DI Neil Manson   played by Andrew Lancel

First appearance    # 178 (24/12/03)   

Neil Manson's driving force is a burning ambition to reach the top of the Metropolitan Police ladder in the shortest time possible and he'll use whatever means necessary to get ahead. He's the sort of guy who has a five year plan for his career path and his sights firmly set on becoming Superintendent within the next two.

Having joined the Met. fast-track in 1993 with a degree in Business & Psychology, Neil is a new style copper in his approach to policy and politics, but there is more than a touch of the old-school about his methods and opinions - he believes women are the weaker sex and he's not afraid of bending the rules to get a result - however, he is smart enough to cover his tracks and keep his opinions to himself. He doesn't care whether his subordinates like him, as long as they do the job, and he upwardly manages his superiors to ensure a smooth path to the top. Neil knows the world is made up of gangs and he's in the Police gang. He doesn't like being told what to do, so having his own agenda is his answer to working in a hierarchy. He understands the principles of divide and rule and is quick to establish who's going to work with him and who isn't. Cool and composed, Neil is calculated and smart in the way he handles people - he wants a team of people that will make him look good and won't tolerate slackers or game-players. Having moved so swiftly through the ranks, Neil knows he lacks hands-on street experience so needs a strong team to prevent this weakness being exposed.

Cool and enigmatic, Neil is a man of few words who keeps his private life private and isn't interested in getting to know the troops on a personal level. His copybook has been blotted by various indiscretions over the past couple of years though, notably his affair with undercover reporter Andrea Dunbar, and subsequent breakdown of his marriage. He's now keen to get back to doing the job.