Notable cast members
The following list contains characters whose roles transformed the series, and in some cases led to spin-offs, as well as characters who hold individual accolades for their time on the series.
Billy Murray played Don Beech from 1995 to 2000. The character was a corrupt detective sergeant whose notoriety in the role led to its own scandal, with the defining moment being his killing of fellow DS John Boulton (Russell Boulter). Beech later featured in a 90-minute special Beech on the Run, filmed in Australia, and led to the six-part Beech is Back spin-off, both of which aired in 2001. His final stint on the series came in 2004 when he made six appearances as a prisoner turned informant as part of an elaborate scheme that saw him escape from prison.
Tony O'Callaghan played Sergeant Matt Boyden from 1991 to 2003. Boyden's murder at the hands of his daughter's boyfriend formed the basis for the pilot of spin-off M.I.T.: Murder Investigation Team.
Diane Parish as DC Eva Sharpe was the only character to appear as a regular cast member on both The Bill (2002–2004) and the M.I.T.: Murder Investigation Team spin-off (2005).
Christopher Ellison played Frank Burnside from 1984 to 2000. Burnside was a recurring character as a DS in the early years before becoming Sun Hill's DI in 1988, a role he held for five years. After a five-year absence, Burnside returned as a DCI with the National Crime Squad before being written out in 2000 to star in his own spin-off, Burnside; however, it lasted for just one series before being cancelled. Burnside made many enemies both at Sun Hill and with the villains; indeed, Chief Superintendent Pearson (Adam Bareham) tried to frame Burnside in a corruption inquiry.
Mark Wingett played Jim Carver from 1983 to 2005, appearing in 780 episodes. Jim was the central protagonist in the pilot Woodentop, the episode centred around his first day at Sun Hill as a probationary PC. A promotion to DC in 1988 saw him in CID until 1999, when he was transferred back to uniform so the series could highlight the real-life Metropolitan Police's controversial tenure system that saw officers moved back to uniform if they were not considered for promotion after ten years in the same role. He went through an addiction to alcohol, domestic abuse and a gambling addiction. He returned in 2007 for June Ackland's final episodes.
Trudie Goodwin portrayed June Ackland from 1983 to 2007. She initially appeared as a WPC (now an obsolete rank) in the pilot, puppywalking Jim Carver on his first day on the job. She was promoted to sergeant in 1996 and held that rank until her exit in 2007. Her time in the role broke a world record for the longest time an actor had portrayed a police officer.
Eric Richard played Sergeant Bob Cryer from 1984 to 2001, making him the longest serving sergeant on the series. Richard was the highest paid and second-longest serving actor on the series. His character was written out after he was accidentally shot by PC Dale Smith (Alex Walkinshaw). The character later made brief re-appearances between 2002 and 2004.
Kevin Lloyd played DC Tosh Lines from 1988 to 1998. The character was written out as having accepted a position in the Coroner's Office after Lloyd was sacked for turning up for work drunk. Lloyd died a week after his dismissal, meaning he appeared on screen for over a month after his death.
Jeff Stewart played PC Reg Hollis from 1984 to 2008, which made him the character with the longest run on the series. The character was seen as the station "odd-ball" and took part in several major plots, including being injured in the 1990 station fire and forming an unlikely friendship with PC Des Taviner (Paul Usher). Reg was written out off-screen after Stewart reportedly cut his wrists on set after being informed his contract would not be renewed.
Graham Cole played PC Tony Stamp from 1987 to 2009, having been an uncredited extra from 1984 to 1987. The character was key to several major plots throughout the series including killing a pedestrian on duty and being accused of sexual assault on a minor. When the series revamped in 2009 he was written out after 1204 credited appearances, more than any other character in the series history. The character took up a driving instructor's post at Hendon after being the show's primary advanced driver since his debut.
Alex Walkinshaw played Dale "Smithy" Smith from 1999 to 2010. He joined as a PC in 1999 before being written out in 2001. He returned as a sergeant in 2003 before a promotion to inspector in 2009, making him the only character on the series to play a regular role in all three ranks below the top brass positions.
Simon Rouse played Jack Meadows from 1992 to 2010. He joined as a recurring cast member in 1990 when he was a detective superintendent with AMIP (Area Major Investigation Pool), later renamed MIT (Murder Investigation Team). His demotion to DCI in 1992 saw him take over the post at Sun Hill, holding the rank until 2009 when he was promoted back to superintendent. He was the longest serving character by the series finale and appeared in 884 episodes, recording more appearances than any other senior officer.
Colin Tarrant played Inspector Andrew Monroe for more than 500 episodes from 1990 to 2002. Monroe was Sun Hill's third most senior officer and did things "by the book". He was written out as part of a series overhaul.
