Martin Jarvis to star in 'The Bill'

Martin Jarvis has been cast in an episode of The Bill.

The veteran British actor will play Leslie Downey, a character who finds himself impaled on a scaffolding pole while driving his soft-top sports car, in an episode scheduled to air at the end of July. As an emergency crew fights to save him, Sergeant Nikki Wright (Gillian Taylforth) stays by his side.

Jarvis said of the role: "I have always admired The Bill since I worked with its first producer/director Peter Cregeen on another series 25 years ago.

"In this moving episode it was a privilege to work with a great director, A.J. Quinn. The story concentrates on the character and sadness of an innocent victim who is caught up in a tragic accident."

He added: "The Bill's acting team are at their very best in this dramatic and emotive storyline, and it was a particular pleasure to share many scenes with the lovely Gillian Taylforth."

The Bill airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on ITV1 at 8pm.