Heartbeat, the beloved family-favorite police drama set in Yorkshire in the 1960s, captured the hearts of viewers for years. Although the show aired its final episode in 2010, fans continue to reminisce and enjoy re-runs on ITV3. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the talented cast of Heartbeat and see what they’ve been up to since the series wrapped up.
Nick Berry: PC Nick Rowan
One of the iconic figures of Heartbeat was Nick Berry, who portrayed PC Nick Rowan for six years from series one to series seven. Not only did he bring the character to life on screen, but he also lent his voice to the show’s theme tune. Following his character’s departure from the show as he left for Canada, Nick Berry pursued a successful career as a singer. Many fans also remember him for his role as Simon Wicks in EastEnders from 1985 to 1990. However, Nick Berry decided to retire from acting in 2012 to become a stay-at-home father to his two sons.
Mark Jordon: PC Phil Bellamy
Mark Jordon made a remarkable impact on Heartbeat as PC Phil Bellamy for 15 years, leaving the show in its 17th season in 2007 when his character met a tragic end. PC Bellamy was best known for his on-and-off relationship with barmaid Gina Ward, which eventually led to their marriage. Since his departure from Heartbeat, Mark Jordon has continued to grace our screens with his acting talent. He has appeared in popular shows such as Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Casualty. From 2017 to 2019, he enjoyed a regular stint as Daz Spencer in Emmerdale.
Tricia Penrose: Gina Ward
Tricia Penrose played the role of barmaid Gina Ward from 1993 until the show’s finale in 2010. Her eye-catching 60s outfits and captivating singing performances made her a beloved character on Heartbeat. Since the end of the series, Tricia Penrose has maintained a relatively low profile. However, she does occasionally make appearances on radio shows, keeping her fans entertained with her charm and talent.
Joe McFadden: PC Joe Mason
Joe McFadden, who went on to win Strictly Come Dancing, played the role of PC Joe Mason from 2007 until 2010. While he is now widely recognized for his dancing prowess, Heartbeat fans remember him fondly for his portrayal of PC Mason. After leaving Heartbeat, Joe McFadden found success in other TV shows, including Casualty and Holby City. His dance journey culminated in lifting the Glitterball trophy alongside Katya Jones in 2017 on Strictly Come Dancing.
Jason Durr: PC/DC Mike Bradley
Jason Durr took on the role of PC/DC Mike Bradley in Heartbeat from 1997 until 2003. Following his exit from the show, he appeared in popular crime dramas such as Lewis, New Tricks, and Midsomer Murders. Since 2016, Jason Durr has been captivating audiences as Nurse David Hide in Casualty, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Nikki Sanderson: Dawn Bellamy
Nikki Sanderson may have had a brief stint on Heartbeat compared to most cast members, but her portrayal of Dawn Bellamy from 2008 to 2009 left a lasting impression. Since her time on Heartbeat, Nikki Sanderson has become best known for her role as Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks, a character she has been playing since 2012.
Derek Fowlds: Sgt Oscar Blaketon
Derek Fowlds, known for his role as Sgt Oscar Blaketon, sadly passed away in January 2020 at the age of 82. He will always be remembered for his remarkable portrayal of the character, which spanned 18 years. In season eight, after his character suffered a heart attack, Sgt Blaketon became the owner of the Aidensfield Arms pub. After Heartbeat concluded, Derek Fowlds continued his acting career with appearances in other popular TV shows like Casualty, Doctors, and Yes Minister.
William Simons: PC Alf Ventress
William Simons, who portrayed PC Alf Ventress from the first season until the series finale in 2010, sadly passed away in June 2019 at the age of 78. Alongside Heartbeat, he had notable acting credits in The Bill, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Casualty. PC Ventress’ presence on the show was cherished by fans throughout its entire run.
Bill Maynard: Claude Jeremiah Greengrass
Bill Maynard played the lovable rogue Claude Jeremiah Greengrass from 1992 until 2000. Greengrass was known for causing trouble for the local constables and was a memorable character in the drama series. Bill Maynard, a regular fixture on British TV, also appeared in Carry On films during the 1970s and starred in Oh No, It’s Selwyn Froggitt. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2018 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
Heartbeat captured the imagination of audiences across the UK and beyond, providing memorable characters and entertaining storylines. While the show may have ended, the talented cast continues to make their mark in the world of entertainment. From successful acting careers to embracing new ventures, the stars of Heartbeat have transformed over the years, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of their fans.
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