NEWS ROUND-UP (11/06/09)

First up, some very very sad news about a much-loved member of the cast.

Actor Graham Cole, who plays PC Tony Stamp is to leave the show after 21 years.

The 57-year-old said he was "sad to leave", but had "had a wonderful time patrolling the streets of Sun Hill".

The drama's production team said it felt it had taken Cole's character as far as possible and that the time was right to say goodbye to him.

Cole will be on screens until later this year and show bosses said the door would be open for a possible return.

"Tony has been a big part of my life for a long time, but I'm looking forward to seeking out some new challenges and enjoying life outside the nick!" Cole said.

Producers denied reports Cole's character had been axed because he was too old, saying character changes were "based on storyline and dramatic needs".

Executive producer Johnathan Young said: "Graham is a much-loved and admired member of cast."

"He has contributed an enormous amount to The Bill and we are grateful for his enthusiasm and support over the years. PC Tony Stamp leaves an amazing legacy."

We're all still reeling from this news - according to the show's press office, Tony simply 'didn't fit in' with the show's new 9pm, post-watershed format. I personally think this is a terrible decision; Tony is one of the very few much-loved characters still in the show, and part of the rich tapestry of the The Bill's history. The way they've cut him loose reminds me of the way Eric Richard (Sgt. Bob Cryer) was fired from the show back in 2001. A massive disservice to such a long-standing character  - Ed

::: There is a petition to save Tony here: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-our-stamp.html

::: The Facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=90435832617&ref=ts 

OTHER CAST DEPARTURES

It has been confirmed that Daniel Flynn, who plays Superintendent John Heaton, will be leaving this summer. His replacement? None other than DCI Jack Meadows. At least there's some good news on the horizon!

Claire Goose (Inspector Rachel Weston) will be temporarily leaving the show to go on maternity leave; her exit coincides with Heaton's. Smithy will be replacing her as Inspector.

Cat Simmons, who plays DC Kezia Walker, is also due to go on maternity leave - so will be off screen for several months. With any luck, she won't return (it seems more a travesty that Tony is being unceremoniously dumped from the show when completely ineffectual characters like Kezia remain)! - Ed

In other news, Doug Rao (DS Stuart Turner) has now finished filming on the show. Rumours are that DC Stevie Moss will replace him when she passes her sergeants' exams.

And finally - from the beginning of next month, The Bill will reset its episode numbers. The production team will roll back the numbering to 001 from its July 8 episode, entitled 'Conviction: Breaking Point'. Bizarrely, this is the third installment of a six-episode storyline run.

The first episode of the 'Conviction' series begins on Wednesday 1st July, when the show begins airing in HD. However, Digital Spy reports that even when the episode counter is reset, episodes still won't air in numerical order!