Mentorn Media has been commissioned alongside talkbackTHAMES, to produce a one-off special to mark the 25th Anniversary of ITV1’s serial drama The Bill, it was announced today (FRI).
The Bill Made Me Famous, commissioned by ITV1’s Controller of Popular Factual, Jo Clinton-Davies, is due to transmit in the autumn and is an entertaining celebration of the award-winning and undisputed heavyweight champion of television police dramas.
In 1983 Woodentop was piloted as a new police drama - now with more than 2,000 episodes under its belt, The Bill is not only the longest running but also the most popular police series on British television.
To honour the 25th anniversary of its creation, The Bill Made Me Famous celebrates how successful and iconic The Bill's cast - past and present - has become. From comedy legends, to Hollywood starlets from pop stars to cultural icons; they've all passed through Sun Hill playing heroes and villains, policeman and civilians.
Using highly entertaining archive footage, we remember the many famous faces who have appeared in the show from those who made guest appearances to those who stayed for years.
Executive Producer for Mentorn Media, Hannah Wyatt, said: “The most remarkable names have appeared either fleetingly or more permanently in The Bill – it reads like a Hollywood who’s who. We’re delighted to be working with talkbackTHAMES on a programme that reflects it’s often forgotten iconic status and the springboard for many an international career.”
“The fact that The Bill has been in existence for 25 years is testimony to the quality cast, crew and production team who have been involved in the programme over the years”, commented head of drama, talkbackTHAMES and co-executive producer of The Bill Made Me Famous, Johnathan Young. “We are constantly seeking new ways of developing the programme, and of exploring the challenges facing police officers. By continually moving with current climates, The Bill has grown with its audience, remaining a popular stalwart of the television schedules.”
For further information please contact Louise Plank at Plank PR on behalf of Mentorn Media on 020 8995 3936 or
lou@plankpr.com or Susan Wilks at the talkbackTHAMES Press Office on 020 8545 1397 or Susan.Wilks@talkbackthames.tv.