Axed 'Bill' veteran slams show bosses

The Bill's longest-serving cast member Graham Cole has blasted the decision to axe him from the show.

In June, bosses confirmed that the 57-year-old's character PC Tony Stamp was being dropped after nearly 22 years. Series producer Tim Key later insisted that the veteran is simply being "rested".

News of the star's departure came following confirmation of the ITV1 programme's revamp as a post-watershed drama airing just once a week.

Reflecting on his exit, Cole told The Mirror: "As the longest-serving actor, I was one of the biggest earners and it's no secret that costs had to be cut.

"But I've spent nearly half my life on that show. What hurts the most is being axed after all that time so quickly. They've just thrown it all away - bye, you're out the door. It beggars belief.

"I'll walk around and feel fine, then someone will give me a smile or a nod and I'll get this huge wave of emotion come over me."

He continued: "I'm no different to all the hundreds of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs recently. I want to keep the belief that something else will come along. But the phone hasn't rung."

Cole also claimed that The Bill is less appealing to its loyal fanbase following its reinvention.

He commented: "Everyone from little kids to old grannies loved The Bill, but ITV seem obsessed with 16-32-year-old males. It makes no sense - those people don't even watch TV! The essence is lost. It's not The Bill anymore."

The police drama made its debut in its new 9pm timeslot in July.