Z-Cars been running for seven years but which some considered 'cosy'. The one character present throughout the entire run (though not in every episode) was Bert Lynch, played by James Ellis (though John Phillips as Det. Chief Supt. Robins would reappear sporadically during the show's run – by the end of the series he had become Chief Constable). Other characters in the early days were Stratford Johns (Inspector Barlow), Frank Windsor (Det. Sgt Watt), Robert Keegan (Sgt Blackitt), Joseph Brady (PC "Jock" Weir) and Brian Blessed ("Fancy" Smith). Also in 1960s episodes as David Graham was Colin Welland, later a screenwriter.
Tom Owen (actor) 'Freewheelers' of which he made fifty two episodes. Numerous television series followed including 'Tottering Towers', 'Wreckers at Deadeye', 'Horse in the House', 'The Piglet Files'. In 1969 Owen played Farley, in 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' a role first played by John Mills in the original version. He has appeared in many television shows including 'The Hello Goodbye Man', 'Z Cars', 'Upstairs Downstairs', 'The Bill', 'Minder' and 'Our Mutual Friend'. He has worked extensively in one, two and three weekly repertory both as an actor and director. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company playing on Broadway in their production