For TV fans nostalgic for The Bill, ITV’s iconic police drama that captivated audiences from 1984 to 2010, there’s good news for you!
You can now get your fix of familiar faces from Sun Hill Police Station by tuning into EastEnders.
Over the years, the BBC’s beloved soap has added numerous former Bill stars to its roster,
and with the latest addition of Alex Walkinshaw, the list has grown to eight.
In the most recent development, Alex Walkinshaw, who is well-known for his role
as Dale ‘Smithy’ Smith in The Bill, will be joining EastEnders as Ross, the new partner of Vicki Fowler.
This marks another exciting crossover between the two popular British shows, with many fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. His character, Ross, will be appearing as Vicki’s love interest when she returns to Albert Square for the funeral of her uncle, Martin.
Alex Walkinshaw’s move to EastEnders is significant because it brings the total number of The Bill stars now appearing in EastEnders to eight. But who are the other stars that made the leap from Sun Hill to Walford? Let’s take a look at the seven other actors who have crossed over from The Bill to EastEnders.
Diane Parish
Diane Parish is a familiar face in EastEnders, where she plays the much-loved Denise Fox. However, before becoming an integral part of the Fox family, Diane was making waves in The Bill. Between 2002 and 2004, Diane played Eva Sharpe, one of the show’s most memorable characters. Her success in The Bill even led to a spin-off, MIT: Murder Investigation Team, before she joined EastEnders in 2006.
Scott Maslen
Scott Maslen is best known to EastEnders fans as Jack Branning. But before becoming a central figure in Walford, Scott made his mark in The Bill as Phil Hunter. Scott appeared in 240 episodes of The Bill from 2002 to 2007, and his character’s gritty, tough persona made him a fan favorite. His move from Sun Hill to Albert Square wasn’t just a career shift—it also led to a romantic pairing with Diane Parish’s Denise, both on-screen and off-screen.
Louisa Lytton
Louisa Lytton’s association with both The Bill and EastEnders is particularly interesting due to her multiple stints on both shows. Louisa first appeared in The Bill as Natalie Shepherd in 1997, but it was her portrayal of Ruby Allen in EastEnders that catapulted her into the spotlight. After leaving EastEnders in 2005, Louisa returned to The Bill as Beth Green, where she became one of the show’s star signings. She then returned to EastEnders in 2018 and continues to be a key player on the show.
Micah Balfour
Micah Balfour had a unique experience in The Bill, playing two different characters over five years. Initially, Micah appeared as the recurring character Asher Campbell before becoming a regular cast member as PC Benjamin Gayle. His time on The Bill spanned from 2005 to 2010, and after the show’s cancellation, Micah moved on to other roles, including his current role as Junior Knight in EastEnders. His character is known for his intense relationship with Cindy Beale, adding drama and intrigue to the storylines.
Gillian Taylforth
Gillian Taylforth is an iconic figure in the world of EastEnders, known for her portrayal of Kathy Beale, one of the soap’s original characters. However, during her 15-year absence from EastEnders between 2000 and 2015, Gillian appeared in The Bill. Her role as the police officer in the hit drama was just another example of her versatility and talent, further solidifying her place in British television history.
Barbara Windsor
While not as widely known for her time on The Bill, the legendary Barbara Windsor did appear in a guest role as herself in one of the show’s final episodes. Barbara, known for her iconic role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, made this cameo, marking a memorable moment for fans of both shows.
Heather Pearce
Heather Pearce had a guest appearance in The Bill in 2007 before landing her role in EastEnders as the feisty, rebellious character, “Jade.” Heather’s brief yet memorable time in The Bill showcased her acting prowess, which helped propel her into future roles, including her more prominent portrayal of Jade in EastEnders.
With the addition of Alex Walkinshaw, EastEnders continues its tradition of welcoming former The Bill stars into its fold. Fans of both shows will undoubtedly enjoy spotting familiar faces as they continue to captivate audiences on Albert Square. Whether it’s the gritty police procedural of The Bill or the drama and intrigue of EastEnders, these stars have proven their versatility and continue to leave their mark on British television.
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