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 Outsider (1983 TV series) The Outsider (1983 TV series) The Outsider is a British television drama series produced by Yorkshire Television and screened on the ITV network in late 1983. Successful journalist Frank Scully (John Duttine) is visiting old friends, the Harpers (Joanna Dunham and Norman Eshley), in the Yorkshire country town of Micklethorpe. Deciding to stay on, he takes the job of editor of the local newspaper, the Messenger. Fiona Neave (Carol Royle), who runs the local print works, becomes Scully's love interest, as he soon becomes embroiled in local affairs. "The Outsider" was the brainchild of writer Michael J. Bird, who researched