ITV’s suspenseful police drama The Bill had viewers on the edge of their seats when it first hit screens in 1983.
Known for its hard-hitting storylines the show had 26 series in total but came to a sudden end in 2010.
Although the programme was popular during its heyday it also attracted controversy on several occasions.
READ MORE: The Bill stars unrecognisable as they reunite 13 years after iconic ITV’s show axe
The programme faced general criticism concerning its levels of violence, particularly prior to 2009, when it aired in a pre-watershed slot.
But apart from the backlash received, the programme had a number of well-known actors on the show who went on to have major success.
Daily Star has taken a look.
Keira Knightley
(Image: Splash)
Before Hollywood stardom, actress Keira Knightley played the role of Sheena Rose in The Bill.
Only 10 years old at the time, Keira’s character was a low-level thief who had also had an expensive collection of old coins stashed in her backpack.
Years later, Keira spoke about her role on The Graham Norton Show back in 2014.
Talking openly to the presenter she said: “I was in The Bill as a child and it was the most exciting character I have ever played.
“I was just in the one episode but I loved it, and I was so cool at school because I was in it.”
David Tennant
(Image: ITV)
Much-loved actor David Tennant played a very dark character when he appeared on The Bill back in 1995.
The fresh-faced star played the role of Stephen Clemens who was a paedophile with a nasty temper.
During the tense episode called Deadline, it was revealed that Stephen abducted and also murdered schoolgirls.
Since starring in The Bill, David has gone on to achieve major success starring in a number of hard-hitting dramas and TV shows like Doctor Who, Broadchurch and Good Omens.
Russell Brand
(Image: ITV)
Model, actor and TV icon Russell Brand appeared on The Bill back in 1994 as Billy Case, a teenager who was accused of assault.
The stand-up comedian was only 18-years-old at the time when he played the petty thief in the episode called Land Of The Blind.
In 2017, Russell shared a GIF of himself while on the show on social media, writing: “Me in The Bill. Aged 18!”
Fans were left gobsmacked by his appearance, with some saying he looks the same.
One fan wrote: “18!? you STILL LOOK THE SAME…! with the addition of a few lovely whiskers! How do U do it?”
Paul O’Grady
(Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Former drag queen Paul O’Grady made three appearances on the show from 1988 to 1990 playing the role of Roxanne.
Known for also being the incredible stand-up comedian Lilly Savage at the time, Paul ditched his bleach blonde wig and opted for vibrant brown curls while playing the role of Roxanne who ran the rent-boy circuit in the local area.
Years later in 2020, For The Love of Dogs presenter Paul shared a post on Instagram, where he gave a behind the scene snap from his time on the show as he noted he had come across it while looking in a drawer he’d not checked for a while.
After his appearance on the ITV programme, Paul went on to have major success presenting a number of shows.
But the world stood still this year on March 28 when news broke that he had passed away, aged 67.
James McAvoy
Scottish actor James McAvoy starred in the hit police drama in 1997.
James was only 18-years-old when he played Gavin Donald, a 15-year-old runaway who was later questioned after a busker was deliberately hit by a car.
The actor who originally derives from Drumchapel, Glasgow, landed a job on Band of Brothers a few years after his stint on The Bill and eventually became one of showbiz’s biggest names, with lead roles in the X-Men and IT movies.
Emma Bunton
Spice Girls superstar Emma Bunton had a small role as a teenager called Janice back in 1993.
However this wasn’t her face television appearance as she already appeared on EastEnders playing the role of ‘mugger girl’, and again in 1994 playing the role of Casey.
However, that was the end of her small drama roles as she later went on to form The Spice Girls.
The Spice Girls went on to achieve major success and dominated the world with Girl Power.
Ray Winstone
(Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
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Actor Ray Winstone played the role of hardman Simon Fielder in 1991.
Ray’s character was interviewed about young boys who had gone missing.
Since his appearance on the show, the star has had major Hollywood success starring in films such as The Departed, Sexy Beast and The Sweeney.
In 2010, Ray told Daily Star that he was upset The Bill was coming to an end.
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He said: “It’s a disgrace that it’s been cancelled. How can Corrie go on for 30 years?
“The Bill’s a great programme. My fondest memories are having a drink with the boys afterwards.”
The star went on to state that the show helped when he needed work.
“I needed a job and The Bill was there. I learned my trade as an actor on that set.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
