The Bill fans angry after Drama Channel changes plans
Somebody needs to get on the phone to the telly police, because the Drama Channel has annoyed a lot of viewers after going back on its promise to fans of The Bill.
In case you weren't aware, the Drama Channel had made plans to air every single episode of classic police drama The Bill. A mammoth task, we're sure you'll agree.
But instead of airing every single episode ever, the channel has now decided to 'fast-forward' and resume viewing proceedings with series 14.
Announcing the decision on Twitter, the broadcaster wrote: "We've loved #TheBillRewind but due to demand we're now fast-forwarding. On Monday, we're joining Rosie Fox and Eddie Santini in series 14."
We’ve loved #TheBillRewind but due to demand we’re now fast-forwarding. On Monday, we’re joining Rosie Fox and Eddie Santini in series 14. pic.twitter.com/A3sOjWjqAL
- Drama Channel (@dramachannel) October 31, 2017
Somewhat surprisingly, die-hard fans of The Bill were outraged by the decision, and accused the channel of not 'having the rights' to the earlier series, which were originally shown on ITV.
Drama Channel, however, has insisted that's not the case, reassuring viewers that "this is not a rights issue".
Explaining that it's simply keeping its audience happy, the channel added: "Series 14 onwards have always been fan favourites so we're moving on to these."
Digital Spy has reached out to the Drama Channel for further comment.
Related: What happened to the cast of The Bill? From June Ackland, to Frank Burnside
The Bill relieved itself of its duties when the show ended back in 2010, after almost 30 years on our screens. (We know.)
But there are some people out there who think a revival could soon be on the cards – yep, series veteran Eric Richard thinks the show "could have continued".
"If there's an audience, then someone else might be saying, 'Well, why don't we do it again? Why don't we resurrect it?'" he added.
"There is nothing else of its kind around any longer. I mean, there's plenty of cops and robbers and crash-bang-wallop - but there's nothing of that style."
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