NEWS ROUND-UP (18/9/05)

A round-up of all the latest news stories...

::: THE BILL LIVE

In case you haven't already heard the news, The Bill is going live this week as part of ITV's 50th birthday celebrations - make sure you tune in from 8pm this Thursday 22nd September!

::: More on the live episode
::: Watch a preview of the episode

::: JOHANNSEN TO LEAVE

In last week's edition of Saturday Magazine with the Daily Express, Myfanwy Waring - aka PC Amber Johannsen - has confirmed that she is leaving the series, with her final episode airing in November. There are no specific details on the nature of her character's departure, with the exit storyline being "kept under wraps". She also mentions that she will be appearing in the live episode next week.

::: UPCOMING STORYLINE FOR SMITHY

This week's edition of Inside Soap reports in an interview with The Bill's series producer Alison Davies that there are some big stories coming up for Smithy (Alex Walkinshaw). He's unlucky in love once again, only this time there are 'tragic consequences'. Read into that what you will...

::: NO MORE M.I.T.

The Sun has reported that ITV will not be recomissioning another series of The Bill spin-off M.I.T. - Murder Investigation Team.