History of The Bill History of The Bill From the ITV police drama's first screening in 1983, the history of "The Bill" includes a variety of major plotlines and changes to the programme's format. During 1983, Thames Television broadcast a one-off drama called "Woodentop". It was written by Geoff McQueen, who had previously worked on LWT's "The Gentle Touch". "Woodentop" followed Police Constable Jim Carver (Mark Wingett) on his first day, mentored by Woman Police Constable June Ackland (Trudie Goodwin). The production was seen as innovative for the use of natural lighting, hand-held cameras and an authentic portrayal of British policing. Thames Television commissioned
The Regiment (TV series) The Regiment (TV series) The Regiment was a British television drama series produced by the BBC. First broadcast on BBC One in 1972 it starred Christopher Cazenove and followed the story of a British Army regiment from the view of two families. "The Regiment" was based on a single play broadcast in 1970 as part of the "BBC Drama Playhouse" series. The series followed the Cotswold Regiment from 1895 to 1904, and in particular the Gaunt and Bright families. The first series was broadcast in 1972 and related to the regiment's time in South Africa, fighting in the Boer War,