Wingett: Survivor

From Teletext.

The Bill has been given a £200m golden handcuffs deal by ITV1.

The channel has ordered 480 new episodes so the show runs until at least 2010.

It's believed to be the largest recommissioning order in ITV1 history and ITV drama chief Nigel Pickard told Broadcast that it was done to stop the hit show being poached by competitors.

He said: "We need to ensure that it remains on ITV1. It's a really important show for us and has become a major plank of our schedule."

The show has been a huge ratings hit. Since executive producer Paul Marquess took over the reins at Sun Hill in 2001, the twice weekly cop drama has regularly attracted 8m viewers.

Pickard said: "I see every commission as a risk and the show did go through a rough patch a few years ago. But by working closely with the team behind the show, we have developed a healthy track record."

The recommission of The Bill will mean a major revamp. Marquess said: "I've long been itching to tear Sun Hill apart and rebuild it from scratch.

"We've been thinking six months ahead for characters, but this recommission gives us a chance to develop a plot that will span two years. We are also talking about changing the look of the show, which could involve size of sets, its style and new hi-tech cameras."

The Bill has come a long way since its humble beginnings as 1983 pilot Woodentop.

Only two members of the original cast, Trudie Goodwin who plays June Ackland and Mark Wingett (Jim Carver), remain.

A live episode to mark the 20th anniversary in October was seen by 10m. Another special is being planned for the autumn with a possible interactive element.