TIDBITS OF NEWS (7/3/03)

The latest information in a relatively quiet few weeks of news on The Bill:

PC Honey Harman's (Kim Tiddy) first episode is on Thursday 20th March (# 098). She arrives late to the briefing and is paired up with PC Gary Best who is instantly smitten by her. Apparently, she proves she is not as sweet as she looks when she puts her judo skills to use!
A letter in the Radio Times asks where Sergeant Matthew Boyden has been in recent months. The reply, 'Boyden (played by Tony O'Callaghan) will be leaving the show, but not until May. Before then he will be returning to Sun Hill, and will be involved in what Thames Television describes as "cracking storylines"'. Indeed, these include an illicit relationship with A/DI Nixon's daughter, Abi, and the return of his wayward daughter, Amy. Boyden, of course, is eventually shot, leading to a huge manhunt of the streets of Sun Hill to find the killer.
PC Kerry Ashton finally discovers her husband Luke is gay (# 096) and plans to abort her baby. But, after a bad turn of events, ends up losing the baby anyway (# 098)
PC Polly Page returns in # 099 - which airs on Wednesday 26th March. She apparently returns to uniform briefly, but then seeks a move to CSU under the watchful eye of Sergeant Ackland.
Rumours have been flying about DC Mickey Webb's departure - apparently it has something to do with a rape. Whether Webb is investigating or was guilty of it, no-one is sure. 
It has been confirmed that PC Des Taviner and DC Danny Glaze both leave the show as part of the same storyline, when their parts in the Sun Hill fire (# 008) are uncovered.
Viewing figures for The Bill are up - according to today's MediaGuardian.co.uk last night's episode (# 093) attracted 9.1 million viewers equivalent to a 39% audience share.
The Bill is up for a TV BAFTA - the show has been nominated for the Lew Grade Audience Award. To vote, call 0901 111 4476 (calls cost 25p).