Burnside – Nostalgia Central

2 0 0 0 (UK)
6 x 60 minute episodes

Airing in July and August 2000, this short-lived spinoff from The Bill saw Sun Hill’s devious DCI Frank Burnside (Christopher Ellison) promoted to head a premier crack unit within the National Crime Squad (NCS), described at the time as the British equivalent of the FBI.

Designed as a gritty, post-watershed drama, Burnside explored a darker, seedier side of inner-city London crime than The Bill, featuring rougher action, stronger language, and Burnside’s classic aggressive interrogation tactics.

Members of Burnside’s team in the field included DS Dave Summers (Justin Pierre), a “by-the-book” university graduate and the son of Burnside’s former mentor, who frequently clashed with Burnside’s legally questionable methods; and DC Sam Phillips (Zoë Eeles), a feisty, moody Glaswegian.

Paul Nicholas featured as Burnside’s long-time gangland adversary, Ronnie Buchan – the central villain of the series. Shane Richie had a recurring role as informant Tony Shotton.

The spin-off failed to capture a substantial audience and was quietly cancelled after its initial six-episode block.

DCI Frank Burnside
Christopher Ellison
DC Sam Phillips
Zoë Eeles
DS Dave Summers
Justin Pierre
Supt. Brian Lee
Andrew Readman
Chris Gibson
Paul Gilmore
DC Pete Moss
John White
Tony Shotton
Shane Richie
Jim Summers
Tony Selby
Ronnie Buchan
Paul Nicholas