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"It got on with the job!" - Bestselling novelist and highly experienced scriptwriter Douglas Watkinson joined #TheBill ranks for two memorable episodes in 1988. In this clip, he discusses why he preferred the half-hour era...
Enjoy over 110 cast & crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
One of the longest serving #TheBill writers Isabelle Grey joins #ReachingAVerdict author Edward Kellett as he makes his presenting debut on #TheBillPodcast
In this clip, Isabelle recalls how police advisor Malcolm Haddow inspired her powerful 1998 story "Villain".
Watch 110 cast & crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
Manglende episoder?
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Before he created #Endeavour the mighty Russell Lewis cut his scriptwriting teeth on #TheBill having first played P.C. Banks in 1988!
Russell has recorded multiple episode commentaries for #TheBillPodcast Patreon channel and his insights are breathtaking.
Enjoy 110 cast & crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
Acclaimed playwright and scriptwriter Garry Lyons has recorded video commentaries for all four of his #TheBill stories, where in each he is reunited with a member of the cast.
In this clip he recalls how he was asked to write #SpeakingFreely especially for the phenomenal #BarbaraThorn to highlight the machismo culture that female police officers like Inspector Frazer were facing in the Metropolitan Police at that time.
Watch the full interview, along with 110 more cast and crew commentaries, on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
What happens when an off-duty police officer is offered drugs at a party? Best-selling novelist and scriptwriter Candy Denman explored this scenario in #BlowingItAllAway starring Suzanne Maddock as Cass Rickman.
Watch 110 cast & crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
Please note: a video version of this podcast is available to watch for free on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/future-of-bill-109785528
In this hour-long special, Oliver introduces the new presenting family, who each reveal their first special guest interviewees.
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in proud association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk vanguardcomics.co.uk and gibconsultancy.co.uk
This edition of The Bill Podcast is dedicated to our friend, executive producer and long-time supporter Tom Sherrington. Rest in peace mate. -
Natalie Roles narrates this promo for our friend and sponsor George Fairbrother's latest novel "Lost in Solway"
Solway is a tough industrial city somewhere on England's North Sea coast. The Great Depression laid waste to its proud engineering and shipbuilding heritage, creating poverty on a Dickensian scale, but the onset of World War Two offered the dying city a lifeline; moribund industry was resurrected for the war effort and thousands went back to work.
But now the city faces a new threat, this time from above; docks, factories and military installations are prime targets for German bombers, turning long winter nights into hours of relentless, soul-destroying terror.
Movie-obsessed Sylvia Bullock and easy-going Sidney Williams grew up together in the working-class terraced streets around Old Forge Lane. As young adults, they are now on the frontline, working the late shift on the buses, and facing dangers as real and immediate as many of their friends and family fighting overseas.
One foggy night in the bleak January of 1943, with storm clouds and enemy bombers in the skies above them, life-and-death decisions confront many of Solway’s home front heroes and villains. That night, Sylvia and Sidney are brutally propelled into a strange and incomprehensible world, easily as terrifying and uncertain as the one they had left behind.
"...The tale spans two different centuries, characterized by distinct circumstances. The author vividly describes every scenario and builds all the characters brilliantly. It is a story that every ardent fan of historical fiction will enjoy. You will get as close as you can to a community adapting to times packed with uncertainty and stress due to war; from bomb shelters to nightmares visiting war veterans and black marketeers..." (Online Book Club)
"...This was a great read especially if you could relate to the era and location. The descriptions were spot on. I liked the author’s style and enjoyed reliving the history, albeit it depressing. I purchased the e-book and because it was so good went and purchased the paperback for my library..." (Goodreads)
Order from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Solway-George-Fairbrother-ebook/dp/B09B73X68Q
Find out more:
https://www.georgefairbrother.com/lost-in-solway -
Legendary crime fiction author Paul Finch shares his memories of writing Mickey Webb's debut #TheBill story #ProtectAndSurvive inspired by his own experiences as a former police officer!
Listen to the full interview, along with 110 more cast and crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation #WednesdayWriting -
Natalie Roles narrates a promo for this stunning book from our sponsor Michael Seely of Saturday Morning Press:
In 1964, BBC1 launched a new twice weekly serial designed to be something different from the usual soap fare such as their own 'Compact', set in the posh offices of a ladies magazine. Set in a Midlands town (and made by the BBC's Birmingham studio in the days before Pebble Mill), 'Swizzlewick' was designed to be a prime time satirical swipe at local government with larger than life but recognisable characters with huge personality flaws, and hold up a mirror to our faces and see if we recognise ourselves... The serial was created by the talented playwright David Turner, given the writing opportunity of a lifetime and do something bold and original, but even early on, made some within the BBC very nervous.
However, 'Swizzlewick' upset the dignitaries from Town Halls up and down the country, and very quickly attracted the attention of the emerging Clean Up TV movement headed by one Mrs Mary Whitehouse, who quickly suspected she was being lampooned by the writer following a clash with Turner when she launched her campaign in Birmingham three months earlier where his controversial BBC play 'Trevor' was criticised.
Whitehouse was sent the script for an episode she declared 'indecent' to be shown at a time when children were still up, and just in time for her next rally. How the BBC reacted, and David Turner's explosive reaction are explored in this book, as well as the subsequent battle to keep the programme going. The book also investigates Whitehouse's claim that Turner was sending up the nervous collapse of her husband. Was the BBC using Turner to 'get' Whitehouse? Was she correct in that the series was indecent and tasteless? Was Mrs Smallgood and her Morality drive a 'calculated dig' at her campaign - or a stereotype she recognised she fitted...
'Taste and Decency The Swizzlewick Story' tells the story of how the serial was created, its production, launch and initial hostile reception by scandalised Town Hall dignitaries up and down the country. The book also details each of the 26 episodes transmitted, all bar one no longer survives.
Explore this book and their other titles:
https://shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk/ -
It all starts with the script! Without its talented scriptwriters, #TheBill wouldn't have been the smash hit we all know, love and miss!
In a new series of #WednesdayWriting posts #TheBillPodcast will be highlighting some of the most prolific and talented writers who brought Sun Hill to life.
Prolific Sun Hill scribe Nicholas McInerny wrote 29 episodes between 1988-2008. In this clip, he shares his memories of the Paul Marquess era and the opportunities that The Bill gave writers.
Listen to the full interview, along with 110 more cast and crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast
#JoinTheInvestigation -
Natalie Roles narrates this promo for The Bill Podcast sponsor and former detective Stuart Gibbon's latest book, "Catching a Killer".
Stuart Gibbon and Crime historian Stephen Wade examine the investigation of Murder from a historical and modern-day perspective, with reference to criminal law, police procedure and forensic evidence.
Order from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09Z72S5GC/
Explore GIB Consultancy's series of crime books:
https://gibconsultancy.co.uk/books/ -
It's the finale of this stunning trilogy of Podcasts with Paul Marquess!
I hope you'll agree that Natalie asked all the big questions throughout this interview and that for his part, Paul answered honestly and showed a lot of genuine affection for the programme. Thank you very much Paul for coming on the Podcast and to Natalie for making it all possible.
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in proud association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk vanguardcomics.co.uk and introducing gibconsultancy.co.uk
This podcast kicks off with Natalie reading a promo for "Catching a Killer", the latest book from our new sponsor GIB Consultancy - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catching-Killer-Straightforward-Investigation-Present/dp/1802360638 -
In Part 2 of this epic Podcast with Paul Marquess, the man who was tasked with revamping "The Bill" in the Noughties shares his memories of the late great Bernie Nolan (Sgt. Sheelagh Murphy) and securing guest stars like Lynda Bellingham and Lysette Anthony. Natalie also asks Paul about the famous gay kiss storyline!
Paul also discusses the ups and downs of his TV career, including his groundbreaking Channel 5 improvised drama series "Suspects", the mistakes he feels he made on "MIT" and how he corrected them for his new BBC murder series "London Kills".
There's plenty more "The Bill" chat to come in Part 3 and we hope you are enjoying this rare opportunity to get to know Paul Marquess!
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk -
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for you all to meet the man described by the press as 'The Axeman' when he was tasked in 2002 with trying to save "The Bill"... the one and only Mr. Paul Marquess (Executive Producer, 2002-2005)
We owe Natalie Roles a HUGE amount of thanks for making this interview happen. Also massive thanks to Paul, who gave up a significant amount of his time whilst actually on location during the making of his new BBC series "Hope Street" to do this podcast - something many television Executives wouldn't have done.
Enjoy Part 1 of this absolutely fascinating trilogy of Podcasts, brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk -
HE'S BACK! Oliver returns to The Bill Podcast while Natalie is away filming. In this bonus edition of the show, Oliver interviews his good friend Michael Seely (author, TV historian, publisher and sponsor of The Bill Podcast) where we discuss his brilliant work with Saturday Morning Press.
The two TV historians trade research stories and share their passion for celebrating television of the past. Michael also reveals how his thoughts on "The Bill" have changed over the years... If you've ever toyed with the idea of writing a book about your favourite television show, then this is the interview for you!
Saturday Morning Press Books aims to focus on dramas forgotten, and some not so forgotten television series and serials from the long distant past. Find out more about Michael's books on shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk
The Bill Podcast is also brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk
For over 150 hours of bonus content, including the new weekly series "The Evidence Room" where Oliver examines rare production paperwork that reveals what was being produced for The Bill exactly 25 years ago each week, join the investigation at patreon.com/thebillpodcast -
Welcome to the extended finale of this three-course feast of an interview with the wonderful Pal Aron!
Pal and Natalie continue to discuss his time at Sun Hill, where Natalie asks him to share some memories of some of their lovely colleagues...
Pal also reflects on his time on the cobbles, his role in the BAFTA-winning sitcom Stella, his recent writing work, a dream job on the big screen AND they both share stories about the music icon Prince!
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk
The Bill Podcast is produced by Oliver Crocker and co-produced by Ben Adams, Glen Allen, Rob Cook, Glenn Cooney, Georgina Dark, Sarah Keiper, Bryony Kelly, Maz Mirabilis, Alex Mockler and Simon Wolf
Our Executive Producers are Isobel Allan, Ben Ashmore, Mark Bennett, Alana Dewar, Andrew Diack, Paul Dunn, Tony Drury, Dan Evans, George Fairbrother, Luke Heagerty, Robert Hoegger, Edward Kellett, James Ledain, Thomas Jhonston, Lucy McNeil, Gary Moncur, Danny Morris, Steph Morris, Claire Norbury, Laura Pini-Fay, Alistair Rigley, Michael Seely, Tom Sherrington, Angel Stannard, Paul Statter, Patrick Stratford, Michael While and Sarah Went.
Huge thanks to all our lovely Patrons who make The Bill Podcast possible. If you'd like to add your name to the credits and support the podcast, join the investigation at patreon.com/thebillpodcast -
Welcome back to Part 2 of Natalie's Bill Podcast interview with her friend and colleague Pal Aron (DC Brandon Kane) This time Pal shares memories of growing up in Birmingham, discovering acting, his impressive work in the theatre and joining the BBC's flagship drama series Casualty. They also begin to talk about Pal's time as DC Brandon Kane in The Bill and discuss THAT Cathy Bradford storyline.
We're also thrilled to introduce our new sponsor vanguardcomics.co.uk who on Sunday April 14th are hosting Gosport Comic Con, where you can meet Natalie Roles, Larry Dann, Raji James and Mark Wingett from The Bill, alongside Doctor Who stars Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Sophie Aldred. Find out more and book your tickets via https://www.vanguardcomics.co.uk/comic-con-2024
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk
The Bill Podcast is produced by Oliver Crocker, co-produced by Ben Adams, Glen Allen, Rob Cook, Georgina Dark, Sarah Keiper, Maz Mirabilis, Alex Mockler and Simon Wolf. Executive Produced by Isobel Allan, Ben Ashmore, Mark Bennett, Alana Dewar, Andrew Diack, Paul Dunn, Tony Drury, Dan Evans, George Fairbrother, Luke Heagerty, Alan Hunting, Thomas Jhonston, Edward Kellett, James Ledain, Lucy McNeil, Gary Moncur, Danny Morris, Steph Morris, Claire Norbury, Laura Pini-Fay, Alistair Rigley, Michael Seely, Tom Sherrington, Angel Stannard, Paul Statter, Patrick Stratford, Michael While and Sarah Went. The music is composed by Matthew Anniss -
BRANDON'S BACK! After 20 years, Natalie was very happy to be reunited with the immensely talented Pal Aron (DC Brandon Kane) for a special trilogy of Podcasts!
In Part 1, these two legends are going to make you hungry, as they both LOVE their food and talk about some of their favourite cuisine. Natalie was also interested to see how Pal's tastes might have changed in the last 20 years, so she reminds him of some answers he gave in a Q&A back in their Sun Hill days. They also chat about some of Pal's most recent acting work, which has taken him all over the globe...
There's LOADS of Bill chat to come in Parts 2 and 3, but for now, sit back, relax and get ready for your tummy to rumble during this Starter course of a three-part feast with one of this country's finest actors.
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk and cityfiction.co.uk
Our closing credits are read out by the fantastic Andrew Mackintosh (DS Alastair Greig) who has news of Letter from Helvetica: Series 2, which you can be part of here - https://ko-fi.com/letterfromhelvetica -
Sarah Gorrell interviewed actor Larry Dann and author Oliver Crocker about "Witness Statements: Making The Bill (Series 1-3)" on BBC Radio Surrey. Since this interview was originally broadcast on Friday October 16th 2020, Oliver has written a sequel "Witness Statements: Making The Bill (1988)" and Larry himself has written his autobiography "Oh, What A Lovely Memoir". All three books, plus Edward Kellett's "Reaching a Verdict: Reviewing The Bill (1983-89), are available from devonfirebooks.com
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New Years Eve is perhaps the perfect time to release this interview, as Jane recalls the fireworks that were going off behind the scenes in 2002 with the arrival of new Executive Producer Paul Marquess. Jane had never seen her explosive exit from The Bill until Oliver sent her a highlights reel of her time as Di Worrell ahead of this interview and so we hear Jane's thoughts on this for the very first time.
New Years Eve is also a time for reflection and to look ahead at new beginnings and Jane's new life in L.A. has brought her some exciting acting work, including playing the lead in the film "Are We Lost" which you'll be hearing all about later in this interview.
So grab some party food, sit back and enjoy this final slice of gold dust for 2023! Our huge thanks also to all of you who have supported The Bill Podcast this year, including our special guests, our Patreon supporters and our sponsors George Fairbrother, Michael Seely and Tony Drury.
If you'd like to enjoy more content, there's over 100 hours of goodies to enjoy on patreon.com/thebillpodcast where you can enjoy exclusive interviews, reactions, commentaries, Billgrimages, reunions and more from just £2.49.
The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk and cityfiction.co.uk - Vis mere
