Heartbeat was a long-running and highly popular TV series produced originally by Yorkshire Television, and subsequently by ITV, in the UK and based upon the Constable series of novels written by Nicholas Rhea.
Since its first screening on Friday 10th April 1992, the show ran for 18 series with over 350 hour-long episodes, the last of which was broadcast on Sunday 12th September 2010. Heartbeat proved popular from the beginning, when early series consistently drew over 10 million viewers, achieving a peak audience of 13.82 million in 2001 and 12.8 million viewers in 2003.
The stories feature an English policeman in a rural village in North Yorkshire during the 1960's, although cast changes and story developments have resulted in group of village characters sharing the attention with the local village bobby. The Heartbeat title refers to an English bobby 'on the beat', the medical stories that are woven into each episode, and the way each programme puts a finger on the pulse of the rural community of Aidensfield.
Its enduring popularity was demonstrated yet again by a poll in the Dalesman magazine. Readers were asked to vote for their favourite programme made or set in Yorkshire. More than 3,000 votes were cast and Heartbeat came an impressive third.
Rhea’s Heartbeat characters
A number of Heartbeat’s key characters came straight out of the Constable books by Nicholas Rhea, while other characters were adapted and new ones introduced.
Nicholas Rhea was at the heart of things being employed by both YTV and ITV as series consultant, advising on 1960s police procedure and other things, while continuing to write new Constable books.
Nicholas Rhea comments on the name change for Constable Nick:
“In the books, he is PC Nicholas Rhea who is married to a woman called Mary and they have four children, but on screen he has become PC Nick Rowan who is married to a doctor called Kate, and initially they had no children. Also in the books, he is depicted as coming to a rural area from an office job in Police Headquarters, while on screen he transfers from the London Metropolitan Police to the rural beat of Aidensfield.
“These differences were done to cater for the rather special needs of a TV audience after consultation with me, as author of the books and creator of the characters.
“Nick is not based upon any identifiable individual, but is really an amalgamation of rural bobbies, and the same applies to Sergeant Blaketon and PC Alf Ventress. These characters appear on TV exactly how I envisaged them when writing the books. I get many letters from serving policemen, and retired officers, who say that Sergeant Blaketon is exactly like their old sergeant! And those letters come from every part of the British Isles - which only proves there were lots of Sergeant Blaketons in the police forces of the 1960s.
“George Ward, the former licensee of the Aidensfield Arms, is not strongly depicted in the books but his screen version was just right, while Greengrass has emerged as larger than life. In my books, he is a rather weaselly sort of character, more of a sneak than a humorous individual but Bill Maynard has fleshed him out, made him a large fellow and has given him much more of a humorous character. And that is very good - I like the TV Greengrass a lot.
“Most of the other characters on screen are the creation of the Heartbeat team of writers, producers and directors and will not be found in the original books. The inspiration has gone full circle in a way, with TV characters gradually being introduced to future books.”
- Nicholas Rhea
Characters from ‘Heartbeat’
PC Nick Rowan
(Nick Berry)
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Series 1-10, 155 episodes
Relationships:
Alfred the Dog
The Honourable Tessa Blundell (series 7)
Vehicles:
Morris Commercial (series 1-10)
Chrysler Imperial (series 2-3)
Roles:
Poacher
Landowner
Farmer
B&B and campsite host
Exit:
He emigrated to the West Indies to join his sister who had come into some money. It was a quick exit because Bill had taken ill in real life. He later popped up as a patient in Heartbeat’s spin off show, The Royal.
Fun facts:
The boots Claude wore were Bill’s own and he had previously worn them in his other hit shows Selwyn Froggitt and The Gaffer. Claude’s twitching eyes were Bill’s invention, an idea that he had from an old acquaintance!
Bill on playing Claude
“I feel a tremendous responsibility to the public and if something’s being done which the public won’t understand or is unfunny, I’ll fight tooth and nail to get it put right. It doesn’t necessarily endear me to a lot of people but it’s the way I have always worked.”
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Cold Turkey
Bill sadly died in March 2018.
Claude Jeremiah Greengrass
(Bill Maynard)
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Series 14-16, 72 episodes
Relationships:
Helen Trent
Role:
Village Constable in Aidensfield (series 1-7)
Exit:
Rob rode off into the sunset after getting promotion and a new job.
Fun fact:
Jonathan had to learn a new skill for the part of Rob and had to pass his motorbike test. “The BSA bike that we use is 650cc and has quite a turn of speed,” he said at the time.
Jonathan on Rob at the start of series 16:
“It’s going back to being very episodic, which is the way Rob started out, solving every story each week and being incredibly heroic, and very good at everything. He’s a bit annoying!”
First episode:
Money Money Money
Last episode:
Laying the Ghost
PC Rob Walker
(Jonathan Kerrigan)
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Series 7-12, 128 episodes
Relationships:
Jackie Lambert
Tricia Summerbee
Roles:
Village Constable in Aidensfield (series 7-12)
Vehicle:
Triumph Bonneville
Exit:
Promotion to CID.
Fun fact:
Jason starred in more episodes than any other Aidensfield Constable.
Fun fact:
When filming Mike and Jackie’s wedding episode, when Phil was racing to the ceremony and Mike was changing in the panda car, he leaned on the door handle and nearly fell out, only to be saved by Mark Jordon pulling him back in! The Director liked it so much he kept it in the final episode!
Jason on Mike taking over from Nick:
“Mike is a good contrast to Nick. He’s a bit of an action man and he likes to live fast – if you can live fast in Aidensfield!”
Nicholas Rhea on Mike Bradley:
"Mike Bradley does not appear in my early books, but on screen he arrived with long hair while riding a powerful motor bike. Jason Durr's task was not easy - he had to create a likeable character who would one day replace PC Nick Rowan, but he did this within a very short time. Bradley's good looks, his wide police experience before coming to Aidensfield and his strong personality have combined to produce a very interesting character. So, what's in store for him in Aidensfield? We'll have to wait and see..."
First episode:
Peace and Quiet
Last episode:
Moving Target
PC Mike Bradley
(Jason Durr)
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Series 11-14, 71 episodes
Relationships:
Jenny Latimer/Merton
Role:
Station Sergeant at Ashfordly (series 11-14)
Vehicle:
Rover P4
Ashfordly Ford Anglia
Exit:
Dennis quit the force to look after Jenny after she became ill with her mental health.
Duncan on Dennis:
“I don’t know what it is about Dennis that drives women so wild, I certainly don’t have that effect in real life. Woman write and say that Dennis should marry them instead of Jenny!”
First episode:
The Leopard’s Spots
Last episode:
In Sickness and in Health
Sergeant Dennis Merton
(Duncan Bell)
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Series 7-11, 80 episodes
Relationships:
Penny Craddock
Role:
Station Sergeant at Ashfordly (series 7-11)
Vehicle:
Hillman Minx
Ashfordly Ford Anglia
Exit:
Neil reconciled with Penny after their celebration and they moved away together following his promotion.
Philip on playing a Welsh man:
“The Welsh bit never presented an obstacle. An actor friend from Neath recorded his own voice and sent me the tapes so I could practice. I soon picked it up, so Craddock has always had a Neath accent too.”
Philip on his dancing scenes:
“It’s always something that has filled me with horror. In my first episode, I had to dance a spectacular tango with Kazia Pelka. A choreographer taught me each individual move and we filmed it quickly before I forgot it!”
First episode:
Love Me Do
Last episode:
Closing the Book
Sergeant Raymond Craddock
(Philip Franks)
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Series 14-18, 102 episodes
Roles:
Poacher
Game Keeper
Local rogue!
Vehicle:
Austin Goodwood
Fun fact:
In real life, Peggy’s well used Austin Goodwood was actually a very smart car that was made to look scruffy to be used by Peggy.
Gwen on Peggy’s teeth:
“Those awful teeth I had to wear were impossible. I couldn’t eat with them on. Once I had to suck on a chicken leg instead of eating it. I did try to eat with them once but I cracked a real tooth!”
First episode:
Friends and Relations
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Peggy Armstrong
(Gwen Taylor)
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Series 14-15, 41 episodes
Relationships:
Matthew Trent
Rob Walker
Role:
Village GP in Aidensfield (series 14-15)
Vehicle:
Citroen DS Safari
Fun fact:
Playing Helen is the longest job that Sophie has ever had!
Sophie on working with her Dad, Simon Ward, in series 15:
“I feel lucky that dad did that episode. I have only worked with him on one other show, a film on Wuthering Heights, and that was only for a short time. It was a lovely experience, although I was quite nervous!” (Sophie talking to @TVHeartbeat on Twitter in a 2020 Q&A session)
Sophie on Helen’s quirky car:
“I loved that car! She was great to drive and very comfortable.”
Sophie on Helen:
“The scriptwriters did a great job of writing Helen as independent and strong minded.”
First episode:
Who’s Sorry Now?
Last episode:
Accidents Happen
Dr Helen Trent
(Sophie Ward)
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Series 14-18, 106 episodes
Relationships:
Jean Miller
Role:
Station Sergeant at Ashfordly (series 14-18)
Vehicle:
Ford Anglia
Rover P6
Fun fact:
John has played two Heartbeat characters. He first appeared in series 1 as the activist Paul Melthorn, long before playing Miller. His real-life wife, actress Mel Martin, has also appeared in the show twice as two different characters.
Fun fact:
John ‘s nephew is the actor Joe Duttine, who is best known for playing Tim Metcalfe in Coronation Street.
First episode:
Gold Papa One Zero
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Sergeant George Miller
(John Duttine)
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Series 7-8, 29 episodes
Relationships:
Maggie Bolton
Role:
Village GP in Aidensfield (series 7-8)
Vehicle:
MGA
Exit:
Neil was tragically killed in a house fire in an attempt to save a young boy who he thought was inside.
David on Neil’s car:
“Loved my car. Loved it. Wanted Neil to have more driving moments in it.”
Fun fact:
When David left the show, he was given an inscribed whisky glass, a painting of Neil’s surgery in Goathland and Neil’s brass plaque from outside the surgery.
Nicholas Rhea on Neil Bolton:
"The doctors who have appeared in my books have usually been fairly senior G.P.s who have lived and worked in Aidensfield for many years. Neil Bolton, a rather serious and somewhat aloof young doctor, has now come to work in the area but his arrival did cause some concern, not least in his estranged wife, Nurse Maggie. In a village like Aidensfield, the doctor is very much a part of the community just like the vicar, the nurse and the policeman and I am delighted that Heartbeat continues to feature a doctor after the death of Kate. I think David Michaels plays a very interesting part and we're all wondering whether he will soften and become less snooty as he settles into the village routine."
First episode:
What the Butler Saw
Last episode:
Fire and Ashes
Neil Bolton
(David Michaels)
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Series 1-5, 49 episodes
Relationships:
PC Nick Rowan
Vehicles:
Triumph Herald
Roles:
Village GP in Aidensfield (series 1-5)
Partner in Radcliffe’s Whitby practice (series 4)
Exit:
Kate found out that she had leukaemia in the final stages of her pregnancy and died 6 weeks after giving birth to baby Sarah, whose name was changed to Katie by Nick in honour of Kate after her funeral.
Fun fact:
The fur lined duffle coat that Kate was often seen wearing was made especially because Niamh really felt the cold when filming external scenes in Yorkshire. When she left the show, she was given it as part of her leaving gift.
Niamh on working with Nick Berry:
“Nick and I have a great relationship. I think he’s a natural and I think we manage to have a pretty kind of bubbly relationship on screen.”
Nicholas Rhea on Kate Rowan:
"In my books, Constable Nick's wife is called Mary and she has four small children - and she was not a doctor! Kate, the doctor wife of PC Rowan, was introduced for TV dramatic purposes and there is no doubt that Niamh Cusack created a very realistic and endearing young doctor. There was a definite magic between her and Nick, both on screen and off and I was sorry when she had to leave."
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Thief in the Night
Doctor Kate Rowan
(Niamh Cusack)
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Series 1-18, 342 episodes
Relationships:
Joan Forrester
Vehicles:
Ford Anglia 100e (series 1-7)
Morris Traveller (series 7-18)
Roles:
Station Sergeant at Ashfordly (series 1-7)
Aidensfield Postmaster (series 7-8)
Publican of the Aidensfield Arms (series 9-18)
Part time Private Detective
Fun fact:
Despite their mutual hatred of each other, Greengrass actually saved Blaketon’s life twice! Once in series 5 (Saint Columba’s Treasure) and then in series 7 (Peace and Quiet).
Fun fact:
Derek Fowlds’ first car was exactly the same as the blue Morris Traveller that Blaketon bought after his retirement from the police force.
Derek Fowlds on Oscar Blaketon:
“I loved the first five years when Oscar was a policeman. I based him on my corporal in national service. I had wonderful letters from ex coppers saying “We had one just like him!”
Nicholas Rhea on Blaketon:
"Derek Fowlds portrayed Sergeant Blaketon exactly as I imagined him. The police service had lots of men like Blaketon, good, solid and dependable characters who ran their little police stations with fierce efficiency but who, under a tough exterior, possessed warmth, generosity and kindness. Now, I get calls from serving policemen who wish their sergeants were as reliable and inspiring as Blaketon!"
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Derek sadly died in January 2020.
Oscar Blaketon
(Derek Fowlds)
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Series 10-14, 88 episodes
Role:
Entrepreneur!
Taxi firm owner
Art dealer
Vehicle:
Morris Commercial
Vauxhall Wyvern
Bentley
Exit:
Vernon faked his own death to avoid the tax man…but popped back again later and revealed he was running a bar in Spain.
Fun fact:
Geoffrey has starred in some of Britain’s biggest television shows; as well as Heartbeat he has played roles in Coronation Street, Keeping Up Appearances and The Royle Family.
Geoffrey on Vernon:
“I loved the episodes when Vernon became wealthy. He had money but didn’t know how to be Vernon with it. When the cash went, he was in shock but underneath I reckon he was happy. Vernon got back what he missed – his aspirations!”
First episode:
Safe House
Last episode:
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (but he popped back briefly in the series 16 episode ‘Sleeping Dogs’)
Vernon Scripps
(Geoffrey Hughes)
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Series 1-17, 323 episodes
Relationships:
Jenny Latimer
Debbie Black
Gina Ward
Vehicles:
Mini Cooper (series 4-7)
Morris Mini (series 8-17)
Police Minivan (his usual vehicle when on duty)
Roles:
Police Constable, Ashfordly
Police Federation Rep, Ashfordly
Double glazing salesman (very briefly in series 10!)
Fun fact:
Mark Jordon’s favourite episode is ‘Daniel’ which is the one where he and Gina’s baby was born prematurely and died after a few hours, in series 13. A truly heart-breaking episode.
Nicholas Rhea on Phil Bellamy:
"Mark Jordon has made PC Bellamy a most likeable young policeman, a lad with an eye for the girls although he never quite succeeds with his romances. Bellamy is not in my early books but his part in staffing Ashfordly Police Station, and his never-ending quest for romance, does provide a sparkle to Heartbeat. I must admit I like Bellamy - he's like so many young policemen I used to know!"
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Touch and Go
PC Phil Bellamy
(Mark Jordon)
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Series 1-3, 20 episodes
Vehicle:
Wolseley 15/50
Hobbies and interests:
Fishing
Exit:
Alex wasn’t right after experiencing a significant head injury during a break in at the surgery at the start of series 3 and subsequently was a passenger in the train that crashed on its way to Aidensfield in the next episode. Not long after these two events he went on a fishing trip holiday and got out of his depth in the water and he drowned.
Fun fact:
Frank was in two minds about leaving Heartbeat and he did so because he was offered a part in the TV series ‘A Year in Provence’ which only lasted for one series.
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Going Home
Frank sadly died in 2006.
Dr Alex Ferrenby
(Frank Middlemas)
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Series 12-13, 35 episodes
Relationships:
Violinist Hannah Starosta
Role:
Village Constable in Aidensfield (series 1-7)
Exit:
Steve fell to his death from a viaduct in the line of duty, despite Phil’s brave attempt to save him.
Fun fact:
In Steve’s final scenes, James did a lot of his stunts himself.
Fun fact:
Even as a keen motorbike owner and rider, James found the Heartbeat BSA a bit more tricky to ride than his own, which was largely down to its dodgy brakes!
James on Steve’s lack of a love life:
“It’s largely because there’s no available women in Aidensfield! The Doctor isn’t his type, or him hers and the Pharmacist is marrying his boss! Every time a script comes through, I check every cast list to see if an eligible female is moving in!”
First episode:
Hung for a Sheep
Last episode:
Little Angel
Steve Crane
(James Carlton)
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Series 17-18, 48 episodes
Roles:
Village Constable in Aidensfield (series 17-18)
Love interests:
Carol Cassidy
Rachel Dawson
Vehicle:
Austin Healy Sprite (Frogeye)
Fun fact:
Joe didn’t have his motorbike licence before joining the show and had to learn how to ride for the part. Clever camera shot, a stunt man and a trailer were used to make it look like Joe was riding his powerful BSA before he passed his test.
Fun fact:
A slight mishap during filming saw Lisa Kay aka Nurse Carol Cassidy staining Joe’s face with iodine, not realising it was real iodine and not just a prop!
First episode:
Stop Gap
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Joe Mason
(Joe McFadden)
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Series 3-18, 259 episodes
Vehicles:
Vauxhall Wyvern
Morris Commercial
Roles:
Taxi driver/chauffeur
Garage assistant
Pallbearer
Grave digger
Window cleaner/chimney sweep
Gardener/Handyman
Fun fact:
David got to keep David’s cap when the series ended.
David on being in the truck with Bill Maynard:
“I don’t know about miles per gallon, but Bill had a very heavy driving style in those boots and he got through a couple of clutches in a series! Driving with Bill Maynard in that old truck was one of the most terrifying things I’ve done as an actor!” (David talking to @TVHeartbeat on Twitter in a 2020 Q&A session)
David on his favourite episodes:
"Either my first one – ‘Endangered Species’ – because I was bowled over by the script and the whole operation! I was desperate to get back and do another one. Also ‘Bread and Circuses’ because of all the animals!” (David talking to @TVHeartbeat on Twitter in a 2020 Q&A session)
First episode:
Endangered Species
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
David Stockwell
(David Lonsdale)
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Series 5-10, 99 episodes
Relationships:
Neil Bolton
Graham Rysinski
Role:
District Nurse in Aidensfield
Vehicle:
Land Rover
Exit:
Maggie applied for promotion away from Aidensfield and got it and moved away. She was starting to feel like she was getting too involved with her patients and needed a new challenge.
Kazia on Maggie:
“Maggie’s my idea of the ideal nurse. She’s very forthright, quite tough and self-reliant because being rural she has to jump in that Land Rover and drive off alone across the Moors. But she’s also totally trustworthy with a good sense of irony.”
Kazia on leaving Heartbeat:
“There were many on-screen moments, but I'll recall all the legendary nights we spent in Goathland with the fantastic crew. On my last night there, everyone was at the hotel to say goodbye and we had a sing song. I always sang American Pie. It was only when I was singing on this night that the 'bye bye' bit of the lyrics hit me, and I couldn't finish the song - I was off again. So, it was five and a half years of those wonderful nights that I'll remember beyond anything else.”
Fun fact:
Kazia starred in more episodes than any other medical Heartbeat character.
Fun fact:
Kazia’s real life brother Valentine Pelka guest starred as Maggie’s brother in the series 5 episode ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’.
Nicholas Rhea on Maggie Bolton:
"Maggie does not appear in my earlier books but Kazia Pelka does portray her as a typical, highly effective district nurse of the time. Like the village policeman, the nurse had to depend largely upon her own common sense and professional skills; Maggie does this with immense strength - and glamour! In those times, the village bobby and the district nurse did work closely together within the community and Maggie's role in Heartbeat reflects that joint, caring responsibility."
First episode:
Wishing Well
Last episode:
Sylvia’s Mother
Maggie Bolton
(Kazia Pelka)
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Series 5-7, 36 episodes
Relationships:
Nick Rowan
Roles:
School teacher at Aidensfield primary school
Vehicle:
Austin Healy Sprite (Frogeye)
Fun fact:
After leaving Heartbeat, Juliette emigrated to France.
Juliette on joining the show:
“Kate was an incredibly popular character, just as Niamh herself was loved by everyone in the cast. It was very scary following in her wake.”
Juliette on working with Nick:
“Nick is a dream. Because I do most of my scenes with him it could have been a nightmare but he is just lovely. So lovely and so easy to work with.”
Juliette on Nick and Jo’s wedding episode:
“It was the most lovely day. The dress was beautiful - all lace and cream silk and very traditional.”
First episode:
Blood Sports
Last episode:
Local Knowledge
Jo Weston
(Juliette Gruber)
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Series 10-12, 42 episodes
Relationships:
Mike Bradley
Role:
Village GP in Aidensfield (series 10-12)
Vehicle:
Austin A40 Farina
Exit:
Tricia got caught up in a police surveillance operation and fell off a horse trying to prevent a horse theft.
Fun fact:
During filming, Clare shared a flat in Leeds with co-stars Ryan Early and Sarah Tansey.
Clare on playing Tricia:
“If I have a cheesy line, I do rapid eye movements!”
Clare on the 1960s:
“It's great doing the Sixties! I did grow up in the Eighties and had some of the worst hair disasters imaginable and wore them proudly. No hair style of Tricia's could ever be as bad as those. I do wish that she had some more glamorous outfits though - she's very tweedy when she goes to work. When I got the job, I looked at some photos of my mum taken at that time and she had some wonderful frocks!”
First episode:
Safe House
Last episode:
Horses for Courses
Dr. Tricia Summerbee
(Clare Calbraith)
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Series 5-18, 235 episodes
Roles:
Aidensfield garage owner/Mechanic
Undertaker
Vehicles:
Austin Hearse
Tow truck
Fun fact:
Before playing Bernie, Peter played three other undertakers
Peter on playing Bernie:
“I’m more qualified to play an undertaker than a garage owner because I’m absolutely useless about cars. Oil, water, wheels – that’s me finished as far as cars are concerned. The crew has a wonderful time with me whenever Bernie is required to do anything remotely complicated!”
First episode:
Saint Columba’s Treasure
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Peter sadly died in September 2018.
Bernie Scripps
(Peter Benson)
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Series 2-18, 338 episodes
Relationships:
Andy Ryan (series 9)
Jack Hollins (series 15)
Phil Bellamy
Vehicles:
Isetta Bubble car (series 1-9)
Volkswagen Beetle (series 9-18)
Roles:
Barmaid at the Aidensfield Arms
Landlady of the Aidensfield Arms, from series 7
Hobbies and interests:
Singing
Painting
Fashion
Fun fact:
Tricia starred in more episodes than any other female cast member.
Tricia on her favourite Heartbeat loveable rogue:
“I loved working with them all (Greengrass, Vernon and Peggy) but my favourite was Bill Maynard as Greengrass. Him and Gina had a great relationship. The only problem with Bill, he was always changing the scripts on set! It used to drive me mad!” (Tricia talking to @TVHeartbeat on Twitter in a 2020 Q&A session)
Tricia on Gina’s cars:
“Well, the bubble car was so cute to look at but was very unreliable! The crew had to push it into lots of the shots! I loved the Volkswagen, I loved driving it. Although it did smell of petrol and gave me a headache before scenes!” (Tricia talking to @TVHeartbeat on Twitter in a 2020 Q&A session)
Nicholas Rhea on Gina Ward:
"The bubbly barmaid, Gina, does not appear in my early books but everyone, including me, loves her. She came into the series having been sent to live with Uncle George at the Aidensfield Arms because she had committed a petty crime in Liverpool and had been placed on probation. Her new life in Aidensfield offered a challenge to which she responded, and when George became ill, she took over the running of the pub with great charm and efficiency. Tricia Penrose's portrayal of Gina is excellent, and we all hope Gina finds true happiness in the future."
First episode:
Bitter Harvest
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
Gina Ward
(Tricia Penrose)
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Series 1-18, 355 episodes
Relationships:
Mrs Ventress
Vehicles:
Morris Minor
Austin 1100
Roles:
Police Constable, Ashfordly
Acting Sergeant, Ashfordly
Civilian Police support administrator
Private Detective
Fun fact:
William was a non-smoker so to live up to his nickname of the Human Ash Heap, he smoked herbal cigarettes for the show.
William on Alf:
“The day Ventress joined the police he was looking forward to retirement. To be honest he’s a bit of a failure. The only thing he’s good at is not doing much and he’s got that down to a fine art!”
William describing Alf:
“He manages to store information – he is like a smoking filing cabinet.”
Nicholas Rhea on Alf Ventress:
"PC Alf Ventress, the old, easy-going constable whose local knowledge is vital to the running of Ashfordly Police Station, appears in my books. In the tales, he was involved in some hilarious yarns, one of which involved flattening a trumpet in a mangle and another of which showed him getting his revenge on some dirty tricksters - and, in the books, he does like Mrs Ventress' hard-boiled eggs! William Simons has created a totally believable character, just as I imagined him."
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Sweet Sorrow
William sadly died in June 2019.
PC Alf Ventress
(William Simons)
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Series 1-6, 67 episodes
Vehicles:
Wolseley 1500
Wolseley 16/60
Role:
Landlord of the Aidensfield Arms
Exit:
George was diagnosed by Kate in series 1 with myasthenia gravis. He remained well but his health deteriorated by the end of series 6 and he moved away from Aidensfield to be looked after by his sister Mary. It was announced in series 7 that he wasn’t well enough to come back to the pub and series 8 started with Gina driving back from his funeral.
Fun fact:
In the late 1960s/early 1970s, Stuart ran a pub himself before becoming an actor, so he felt well qualified for the part of George.
Stuart on getting the part of George:
“I twisted the producer’s arm. I kept plugging away and eventually they gave me the part!”
First episode:
Changing Places
Last episode:
Charity Begins at Home
Stuart sadly died in September 2003
George Ward
(Stuart Golland)
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Series 8-10, 54 episodes
Relationships:
Mike Bradley
Adrian Miller
Role:
Solicitor
Vehicle:
Hillman Imp
Sunbeam Alpine
Exit:
Jackie left Mike at the end of series 10 after falling in love with her client, Adrian.
Fun fact:
When Fiona left the show, she was given Jackie’s knee-high black boots as a souvenir.
Fun fact:
In some episodes, Fiona had to wear a wig to play Jackie because of the damage that was being done to her own hair with all of the 1960s styling involved.
Fiona on Jackie’s Sunbeam Alpine and her kidnap scene in it:
“Loved that car! Also, that scene is in my top 3 corpsing scenes in my 30-year career. Adrian Scarborough and I laughed so much I’m amazed they got anything worth filming (or that I still had a job after it).”
Fiona on Jackie’s wedding outfit:
That dress coat and chiffon frock were lovely. Before filming I had visions of a yucky meringue thing so I got off lightly. It fitted Jackie’s character.”
First episode:
Where There’s a Will
Last episode:
Still Waters
Jackie Bradley
(Fiona Dolman)
We would like to thank Lee Jones for his help in putting together the character biographies. You can follow Lee’s Twitter account @TVHeartbeat to stay up to date with all things Heartbeat.
Heartbeat as a Yorkshire Icon
Although there have been no new episode of Heartbeat since September 2010, the show is still much loved, in the UK and around the world - and of course that includes Yorkshire! In April 2014, Nicholas Rhea was delighted to find Heartbeat included in a list of 75 Yorkshire icons compiled by the Dalesman magazine. It came in at no. 65, a few positions above rhubarb! Top of the poll was, of course, Yorkshire pudding.
The village of Goathland in the North York Moors, was the setting of the fictional village of Aidensfield in the Heartbeat television series. Many landmarks from the series are recognisable, including the stores, garage/funeral directors, the public house and the railway station. The pub is called the Goathland Hotel, but in the series is The Aidensfield Arms. After filming interior shots in the hotel for some years, a replica of it was built in Yorkshire TV's Leeds studio.
Heartbeat International
The little village of Aidensfield will be missed way beyond Yorkshire, all round the world. We receive enquiries from fans in Canada and Australia; and we have been told that the show is a favourite with the police force of the Pacific island of Vanuatu. Heartbeat is popular across the world from from Australia to Zimbabwe, throughout Scandinavia and to America.
We are always interested in news of Heartbeat stretching to all corners of the world, so if you watch the show and would like to get in touch please do get in contact here, we would love to hear from you!
Heartbeat is as popular in Norway as it is in the rest of Scandinavia: there was even a television show which marked "Ten Years of Heartbeat", in which Peter Walker took part.
One group of Norwegian Heartbeat fans first became interested in the show for one specific feature: the cars. Classic cars are often spotted in Aidensfield as police cars, and the Norwegian Anglia Club have since become firm fans. They invited Nicholas Rhea to lunch on their visit to Heartbeat country, and he ended up being interviewed by a Norwegian TV crew, for the regional motoring programme.
Heartbeat Adaptations
Rhea and his daughters and granddaughters outside the theatre in York before seeing Heartbeat on stage.
The last episode of Heartbeat was broadcast Sunday 12 September 2010, but the much-loved series is not forgotten. In the summer of 2016 Heartbeat came to the stage, starring members of the TV cast. With use of video footage and a clever set, this touring production recreated the atmosphere of the 1960s rural Yorkshire settings. David Stockwell, Gina Ward, PC Geoff Younger and a number of other of the most popular characters starred in the two-hour live stage production with a brand-new script.
Heartbeat has also been released on DVD, and all 18 series are available to buy. There is also another way to enjoy the Heartbeat experience on DVD with Heartbeat: A nostalgic return to Aidensfield’. This is a rare opportunity for all fans, to join Derek Fowlds (Oscar Blaketon) in a nostalgic and personal journey back to the village of Aidensfield, as he catches up with old friends and revisits film locations used in the series.
A Heartbeat Farewell
On 25 June 2010, after much debate about the show’s future, ITV finally confirmed that the show would be cancelled after series 18, with a spokesman saying Heartbeat has been an important part of the television landscape over the last 18 years and we are incredibly proud of what it achieved in its heyday as one of ITV1's top rated dramas".
Nicholas Rhea writes of his sadness in the show ending but of his pride for how far it has come:
“It was very sad to witness the last-ever episode of Heartbeat and I did feel sorrowful when I recalled the dedication and hard work of the writers, cast and crew some of whom had been with the programme from its very beginning. Without them, there would have been no Heartbeat.
“It is difficult for me, sitting in my study at home, to appreciate just how wide the appeal of Heartbeat? has been. Only this morning in my daily paper, there is a letter from a viewer in Australia, echoing his sadness at its demise. And in the past couple of weeks, I've had more messages from Canada, Australia, Tasmania, Belgium, Finland, Denmark and Norway, not forgetting, of course, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England. Truly the programme had worldwide appeal.
“But all good things must come to an end. Heartbeat? has successfully concluded its long run of 18 years, and it was inevitable that it must end at some point. I thank everyone who was involved in its production and all who have supported the series, some being keen viewers from Day 1. There will be many repeats, of course, and a DVD is now available and so for some time to come we can continue to indulge in its charm, nostalgia, wonderful characters and spectacular countryside.”
Rhea later added:
“For me, personally, it has been a delight to have my stories and characters portrayed in such a successful television series and I have been involved right from the start. Heartbeat filming is finished but the screening will go on, so keep watching and I will keep writing my Constable books.”
In an article in the Yorkshire Post he said: "Although production of Heartbeat has ended there remain some episodes for screening early next year and there will be many repeats. The name of ‘Heartbeat’ will live for a long time...