'Dempsey and Makepeace' actor guests in 'The Bill'

Michael Brandon, of Dempsey and Makepeace fame, is to make a cameo appearance in four episodes of ITV1 cop drama, The Bill.

Brandon – who played Lt. James Dempsey in the 1980s show – will play charismatic casino owner, Louis Dreyfuss.

When one of Louis' patrons, Tina Wilson (Bronagh Gallagher) is found beaten and robbed after a lucky night out, DS Phil Hunter (Scott Maslen) and D.C Grace Dasari (Amita Dhiri) set up a sting operation at the casino which subsequently endangers PC Emma Keane’s (Melanie Gutteridge) life.

But when Louis suspects his beautiful, young wife of having an affair, he turns to D.S. Phil Hunter for help in seeking the truth. At first, Phil refuses but then he meets stunning Monica Dreyfuss (Eglantine Rembauville) and his resolve weakens.

"I've filmed a couple of episodes for The Bill," said Brandon, "and it's been really fun - the cast and crew have been great! My character, Louis, is a real affable kind of a guy and when I first read the script sent by the producers, it really struck me how like an old friend of mine - Johnny Gold (Tramp club founder) - he is, so I kind of modelled the role on him. It's been a great basis for a character - Louis is the sort of person people warm to, but he's tough, certainly not a guy to mess with!"

Executive Producer Johnathan Young commented: "We've introduced some really interesting guest artistes to The Bill and as Louis Dreyfuss, Michael has been a fantastic character. He's such an experienced actor, and has worked with some members of the regular cast before, so it's been a really fun experience."

Brandon’s appearances are due to transmit mid August, early September.

The 62-year-old actor is married to Emmerdale's Glynis Barber, who appears as Yorkshire's DCI Grace Barraclough.

Click here to see the first pictures from his episodes.