STV axes 'The Bill' from its schedules

The Bill's new new-look post-watershed episodes will not be shown in Scotland, DS can confirm.

STV will discontinue the long-running police drama from its schedules on July 23 as part of its set plan to pull out of prime network programming.

It will be replaced by a celebrity documentary show Made In Scotland, a local aerial exploration of the country Scotland Revealed and a topical history programme called The Scots Who Fought Franco.

The move comes only weeks before The Bill is relaunched in a 9pm slot to allow "grittier and more action-packed" television. Last week, The Bill began broadcasting in high definition.

STV chief executive Rob Woodward said of the move: "We are aiming to provide a diverse schedule of Scottish programming and acquired series to complement the large amount of quality network material in our schedule and to appeal to a broad range of audiences."

"We will be airing a strong mix of high quality Scottish productions in these slots and are confident that we are offering viewers in Scotland a very strong alternative."

"We're taking greater control of our schedule and are absolutely committed to maintaining a healthy creative industry in Scotland by investing in new, high quality Scottish productions and creating a diverse schedule for viewers."

An ITV spokesperson this morning told DS: "STV has taken the decision to opt-out of broadcasting The Bill. Unfortunately this means that fans in Scotland will no longer be able to watch the BAFTA award-winning drama, which relaunches in a new prime time slot this summer."

In March, the Scottish network announced the removal of ITV's flagship drama Lewis from its lineup.

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