them, but they are a bread of their own  

sad to see Gina go, but I think we all saw the writing on the wall, Smiffy could have given her a big hug, not just a peck on the cheek.  

Missed it on Sat (going to watch tomorrow).  It is a shame as she was pretty good.  Not many "oldies" left now.

what about that kid last Sat night ? I thought he was a very good actor, well done,

Is it me or can you guess who the correct culprit is before they do now.  It seemed obvious the kid was involved, and the "security" firm seemed pretty obvious as well.  Is the writing getting lazy or is it just me.

I have to agree with you there, I have found it to easy to pick who the gulity one is/was, but I did think the older brother might have egged him on, but that never came out.  

PC Tony Stamp/Graham Cole is being AXED from The Bill - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1190992/PC-Tony-Stamp-axed-The-Bill-old.html

Please show your support for Graham Cole and help to save Tony Stamp.

SAVE OUR STAMP campaign:
http://www.gqgallery.co.uk/Stampers/blog/index.html

DOWNLOAD WORD DOCUMENT
http://www.gqgallery.co.uk/Stampers/docs/sos-blank.doc
OR
http://www.gqgallery.co.uk/Stampers/docs/sos.doc

Write & Mail your letter to:
Talkback Thames Studios - SAVE OUR STAMP
1 Deer Park Road
Merton
London
SW19 3TL

ALSO Sign the Petition at:
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/28383.html

Thankyou for your support!

Oh No ! why is that ? are they getting rid of all the oldies ?
who next, Rodger ?  
then who is left ? Jack

Then ...............

What a pathetic decision this is.  Let's hope they see the error of their ways and stick with what makes The Bill great.  Haven't we had enough of the inane, american-style soap operas?

Wasn't he down here last time promoting it.  Nice thank you there.  Is he been given the shaft or leaving on his own accord.

If they are shafting him for younger people I don't understand as the young ones don't seem to stick around anyway.

What a pathetic goodbye.  Beth seemed to have the best personality out of all the new bods.  I hope they do something special for Tony.

Don't they have a height limit in the British Police ?. Beth was great but she could not have been more than 5 ft tall.

If that, even the other girls/females seemed to tower over her.  Maybe it's line Aust police where they have had to relax their requirements as no-one was passing/wanted to join (someone can correct me but I believe even a minor crim offence means you're still okay now where they used to have a ZERO offence before).

the producers are changing the show. cutting the episodes down to once a week and moving the timeslot later to 9pm. Filming the show in HD and have sacked half the crew and a few cast memebers too. Tony Stamp apparently is too old and doesn't fit the new style of the show. So they are getting rid of him. All these changes are happening at the moment and will be seen in the UK later in the year.. so expect the ABC to begin screening only 1 episode a week in the near future. Currently we are only 3 months behind uk transmission.. the closest we've ever been. Usually we are 6-8 months behind.

PC Beth Green was cute.. will miss her

SAVE OUR STAMP PETITION:
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/28383.html

Last time they tried changing storylines/format (more about characters, less about crime stories) it bombed (remember Gabriel).

Don't change a good thing.  let us "mature" people have one show at least.

Quoted from SBro

Don't change a good thing.  let us "mature" people have one show at least.

here here !

I signed the petition....keep it as it is, I say.....

Crap, only 676 signatures.  This is one of ABCs most popular shows.  Can't they just accept Australian viewing numbers as ALL signatories.

oh, they've completely changed The Bill's iconic theme tune... its been dumped after 20 odd years. It'll air here end of September with these new style episodes.

So we have two months of good Bill then stalkers in uniform stories again.  Might have to watch Law and order UK instead.

not fussed on the new Bill's lay out , that start   and what's with all the music ? never needed it before, the story line is still good, and what happened about Heaton ? did jack take his place ? or did I miss an epp ?

Quoted from @1

and what happened about Heaton ? did jack take his place ? or did I miss an epp ?

You must have missed an episode where Heaton left to go to a new division, taking the young female inspector (cannot remember her name) with him. Jack was put in charge then..........