List of The Bill characters

Characters in British TV series

The Bill is a long running British television police procedural television series which ran from 16 August 1983 to the show’s cancellation on 31 August 2010, named after a slang term for the police. The characters are all police officers or civilian staff at the fictional Sun Hill police station in London.

The following actors appeared as senior officers in The Bill. Simon Rouse, as Jack Meadows, appeared in 884 episodes, including the series finale "Respect", aired on 31 August 2010. He is the longest serving actor to portray a character in a senior role. Andrew Lancel, as Neil Manson, and Alex Walkinshaw, as "Smithy", also appeared in the series finale. The character of D. I. Roy Galloway appeared in the pilot episode, "Woodentop", aired on 16 August 1983, played by Robert Pugh. This character would go on to be portrayed by John Salthouse from 1984 onwards.

Peter Ellis played Chief Superintendent Charles Brownlow from the start of the series in 1984 to 2000, when the character tendered his resignation in light of the Don Beech scandal. He was emphatically the longest serving station commander after serving for 16 years, with Adam Okaro a distant second with 4 years. He made a guest appearance in 2002 to attend the funerals of the six officers killed in the station fire. Cyril Nri played Superintendent Adam Okaro from 2002 to 2006, initially replacing the deceased Tom Chandler as Superintendent before accepting a promotion to Borough Commander in 2006. He was the highest ranking black officer in the series' history. Christopher Ellison appeared intermittently between 1984 and 2000 as Frank Burnside. A majority of his time on screen was as a DI; however, he was a DS when he first appeared, and had become a DCI by the time he left. Ellison's popularity as the rogue officer led to an ill fated spinoff Burnside after his exit in 2000 which lasted for one series. Lisa Maxwell played DI Samantha Nixon from 2002 to 2009, when the character transferred to the child exploitation unit. Roberta Taylor played Inspector Gina Gold from 2002 to 2008, the character leaving due to the stress of the job. Simon Rouse played Detective Chief Inspector/Superintendent Jack Meadows from 1990 until the series finale. He was the longest serving character to appear in the finale. He was with the show for 20 years; however, he was a recurring character between 1990 and 1992. Colin Tarrant played Inspector Andrew Monroe from 1990 to 2002, replacing Christine Frazer. He appeared in over 700 episodes, more than any other high ranking uniform officer. Only Simon Rouse as Jack Meadows had more appearances by a senior officer during the series' history. The character was killed in the Sun Hill explosion in 2002. Ben Roberts played Chief Inspector Derek Conway from 1988 to 2002. He was the second longest serving uniform manager, with his 14 years only eclipsed by the 16 years of Charles Brownlow. The character was killed by Jeff Simpson in a drive by petrol bomb attack. Alex Walkinshaw played Dale "Smithy" Smith from 1999 until the series finale. Walkinshaw had made three one off appearances in the series before becoming a regular member of the cast. He returned to the show in 2003, having been a PC between 1999 and 2001, by then promoted to Sergeant. He spent six years as a Sergeant, taking centre stage in several major storylines; they included the death of two lovers, one of which led to a false imprisonment, while he was stabbed on duty in his later days as a Sergeant. During the 2009 revamp, he was promoted to Inspector, holding that rank until the show ceased production in 2010.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks Adam Okaro Cyril Nri 2002–2006 204 Supt. (2002–2006) /Ch. Supt. (Borough Cmr.) (2006) Charles Brownlow Peter Ellis 1984–2000, 2002 346 Ch. Supt. Jack Meadows Simon Rouse 1990–2010 884 Det. Supt. (1990–1991) /D. C. I. (1992–2009) /Station Superintendent. (2009–2010) Kim Reid Carolyn Pickles 1990–1992 53 D. C. I. (1990–1992) /Det. Superintendent. (1992) John Heaton Daniel Flynn 2006–2009 132 Superintendent Tom Chandler Steven Hartley 2000–2002 115 Superintendent Derek Conway Ben Roberts 1988–2002 402 Ch. Insp. (1988–2002) /Acting Superintendent. (1994–1996) Philip Cato Philip Whitchurch 1993–1995 77 Ch. Insp. Frank Burnside Christopher Ellison 1984–1993, 1998–2000 250 D. S. (1986) /D. I. (1988–1993) /D. C. I. (1998–2000) Neil Manson Andrew Lancel 2003–2010 275 D. I. (2003–2010) /A. D. C. I. (2005) Samantha Nixon Lisa Maxwell 2002–2009 281 D. S. (2002, 2003–2007) /A. D. I. (2002–2003) /D. I. (2007–2009) Chris Deakin Shaun Scott 1994–2000 265 D. S. (1994 1995) /A. D. I. (1995) /D. I. (1995–2000) Liz Rawton Libby Davison 1996–2001 135 D. C. (1996–2000) /D. S. (2001) /D. I. (2001) Alex Cullen Ged Simmons 2000–2002 80 D. I. Sally Johnson Jaye Griffiths 1993–1995, 2003 70 D. S. (1993) /D. I. (1994–1995) /P. I. (2003) Roy Galloway John Salthouse 1984–1987 35 D. I. Claire Stanton Clara Salaman 1999–2001 33 D. S. (1999–2000) /D. I. (2000) Dale "Smithy" Smith Alex Walkinshaw 1999–2010 387 P. C. (1999–2001) /Sergeant (2003–2009) /Inspector (2009–2010) Andrew Monroe Colin Tarrant 1990–2002 704 Inspector Gina Gold Roberta Taylor 2002–2008 344 Inspector Christine Frazer Barbara Thorn 1988–1990 61 Inspector Rachel Weston Claire Goose 2008–2009 41 Sergeant (2008) /Inspector (2008–2009)

Character Years 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10Superintendents Ch. Supt. Charles Brownlow Supt. Jack Meadows Detective Superintendent Superintendent Det. Supt. Kim Reid Supt. Derek Conway Acting Supt. Tom Chandler Supt. Adam Okaro Supt. John Heaton Chief Inspectors C. I. Derek Conway C. I. Philip Cato Detective Chief Inspectors D. C. I. Kim Reid D. C. I. Frank Burnside D. C. I. Jack Meadows Inspectors Insp. Christine Frazer Insp. Andrew Monroe Insp. Gina Gold Insp. Rachel Weston Insp. Dale Smith Detective Inspectors D. I. Roy Galloway D. I. Frank Burnside D. I. Sally Johnson D. I. Chris Deakin D. I. Alex Cullen D. I. Liz Rawton D. I. Claire Stanton D. I. Samantha Nixon Acting D. I. Neil Manson

The following actors portrayed Sergeants and Detective Sergeants. Both of the series' original lead actors, Trudie Goodwin and Mark Wingett, portrayed Sergeants, with Goodwin appearing in 978 episodes as Sergeant June Ackland, and Wingett appearing in 784 episodes as D. S. Jim Carver. Sally Rogers, Sam Callis, Christopher Fox and Lucy Speed, as Sergeants Jo Masters, Callum Stone, Max Carter, and Stevie Moss, respectively, appeared in the series finale "Respect". Eric Richard's role as Sergeant Bob Cryer was widely lauded as the standout performance on The Bill. Sergeant Matthew Boyden, played by Tony O'Callaghan, is notable as the murder of his character launched the spin off series Murder Investigation Team in 2003.

Billy Murray appeared in The Bill between 1995 and 2004, playing Don Beech. He spent five years between 1995 and 2000 as a corrupt DS, going on the run after accidentally killing DS John Boulton. He was involved in a six part mini series, Beech is Back, after a 90 minute special aired in Australia in 2001, eventually being jailed for murder by Boulton's fiancée Claire Stanton. Beech made six guest appearances in 2004 before escaping from prison. Tony O'Callaghan played Sergeant Matt Boyden for 12 years, from 1991 to 2003. Boyden was involved in several major storylines including two relationships with underage girls, and a long running plot involving his daughter Amy's drug addiction, a recurring storyline that led to the character's death when Boyden was shot dead by his daughter's boyfriend so that she could profit from Boyden's life insurance. Tony O'Callaghan also appeared in an earlier episode as a criminal (series 5 episode 81). Eric Richard played Sergeant Bob Cryer from 1984 to 2004, holding the record for the show's longest serving Sergeant (17 years). The character retired in 2001 when he was accidentally shot by then PC Dale Smith; however, he made a number of recurring appearances between 2002 and 2004. Tony Scannell played DS Ted Roach from 1984 to 1993, when the character left Sun Hill after punching Inspector Andrew Monroe. He made two guest appearances in 2000 before the character was killed off screen in 2004. Trudie Goodwin played June Ackland from 1983 to 2007, appearing first in Woodentop. She began as a WPC before promotion to Sergeant in 1996, holding that rank until the character retired in 2007, having fallen in love with school teacher Rod Jessop (Richard Hope). Ackland's storylines included being targeted by an assassin, being wrongfully arrested for corruption, marrying long term friend DC Jim Carver and being critically injured in a collision with the station's area car. When Goodwin left The Bill in 2007 she was not only the longest serving cast member in the history of The Bill, but also held the world record for the longest time an actor has portrayed a police character. Larry Dann played Sergeant Alec Peters from 1984 to 1992. Peters swapped jobs with Bob Cryer, from desk sergeant to duty sergeant, then quietly left the force after making a slow recovery from being stabbed. He made a guest appearance in 2004 to attend the funeral of former DS Ted Roach.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks June Ackland Trudie Goodwin 1983–2007 978 P. C. (1984–1996) /Sergeant (1996–2007) Jo Masters Sally Rogers 2005–2010 177 D. C. (2005–2010) /(Uniform) Sergeant (2010) Callum Stone Sam Callis 2007–2010 100 Sergeant Bob Cryer Eric Richard 1984–2004 789 Sergeant Matt Boyden Tony O'Callaghan 1991–2003 697 Sergeant Alec Peters Larry Dann 1984–1992 173 Sergeant Tom Penny Roger Leach 1984–1990, 2004 141 Sergeant Ray Steele Robert Perkins 1993–1996 136 Sergeant Craig Gilmore Hywel Simons 2001–2003 101 Sergeant John Maitland Sam Miller 1990–1993 80 Sergeant Nikki Wright Gillian Taylforth 2006–2008 56 Sergeant Diane Noble Kaye Wragg 2006–2009 61 P. C. (2006–2009) /Sergeant (2009) Sheelagh Murphy Bernie Nolan 2003–2005 119 Sergeant (2003–2004) /(Demoted) P. C (2004–2005) Yvonne Hemmingway Michele Austin 2003–2006 157 P. C. (2003–2006) /Acting Sgt. (2004, 2005) / Sergeant (2006) Max Carter Christopher Fox 2007–2010 69 D. S. Rosie Fox Caroline Catz 1998–2000 10 P. C. (1998) /D. S. (1999–2000) Alistair Greig Andrew Mackintosh 1989–1998 288 D. S. Stevie Moss Lucy Speed 2008–2010 62 D. C. (2008–2009) /D. S. (2009–2010) Phil Hunter Scott Maslen 2002–2007 240 D. S. Ted Roach Tony Scannell 1984–1993 210 D. S. Debbie McAllister Natalie Roles 2000–2004 192 D. S. Don Beech Billy Murray 1995–2000 186 D. S. Mike Dashwood Jon Iles 1984–1992, 1996 155 D. C. (1984–1992) /D. S. (1996) John Boulton Russell Boulter 1995–2000 138 D. C. (1994) /D. S. (1995–2000) Geoff Daly Ray Ashcroft 1996–2000 115 D. S. Danny Pearce Martin Marquez 1993–1995 80 D. S. Jo Morgan Mary Jo Randle 1993–1995 62 D. C. (1993) /D. S. (1993–1995) Vik Singh Raji James 2000–2002 43 D. S. Stuart Turner Doug Rao 2006–2009 108 D. C. (2006) /D. S. (2006–2009) Ramani DeCosta Thusitha Jayasundera 2003–2006 92 D. C. (2003 /D. S. (2003–2006) /Acting D. I. (2005)

Character Years 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10Sergeant A Sgt. Bob Cryer Sgt. Craig Gilmore Sgt. Dale Smith Sgt. Jo Masters Sergeant B Sgt. Tom Penny Sgt. John Maitland Sgt. Ray Steele Sgt. June Ackland Sgt. Callum Stone Sergeant C Sgt. Alec Peters Sgt. Matthew Boyden Sgt. Sheelagh Murphy Sgt. Yvonne Hemmingway Acting Sgt. Nikki Wright Sgt. Rachel Weston Sgt. Diane Noble Detective Sergeant A D. S. Ted Roach D. S. Danny Pearce D. S. John Boulton D. S. Debbie McAllister Detective Sergeant B D. S. Frank Burnside D. S. Alistair Greig D. S. Claire Stanton D. S. Vik Singh D. S. Phil Hunter D. S. Max Carter Detective Sergeant C D. S. Jo Morgan D. S. Geoff Daly D. S. Samantha Nixon Detective Sergeant D D. S. Chris Deakin D. S. Don Beech D. S. Ramani De Costa D. S. Stuart Turner D. S. Stevie Moss

The Bills roster of Detective Constables investigate crimes under the direction of their sergeants. Kevin Lloyd, as Alfred "Tosh" Lines, appeared in more episodes than any other DC, in 383 episodes between 1988 and 1998. In the series finale, "Respect", Amita Dhiri, Chris Simmons, Patrick Robinson, and Bruce Byron play Constables Grace Dasari, Mickey Webb, Jacob Banks, and Terry Perkins. Other notable Detective Constables include Eva Sharpe, played by Diane Parish, who departed in 2004 but went on to headline the second series of Murder Investigation Team in 2005, and Rae Baker as Juliet Becker, who departed the series in the 2003 live episode "Fatal Consequences".

Kevin Lloyd played DC Tosh Lines from 1988 to 1998, when the character was written out after accepting a position in the Coroner's Office, but his off screen axing was highly publicised due to Lloyd's addiction to alcohol. After turning up to work drunk, he was dismissed by show producers, and Lloyd tragically died a week after his dismissal. His son, James Lloyd, later played PC Steve Hunter from 2004 to 2006. Mark Wingett played DC Jim Carver from 1983 to 2007. Carver was the main character in the pilot episode after joining as a probationary PC. He was promoted to DC in 1989 before returning to uniform in 1999. He returned to CID in 2004 before his departure in the wake of the 2005 station fire; however, he returned as a DS for three guest appearances in 2007, appearing in Trudie Goodwin's final episodes as Sergeant June Ackland. Carver's storylines included addictions to alcohol and gambling, a marriage in which he was domestically abused and a second to long term friend June. Chris Simmons played DC Mickey Webb from 2000 to 2010. He made two guest appearances in 1998 and 1999 before joining the cast as a regular the following year. He transferred out of Sun Hill in 2003 after being raped by a suspect; however, his move to the Murder Investigation Team, and later the National Crime Squad, saw him return for several guest appearances. In 2005, he returned to Sun Hill after being demoted from DS at the NCS.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks Mickey Webb Chris Simmons 2000–2010 333 D. C. (2000–2004/2005–2010) /D. S. (2005) Jacob "Banksy" Banks Patrick Robinson 2008–2010 65 D. C. Jim Carver Mark Wingett 1983–2005, 2007 784 P. C. (1984–1986/1999–2003) /D. C. (1987–1999/2003–2005) (D. S. 2007 episodes 487–489 only) Grace Dasari Amita Dhiri 2007–2010 95 D. C. Terry Perkins Bruce Byron 2003–2010 210 D. C. Alfred "Tosh" Lines Kevin Lloyd 1988–1998 383 D. C. Rod Skase Iain Fletcher 1994–2000 245 D. C. Suzi Croft Kerry Peers 1993–1998 221 P. C. (1993–1994)/D. C. (1994–1998). Viv Martella Nula Conwell 1984–1993 203 P. C. (1984–1990)/D. C. (1990–1993) Duncan Lennox George Rossi 1998–2003 189 D. C. Alan Woods Tom Cotcher 1992–1996 173 D. C. Danny Glaze Karl Collins 1999–2003 157 D. C. Ken Drummond Russell Floyd 2002–2005 112 D. C. Tom Proctor Gregory Donaldson 1997–2000 100 D. C. Eva Sharpe Diane Parish 2002–2004 91 D. C. Suzie Sim Wendy Kweh 2004–2006 83 D. C. Tony "Yorkie" Smith Robert Hudson 1984–1991 83 P. C.(1984–1990)/D. C. (South Yorkshire Police 1991) Kerry Holmes Joy Brook 1998–2000 80 D. C. Zain Nadir TJ Ramini 2005–2007 80 D. C. Rob Thatcher Brian Bovell 2003–2004 54 D. C. Kate Spears Tania Emery 2000–2002 41 D. C. Paul Riley Gary Grant 2000–2002 39 D. C. Juliet Becker Rae Baker 2003 26 D. C. Brandon Kane Pal Aron 2002–2004 72 Trainee D. C (2002–2003) /D. C. (2003–2004) Kezia Walker Cat Simmons 2006–2009 98 Trainee D. C. (2006–2008) /D. C. (2008–2009) Will Fletcher Gary Lucy 2005–2010 167 P. C. (2005–2008) /Trainee D. C. (2008–2009) /D. C. (2009–2010) Gary Best Ciarán Griffiths 2002–2005 162 P. C. (2002–2004) /Acting D. C. (2004–2005)

Character Years 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 D. C. Mike Dashwood D. C. Jim Carver D. C. Alfred Lines D. C. Viv Martella D. C. Alan Woods D. C. Suzi Croft D. C. Rod Skase D. C. Liz Rawton D. C. Tom Proctor D. C. Duncan Lennox D. C. Kerry Holmes D. C. Danny Glaze D. C. Paul Riley D. C. Kate Spears D. C. Mickey Webb D. C. Brandon Kane TDC D. C. Eva Sharpe D. C. Ken Drummond D. C. Terry Perkins D. C. Juliet Becker D. C. Ramani De Costa D. C. Rob Thatcher D. C. Stuart Turner D. C. Suzie Sim D. C. Gary Best TDC D. C. Jo Masters D. C. Zain Nadir D. C. Kezia Walker TDC D. C. Grace Dasari D. C. Stevie Moss D. C. Jacob Banks D. C. Will Fletcher TDC

The largest proportion of the cast play uniformed police constables. Gary Olsen appeared as Dave Litten in "Woodentop", the series pilot, as well as the entire first series, before returning as a guest star in 1986. He was the actor who appeared in the fewest episodes as a series regular. Colin Blumenau also appears in the pilot episode, as Taffy Edwards, though his character was then called Taffy Morgan. Jeff Stewart, as Reg Hollis, appeared in 1,021 episodes between 1984 and 2008, while Graham Cole appeared as Tony Stamp in 1,204 episodes between 1984 and 2009 Hollis and Stamp are the series' longest serving characters, though Stamp did not become a regular member of the cast until series 4. The series finale, "Respect," features five PCs: Micah Balfour as Benjamin Gayle, Dominic Power as Leon Taylor, John Bowler as Roger Valentine, Rhea Bailey as Mel Ryder and Sarah Manners as Kirsty Knight. Ben Richards starred in Series 26 as Nate Roberts, but did not appear in "Respect".

Huw Higginson played PC George Garfield from 1989 to 1999, when the character left after his colleague Dave Quinnan had an affair with his girlfriend, Nurse Jenny Delaney. Andrew Paul played PC Dave Quinnan from 1989 to 2002, when the character left to transfer to SO10. He was involved in a major storyline in 1999 that saw him stabbed on duty after being ambushed by a gang of youths. Lisa Geoghan played PC Polly Page from 1992 to 2004. After assisting a friend's suicide, she was wrongly jailed for murder, but later returned to Sun Hill for a brief stint as a Civilian CAD Officer before resigning. Jeff Stewart played PC Reg Hollis from 1984 to 2008. The character was written out off screen by having him resign after being traumatised by the death of colleagues in a bomb blast. After appearing in over 1000 episodes, he was controversially axed from the show in 2008, leading a devastated Stewart to attempt suicide on set by slashing his wrists. Graham Cole played PC Tony Stamp from 1984 to 2009. The character was written out as part of a revamp of the show after producers decided that he didn't fit the new format. Cole's last episode, in which he transferred to Hendon as an advanced driving instructor, was shown on 5 November 2009; his departure meant that The Bill had no original characters remaining.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks Benjamin Gayle Micah Balfour 2007–2010 108 P. C. Dave Litten Gary Olsen 1983–1986 12 P. C. Roger Valentine John Bowler 2004–2010 227 P. C. Leon Taylor Dominic Power 2008–2010 70 P. C. Kirsty Knight Sarah Manners 2010 19 P. C. Mel Ryder Rhea Bailey 2008–2010 69 P. C. Reg Hollis Jeff Stewart 1984–2008 1021 P. C. Polly Page Lisa Geoghan 1992–2004 604 P. C. (1992–2004) / C. A. D. Officer (2004) Dan Casper Chris Jarvis 2005–2007 114 P. C. Francis "Taffy" Edwards Colin Blumenau 1983–1990 111 P. C. Cathy Bradford Connie Hyde 2002–2004 91 P. C. Nate Roberts Ben Richards 2007–2010 90 P. C. Jamila Blake Lolita Chakrabarti 1996–1999 82 P. C. Sally Armstrong Ali Bastian 2007–2009 74 P. C. Roz Clarke Holly Davidson 2000–2001 46 P. C. Robin Frank Ashley Gunstock 1984–1989 41 P. C. Timothy Able Mark Haddigan 1989–1990 32 P. C. Ruby Buxton Nicola Alexis 2002–2003 28 P. C. Adam Bostock Carl Brincat 1994 21 P. C. Norika Datta Seeta Indrani 1989–1998 408 P. C. Claire Brind Kelly Lawrence 1988–1989 52 P. C. Andrea Dunbar Natalie J. Robb 2004–2005 56 P. C. Suzanne Ford Vicky Gee Dare 1988–1992 86 P. C. Millie Brown Clare Foster 2008–2009 52 P. C. Delia French Natasha Williams 1990–1992 39 P. C. George Garfield Huw Higginson 1989–1999 671 P. C. Beth Green Louisa Lytton 2007–2009 59 P. C. Kerry Young Beth Cordingly 2002–2004 133 P. C. Tony Stamp Graham Cole 1984–2009 1204 P. C. Cameron Tait Daniel MacPherson 2003–2004 75 P. C. Luke Ashton Scott Neal 1997–1999, 2002–2003 126 P. C. Gabriel Kent Todd Carty 2003–2005 118 P. C. Honey Harman Kim Tiddy 2003–2007 191 P. C. Emma Keane Melanie Gutteridge 2006–2008 97 P. C. Arun Ghir Abhin Galeya 2008–2009 25 P. C. Lewis Hardy Aml Ameen 2006–2007 69 P. C. Steve Hunter James Lloyd 2004–2006 82 P. C. Lance Powell Ofo Uhiara 2004–2005 67 P. C. Vicky Hagen Samantha Robson 1998–2001 148 P. C. Sam Harker Matthew Crompton 1997–2002 192 P. C. Donna Harris Louise Harrison 1991–1996 178 P. C. Malcolm Haynes Eamonn Walker 1988–1989 54 P. C. Ben Hayward Ben Peyton 2000–2002 55 P. C. Dave Quinnan Andrew Paul 1989–2002 710 P. C. Leela Kapoor Seema Bowri 2004–2007 106 P. C. Mike Jarvis Stephen Beckett 1993–1998 311 P. C. Debbie Keane Andrea Mason 1995–1998 205 P. C. Nick Klein René Zagger 1999–2004 199 P. C. Steve Loxton Tom Butcher 1990–1997 468 P. C. Laura Bryant Melanie Kilburn 2004–2006 54 P. C. S. O. (2004–2005) /P. C. (2005–2006) Amber Johannsen Myfanwy Waring 2004–2005 59 P. C. Cathy Marshall Lynne Miller 1989–1996 348 P. C. Gary McCann Clive Wedderburn 1992–2000 388 P. C. Ken Melvin Mark Powley 1987–1990 104 P. C. Gemma Osbourne Jane Danson 2002–2003 31 P. C. Pete Ramsey Nick Reding 1988–1989 49 P. C. Cass Rickman Suzanne Maddock 1999–2002 180 P. C. Eddie Santini Michael Higgs 1998–1999 62 P. C. Nick Slater Alan Westaway 1995–1997 144 P. C. Ron Smollett Nick Stringer 1990–1993 81 P. C. Des Taviner Paul Usher 2001–2004 135 P. C. Barry Stringer Jonathan Dow 1990–1993 160 P. C. Di Worrell Jane Wall 1999–2002 117 P. C. Richard Turnham Chris Humphreys 1989–1990 33 P. C. Phil Young Arin Alldridge 1989–1991 65 P. C. Sally Johnson Jaye Griffiths 1991–2003 72 D. I.

Character Years 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10Area Car Drivers P. C. Tony Stamp P. C. Robin Frank P. C. Steve Loxton P. C. Mike Jarvis P. C. Vicky Hagen P. C. Des Taviner P. C. Gemma Osbourne P. C. Yvonne Hemmingway P. C. Will Fletcher P. C. Kirsty Knight Collators P. C Reg Hollis P. C Cathy Marshall P. C Ron Smollett P. C Donna Harris Federation Representative P. C George Garfield P. C Barry Stringer P. C. Nick Klein

In addition to its large ensemble of police officers The Bill also features supporting actors in auxiliary roles. Jason Barnett, as Crime Scene Examiner Eddie Olosunje, appeared in the series finale "Respect", after appearing regularly from 2008. Moya Brady's character, Robbie Cryer, is notable for being the niece of Sergeant Bob Cryer, played by Eric Richard. Marilyn Chambers, played by Vickie Gates, was engaged to PC Reg Hollis (Jeff Stewart), while Rochelle Barrett, played by Anna Acton, was married to Chief Superintendent Ian Barrett and embarked on an affair with PC Dan Casper.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks Eddie Olosunje Jason Barnett 2008–2010 71 C. S. E. Matt Hinckley Mark Dexter 2006–2007 30 Senior Crown Prosecutor Jonathan Fox Larry Lamb 2004–2005 22 Senior Crown Prosecutor Roberta Cryer Moya Brady 2002–2003 72 Station Reception Officer Marilyn Chambers Vickie Gates 2003–2005 64 Station Reception Officer Julian Tavell Nick Patrick 2005–2006 32 Station Reception Officer Marion Layland Susan Majolier 1988–1999 48 P. A. to Charles Brownlow Dean McVerry Luke Hamill 2003–2006 53 C. A. D. Officer Mia Perry Jo Anne Knowles 2006–2007 22 Press Officer Rochelle Barrett Anna Acton 2005 20 Drugs Referral Officer Margaret Barnes Annabelle Apsion 2004–2005 20 Contract Cleaner

The Bill features a number of recurring characters, who star alongside the main cast in multiple episodes of the series. Several of these actors are notable for their appearances in other series. Richard Hope (who played Rod Jessop), for example, had previously starred as D. S. Barry Purvis in sister series Murder Investigation Team. Rosie Marcel (who played Louise Larson) would later star in BBC's Holby City as surgeon Jac Naylor, alongside The Bill alums Alex Walkinshaw and Kaye Wragg.

Character Actor Duration Episodes Ranks Trevor Hicks Mike Burnside 1990–1999 22 D. A. C./Assistant Commissioner Georgia Hobbs Kazia Pelka 2006–2007 11 D. A. C. Roy Pearson Adam Bareham 2004–2005 5 D. A. C. Lisa Kennedy Julie Graham 2010 7 Commander Guy Mannion Nick Miles 1999–2001 13 Chief Superintendent Jane Fitzwilliam Maureen Beattie 2002–2003 9 Chief Superintendent Louise Campbell Sarah Winman 2003–2005 3 Chief Superintendent Ian Barrett John McArdle 2005 8 Chief Superintendent Stuart Lamont Steve Morley 1989–2001 41 Sergeant Amanda Prosser Serena Gordon 2005 8 Superintendent Rowanne Morell Tanya Franks 2004–2005 22 D. I./D. C. I. Andrew Ross Ron Donachie 2002–2004 15 D. C. I. Frank Keane Lorcan Cranitch 2006 7 D. C. I. Gordon Wray Clive Wood 1990 13 D. C. I. Paul Strich Mark Spalding 1995 13 Chief Inspector Harry Haines Gary Whelan 1992–1995 21 D. I. Karen Lacy Liz May Brice 2008 4 D. I. Brian Kite Simon Slater 1987 12 Inspector Joseph Corrie Roland Oliver 1990–1991 5 Sergeant Jane Kendall Liz Crowther 1993 5 Sergeant Tom Baker Victor Gallucci 1990–2001 27 D. C. Lorna Hart Siobhan Redmond 2006–2007 13 Crime Scene Examiner Terry Knowles Alex Avery 2001–2002 4 Special Constable Colin Fairfax Tim Steed 2005 8 P. C. S. O. Abe Lyttleton Ronnie Cush 1985–1986 8 P. C. Pete Muswell Ralph Brown 1985–1986 11 P. C. Danesh Patel Sonesh Sira 1987 7 P. C. Nick Shaw Chris Walker 1985–1987 17 P. C. Michelle Hughes Gail Abbott 1991–1998 23 P. C. Paul Timpney Roger Griffiths 1999–2000 7 D. S. Peter Cork Tristan Gemmill 2001 6 D. S. Doug Wright Adrian Lukis 2006–2007 6 Sergeant Marc Rollins Stefan Booth 2004–2005 18 Sergeant Steve Hodges Pete Lee Wilson 2000 14 Detective Superintendent

Character Actor Duration Episodes Role Rod Jessop Richard Hope 2006–2007 15 Husband of Sgt. June Ackland Irene Radford Lynda Bellingham 2004 19 Adversary of D. C. Rob Thatcher Louise Larson Rosie Marcel 2005–2006 12 Girlfriend of Insp. Dale Smith Abigail Nixon Georgia Moffett 2002–2009 26 Daughter of D. I. Samantha Nixon Cindy Hunter Jacqueline Defferary 2002–2006 28 Wife of D. S. Phil Hunter Kristen Shaw Christine Stephen Daly 2006–2007 20 Girlfriend of D. C. Zain Nadir Scott Burnett Matt Bardock 2005 17 Husband of P. C. Honey Harman Nurse Jenny Delaney Lesley McGuire 1999–2001 25 Wife of P. C. Dave Quinnan James Tennant Neil Stuke 2006–2007 18 Father of missing child Amy Tennant Dr. Tom Kent David Quilter 1990–1997 18 Police surgeon/forensic analyst

This is a list of some of the most notable actors (or actors who later became well known) to have made brief or cameo appearances in The Bill. Keira Knightley (at the start of her career) played child burglar Sheena Rose in a 1995 episode titled "Swan Song". Martin Freeman played Craig Parnell in a 1997 episode. Russell Brand (years before he became well known) played teenager Billy Case in a 1994 episode titled "Land of the Blind". David Tennant (at the start of his career) played kidnapper Steven Clemens in a 1995 episode called "Deadline". Paul O'Grady – credited as "Paul Savage" – played transvestite prostitute Roxanne in three episodes between 1988 and 1990. Sean Bean (shortly after he graduated) played robber Horace Clark in an episode titled "Long Odds" in 1984. Ralf Little played Tommy Lawson in four episodes in 2001: "Judas Kiss", "Shout", "Aftershock" and "Night Games". Emma Bunton (before she joined the Spice Girls) played the role of Janice in one episode, "Missionary Work", in 1993. Catherine Tate (in her early acting career) appeared in "Give and Take" in 1993 and "Fly on the Wall" in 1994. James McAvoy (in his early acting career) played a Scots runaway named Gavin in an episode titled "Rent" in 1997. Lewis Collins played a stem cell scientist named Dr Peter Allen in an episode in 2002. Lorraine Kelly appeared as herself in 2003 in an episode in which PC Cathy Bradford appeared on her show on GMTV. Roger Daltrey appeared as reformed drug addict Larry Moore in a 1999 episode titled Cracked Up. Charlotte Jordan (in her first television appearance) played Jemma Jackson in 2007 episode "Crash Test".