The cast and crew of ITV1’s drama Heartbeat, are currently filming an episode for the forthcoming new series on location in Australia, according to ITV sources. The cast and crew began filming the Heartbeat special on Monday and expect to be in Australia for a fortnight.

Many of the show’s regulars such as Joe McFadden, Clare Wille and Lisa Kay are apparently hoping that the special episode will be the forerunner of a spin-off series, and who can blame them! If I had a choice between filming in Yorkshire or on the Gold Coast, I know I’d be right there hoping with them. Actually, I’d be bribing people, sleeping with people; whatever it took really. Read more & comment »

Former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson is set to join ITV1’s popular 1960s drama Heartbeat as a new regular cast member.

Nikki, who shot to fame as Candice Stowe in Coronation Street, will play Dawn Bellamy, niece of the late Phil Bellamy.

Dawn will arrive in Aidensfield on an extended holiday having been sent by her worried father, Phil’s brother, who fears that his daughter has got in with the wrong crowd in Manchester.

While providing company to her Auntie Gina (Tricia Penrose) following the death of her husband, it’s hoped that Dawn, who will earn her keep in the bar, will stay on the straight and narrow under the watchful gaze of Oscar (Derek Fowlds). Read more & comment »

Two of Heartbeat’s best loved actors have announced that they will be quitting the show in the near future.

Mark Jordan who plays PC Phil Bellmay, has been with the TV show since it started 16 long years ago. Jonathan Kerrigan has played PC Rob Walker for the last three years and will also be leaving.

Mark tells today’s Mirror: “I will leave with brilliant memories and fantastic friends. As well as acting, I’ve been producing and directing, and feel the time is right to develop this side of my career”

Replacing Jonathan will be Joe McFadden, read more here.