01 Dec 08
It all started with a play titled Woodentop back in summer of 1983. Following its success, one year later, The Bill had a regular slot on ITV as an ongoing drama.
This year we’re celebrating that achievement in a number of ways: the biggest tribute being the creation of two very special episodes titled Proof of Life.
These both ranked number one in their timeslot in the television ratings. Combining forces with German cop show SOKO Leipzig also achieved a European first, and shooting them in High Definition was a first for the production too.
With its focus on compelling crime stories and realism told from the point of view of the police, this drama’s first scene started with PC Jim Carver rolling out of bed saying: “Okay Carver let’s do it,” and still looks set to (Yorkshire accent) “Go – Go – Go,” to coin a phrase from DCI Jack Meadows.
PC Tony Stamp is Sun Hill’s longest serving officer. Over the last 25 years 157 regular cast have passed through the station doors. Around 575 guests appear in the show every year.
The casting department audition nearly 3,000 actors a year! Over 25 years that’s um… I’ll leave you to do the sums…