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'The Bill' Is Returning To Ease Lockdown Boredom

'The Bill' Is Returning To Ease Lockdown Boredom

We can hear the theme tune already.

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

The Bill is set to return to the nation's screens to give us all a dose of classic British telly during lockdown.


Viewers will be able to watch the smash-hit crime series via streaming service UK TV Play, who have confirmed that they will be streaming the first five series of the soap.

The Bill first arrived on our screens way back in October 1984 and ran for a marathon 26 series, up to 2010.

ITV's Bafta award-winning police drama followed the fictionalised personal and professional lives of The Met Police.

Over the course of its incredible 27-year history, the show became a viewing staple in many British households.

Who remembers the central characters?

The Bill first arrived on our screens way back in October 1984 and ran for a marathon 26 series, up to 2010. (
ITV)

Enforcing the long arm of the law from Sun Hill Police Station in East London were Sgt June Ackland (Trudie Goodwin), DC Mickey Webb (Christopher Matthew Simmons), PC Tony Stamp (Graham Cole), Sgt Bob Cryer (Eric Richard) and Samantha Nixon (Lisa Maxwell).

The show was originally conceived by TV writer Geoff McQueen as a one-off drama, which was picked up by ITV and titled Woodentop.

The pilot caught the attention of ITV producers and was fleshed out into a series, with the show's format changing a number of times over the years.

Initially, The Bill was broadcast as 12 hour-long episodes with self-contained storylines.

At its peak, 'The Bill' was drawing in a whopping five and six million viewers (
ITV)

In 1988, the series was adapted to three half-hour shows per week.

At its peak, the hit show was drawing in a whopping five and six million viewers.

Those figures later nose-dived dramatically to 3.4 million before ITV bosses eventually axed the series.

During lockdown, many of us are rediscovering our favourite shows for a familiar comfort watch, so the The Bill return is sure to come as welcome news for many telly lovers.

Bring on five whole series of Britain's longest running police drama.

The first five series of The Bill can be streamed via UK ITV Play.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: TV News, TV Entertainment, ITV