The series was the BBC's third attempt to rival
The Bill, following
Waterfront Beat (1990) and
Out of the Blue (1995). Many media outlets claimed at the time of the first' series premiere that it had initially been written as a "star vehicle" for actor
Paul Nicholls; although these claims were later dismissed by creator Tony Jordan. Nicholls claimed at the time of accepting the role of PC Terry Sydenham, he felt "troubled and depressed", and felt that a change of character would help him with his own lifestyle, after stepping down from the role of Joe Wicks on
EastEnders in November 1997. However, before filming on the second series began, Nicholls asked for his character to be written out. He later commented, "I was well on my way to a total breakdown. I was drinking a lot and taking drugs. I had lost control of my life." Aside from Nicholls, the first two series largely retained the same cast. The third series, the first not to be produced by Jordan, saw a change in the format. The series adopted a slightly less gritty feel, with more of the interpersonal relationships of the cast explored. An entirely new cast were brought in to fill CID, with
Ray Stevenson,
Ian Burfield and Kate Gartside all axed following the conclusion of the second series.
George Costigan and
Connie Hyde joined the series as DI Jack Carter and DS Janet Miller, respectively. Following the death of her son in the second series, Yvonne Mackey (
Lorraine Ashbourne) appears in a civilian capacity only. Notably, the series has never been released on DVD, and despite a single re-run on
UKTV Drama in 2004, has not been otherwise repeated on television since its original broadcast. ==Cast==