He swapped his role as a gruff detective in The Bill for life as an artist — but Chris Ellison says he still misses the hit show.
The actor, who played DI Frank Burnside in the police drama series for 16 years, said he thought it should be revived, although he ruled out making an appearance himself.
Ellison, who is about to put on the first exhibition of his paintings in a London gallery, last played the character in a spin-off, Burnside, in 2000. The Bill ended in 2010 after almost three decades on ITV. At its peak the show — filmed in Colliers Wood — had more than 11 million viewers an episode.
He said: “To be honest I’m not sure why they got rid of it. It’s one of those things that could have gone on forever. I think people miss it, I know I do.
“I suppose it’s because there is so much choice on TV now, but I still think people would watch it.”
But he added: “I don’t think they would have me to be honest. There might now be a shortage of detectives at the Met but I’m 70 and definitely would have been retired off by then.”
He also confirmed as true the rumour that DI Burnside’s first name was changed from Tommy because no character could have the same name as a real Met officer.
Ellison, who lives in Brighton, originally studied at Camberwell College of Arts before “accidentally” becoming an actor. He is still acting but is looking at venues in South Kensington and Chelsea for his gallery show. He said: “Sometimes people do look at you because you are well known and raise their eyebrows and think it’s just a pastime and a bit of fun for you. But I see myself as an artist, work very hard at it. I don’t expect people to think I’m going to become the next Damien Hirst, and I don’t expect Charles Saatchi to come calling, but I am proud of my work and it helps me earn my living.”
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