Heartbeat Memories

Dr Alex Ferrenby (1992–1993). A kindly, traditional, old-fashioned country doctor. At the beginning of the series, Ferrenby had promised to allow Kate Rowan to become his assistant, but when she actually arrived in Aidensfield he changed his mind because of doubts that the villagers would accept a female doctor. However, when Ferrenby got injured in episode 1.5 "Nowt but a Prank", he relented and decided to make Kate his junior partner, giving her a brass plaque with her name on. He began to suffer from confusion and loss of memory after sustaining a head injury in an attack during a burglary at his surgery and then being a casualty in a train crash. He suffered a brain haemorrhage (possibly brought on by the injuries) which led to him becoming disorientated, falling into a river and drowning while fishing. The village was shocked by his tragic death, especially Kate who had considered him more as a father figure rather than a senior colleague.

Detective Sgt Rachel Dawson (2006–2010). A strict CID sergeant who transferred to the area from Middlesbrough, where some years previously she had had an affair with PC Rob Walker (which continued to cause some degree of tension between the two). Unlike the other regulars, she is not actually based in Ashfordly, though she appears to live nearby, but becomes involved from time to time (and with increasing frequency in series 17 and 18, in which Clare Wille is credited as a main cast member) in particularly serious cases that the Ashfordly police are dealing with, or when the officers are themselves being investigated for alleged misconduct. Originally she was sometimes portrayed as a slightly interfering character, dismissing theories put forward by her juniors that later prove to be correct, but is now presented more as a respected colleague. In Series 18 she began an affair with PC Joe Mason immediately after Mason split up with girlfriend Nurse Cassidy. She has been confirmed as being the only female sergeant in the North Riding CID, though to date her gender has not been seen as an issue and she seems to be generally accepted in her role by both CID and uniformed officers.

PC Philip "Phil" Montgomery Bellamy (1992–2007). Phil was a pleasant, laid-back and somewhat goofy bloke with a good heart and a great sense of humour. His police number was 426 and he was said to be the eldest of seven children.[1] He had been attracted to local pub landlady Gina Ward ever since she arrived in Aidensfield, but she rejected his advances for years before finally warming up to him. He left the force briefly, to become a double-glazing salesman, when he hoped Gina would accept his marriage proposal (since it was forbidden for a police officer to marry to a pub licensee). When the proposal fell through, he returned to his former job. Later, Phil and Gina were again planning to marry, but when their baby died Gina called off the engagement and Phil was left alone again. In series 11 Phil dated pharmacist Jenny Latimer. Some years later, in the 2006 series, he married Debbie Black, an apparently single mother of three children whom he met while investigating a burglary at her house. It was subsequently discovered that Debbie was in fact still legally married to her first husband, so her marriage to Phil was invalid. The two split up, and Debbie left for South Africa with her real husband. In Series 16 Phil's romance with Gina was restarted, but it suffered a further setback when Phil feared that he was suffering from heart disease (a condition that had killed his father and grandfather). This proved to be merely an ulcer, and after a successful operation Gina proposed to him in his hospital bed. The two were finally married in the Series 16 episode "The Dreams That You Dream" (broadcast June 2007). During the marriage ceremony it was revealed that Bellamy's middle name is Montgomery. In episode 17.6 ("Touch And Go", broadcast 23 December 2007),[2] Bellamy became involved in a confrontation with a shotgun-wielding man intent on abducting his son from his ex-wife's custody. As he tried to disarm the man he was shot dead. He was laid to rest with 'Hero' on his coffin, leaving the village, and his widow Gina, distraught. A one-off special, Heartbeat: Farewell to Phil, reliving his time on the series with contributions from Jordon and fellow actors, was broadcast on ITV on 24 December 2007.

Sgt George Miller (2005–2010). Blunt Yorkshireman. Moved to the Ashfordly job from the York police force, and still lives in York. He has a wife and several children. His daughter Jo (played by Pip Ripley), who had walked out on the family due to disagreements, appeared in a Series 16 episode. She came face to face with her father after being arrested for anti-war activism, and the two reconciled their differences. Another daughter, Cheryl, featured in Series 18 "Family Matters" when she was kidnapped by an armed gang. In the episode "Cashing In", Miller's wife, Jeannie (Jessica Turner), was finally shown. Jean was arrested for stealing a tin of luncheon meat from a local shop but PC Younger found out that a young boy had slipped it into her handbag. It was explained that Jean was upset because Miller did not talk to her much since their daughters had left home.

Sgt Raymond Craddock (1998–2002). A decent but rather vain and pompous Welshman. Noted for his sarcasm, he delivered some of the more amusing lines in the show to date. His hobbies were cycling and ballroom dancing. The series did not show much of his personal life, though he was apparently a very lonely man. It was revealed in the eighth series that he had separated from his wife Penny, but they decided to rekindle their marriage and reconciled in the eleventh series. At the same time as reuniting with his wife, Craddock gained promotion, and the pair then left Ashfordly, and the series, to start a new life.