joined as a PC in 1999 before being written out in 2001, his exit coming due to a clash with new station Superintendent Tom Chandler. He returned as a sergeant in 2003 before a promotion to inspector in 2009, making him the only character on the series to play a regular role in all three ranks below the top brass positions. Simon Rouse played Jack Meadows from 1990 to 2010. He joined as a recurring cast member in 1990 when he was a Detective Superintendent with AMIP (Area Major Investigation Pool), later renamed MIT (Murder Investigation Team). His demotion to DCI in 1992 saw him take over the post at Sun Hill, holding the rank until 2009 when he was promoted back to superintendent. He was the longest serving character by the series finale and appeared in 884 episodes, recording more appearances than any other top brass officer. He also made an appearance on Leipzig Homicide in 2012, where it was revealed the character had retired since the series finale. Colin Tarrant played Inspector Andrew Monroe from 1990 to 2002 when he was axed as part of a series overhaul. Appearing in 704 episodes meant no other Inspector or DI made more appearances than him. Notable guest stars The constant need for minor characters, normally appearing in only a single episode, inevitably led to numerous guest roles in The Bill being played by actors and actresses who later achieved a high profile, some of whom appeared as child actors. The following actors appeared in the show at least once. Sean Bean (1984) Paul O'Grady (1988 and 1990) Mark Strong (1990) Andy Serkis (1990) Anthony Daniels (1992) Brendan Coyle (1992) Pete Postlethwaite (1992) Steve Shill (1992) Tim McInnerny (1992) Emma Bunton (1993) Stephen K Amos (1993) Russell Brand (1994) Idris Elba (1994 and 1995) David Tennant (1995) Keira Knightley (1995) James McAvoy (1997) Martin Freeman (1997) Emmanuel Petit (1998) Nicholas Hoult (2000) David Walliams (2002) Jack O'Connell (2005) Some guest parts were also played by guest actors who were already well known when they appeared, including: Ray Winstone (1991 and 1995) Leslie Phillips (1996) Rik Mayall (1997) Hugh Laurie (1998) Roger Daltrey (1999) Lynda Bellingham (2004) Andrew Sachs (2006) Ratings The Bill was a popular drama in the United Kingdom and in many other countries, most notably in Australia. The series attracted audiences of up to six million viewers in 2008