City Central (TV series)

City Central was a British television police procedural drama series, written and created by Tony Jordan, that first broadcast on BBC One on 4 April 1998.[1] Described by the Radio Times as "Z Cars for the 1990s", City Central follows the everyday lives of officers based at the inner-city Christmas Street police station in Manchester. Although the series focuses heavily on the uniform relief, a small number of detectives operating out of the station's CID department are also featured. Three series of City Central were produced, with the final episode broadcasting on 19 June 2000.[2]

City Central
Genre
Created byTony Jordan
Written byVarious
Directed byVarious
Starring
Composer(s)Barry Adamson
Country of origin
  • United Kingdom
Original language(s)
  • English
No. of series3
No. of episodes32 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)
Producer(s)
  • John Yorke
  • Ken Horn
Production location(s)
  • United Kingdom
CinematographyGeoff Healey
Editor(s)
  • Mike Jones
  • Xavier Russell
  • Liana Del Giudice
  • Steve Singleton
Running time50 minutes
Production company(s)BBC Studios
DistributorBBC Worldwide
Release
Original network
Picture format16:9
Audio formatStereo
Original release4 April 1998 (1998-04-04) –
19 June 2000 (2000-06-19)

The series was the BBC's third attempt to rival The Bill, following Waterfront Beat and Out of the Blue. 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, part-way through filming for series two, 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."[3]

The third series saw a change in the series' format, with a reduction in the number of episodes featuring CID detectives. Creator Tony Jordan noted that this was due to The Bill focusing more on "the storylines featuring their CID detectives, rather than focusing on the everyday officer on the beat".[4] Despite this, two new regular cast members, George Costigan and Connie Hyde, joined the series as DI Jack Carter and DS Janet Miller, respectively.[5] Notably, the series has never been released on DVD, and despite a single re-run on UKTV Drama in 2003, has not been otherwise repeated on television since its original broadcast.

Cast
The cast of the first series (from L-R): Ian Burfield, Paul Nicholls, Dave Hill, Lorraine Ashbourne, Sarah Kirkman, Kate Gartside, Ian Aspinall, Ashley Jensen, Terence Harvey, Ray Stevenson and Stephen Lord

Main

Recurring
  • Christine Tremarco as Nikki Reed; a homeless teenager (Series 1)
  • Andrew Redman as Inspector Mike Willis; duty inspector (Series 1)
  • John Brobbey as Danny Abbott; detective constable (Series 1)
  • Jennifer Luckraft as PC Kate Foster; dispatch officer (Series 1—2)
  • Emily Hamilton as Lucy Barnard; daughter of Ch. Insp. Barnard (Series 1—2)
  • Kate Reynolds as Debbie Jackson; wife of PC Steve Jackson (Series 1—2)
  • Damian Zuk as Lee Mackey; son of Sgt. Yvonne Mackey (Series 1—2)
  • Annie Hulley as Sarah Sydenham; mother of PC Terry Sydenham (Series 1—2)
  • Caroline Carver as Alison; girlfriend of PC Terry Sydenham (Series 1)
  • Steve Huison as 'Batty' Brian Edwards; a regular bail absconder (Series 1)

Episodes

Series 1 (1998)
Episode Title Written by Directed by Original airdate
1 "Parallel Lines"Tony JordanSallie Aprahamain4 April 1998 (1998-04-04)
When the body of a young woman, later identified as fifteen-year-old Hayley Morrison, is dredged from the canal, a murder enquiry is launched, but for an already overworked CID team, resources are stretched to their limit. Teddy Sydenham arrives at Christmas Street for his first day and is given a guided tour of the city by Pete. Colin and Mary deal with Alex Moore (Jack Ellis), a man who claims to have lost the keys to his house, unaware that he moved out months ago and is trying to exact revenge on his cheating wife. Steve and Sue attend an armed siege at a residential home, while regular bail absconder 'Batty' Brian Edwards (Steve Huison) causes further problems for Colin and Mary.
2 "Pressure"Tony JordanSallie Aprahamain11 April 1998 (1998-04-11)
The investigation into the murder of Hayley Morrison continues, as Jane re-interviews her best friend, Laura Mason, who suggests that Hayley's absent father may have returned to Manchester. Sue and Colin investigate when a robber sporting a bright-red comedy wig and glasses escapes with cash from a betting shop. Despite his reluctance, Pete is forced to arrest Nikki Reed (Christine Tremarco), a regular shoplifter whom none of the team are happy to be reacquainted with. Meanwhile, Leonard Harris, a high-ranking member of the Police Authority, is burgled, and an empty baby-seat in a car involved in a traffic accident sends Mary and Terry on a frantic search for the missing child.
3 "Justice"Matthew GrahamSimon Meyers18 April 1998 (1998-04-18)
Terry returns from his morning shift to find an intruder in his house, but realises first impressions can be deceptive. Meanwhile, CID are desperate to find Geoff Morrison (Fine Time Fontayne) after a number of towels covered in Hayley's blood are found in his flat. Pete and Terry attempt to lift community spirits by tackling rogue builder Harry Willett, who has been fitting sub-standard kitchens. Nikki Reed finds herself back in custody, but Yvonne isn't in the mood for playing games. Tony decides to call off his affair with Lucy. Sue and Steve are faced with an emergency. Terry's attempts to win the affections of old schoolfriend Alison (Caroline Carver) are interrupted when he spots a wanted shoplifter.
4 "Throwing it All Away"Matthew GrahamSimon Meyers25 April 1998 (1998-04-25)
Sue faces an armed robber, but the subsequent interview leaves her shaken, and questioning her future in the force. Richard gets a visit from a deranged young man looking for his brother. Sue is determined to celebrate her 25th birthday in style, and ends up in the arms of Ray.
5 "A Quiet Evening In"Tony JordanKeith Boak2 May 1998 (1998-05-02)
The relief shift on night duty are kept busy after Ch. Insp. Barnard orders a crackdown on beggars. 'Batty' Brian Edwards finds himself back in the cells after breaking the conditions of his electronic tag, but the last thing Yvonne expects of the situation is to be on the receiving end of an official complaint for assault. Pete and Terry deal with a case of wife battery, while Richard is inundated with constant reports of UFO sightings. Meanwhile, Jane makes a breakthrough in the murder case when student Sam Reeves (Daniel Betts) arrives at the station with his solicitor to make an unexpected confession. Ray discovers that Tony is having affair with Barnard's daughter Lucy (Emily Hamilton).
6 "Nothing Like a Dame"Tony JordanKeith Boak16 May 1998 (1998-05-16)
During a quiet shift, which is only helped by the bad weather, Pete and Terry go looking for Nick, who always avoids working in a downpour. Ray finds himself trying to prevent a gang war breaking out in Manchester after two members of the Parsons gang are found beaten, bound and shaven in a disused warehouse. Matters are further complicated when one of Parsons' pool halls is the target of a petrol bomb attack. Tony and Ray seek help from one of Manchester's finest drag queens, Dilly Daley (Ross Kemp) in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. Yvonne tries her best to prevent Nikki from spending a night in the cells, and Jane begins to have doubts about Sam Reeves' confession.
7 "A Night on the Town"Simon AshdownMartin Hutchings23 May 1998 (1998-05-23)
Yvonne continues to struggle with her feelings of guilt as the investigation into Nikki's murder gets underway. Dobson struggles to retain control in custody after Barnard orders all female runaways to be taken in off the streets. Terry and Pete attend a warehouse burglary, where an unexpected reunion with one of his old schoolfriends, Kumar (Jimi Mistry) leads Terry to realise that being a boy in blue has its downsides. An armed gang carrying out a ram raid send the team on a wild goose chase to a number of hoax calls, but Steve's plan to catch the perpetrators red-handed results in Colin receiving a beating. CID are shocked when forensic evidence links the murders of Nikki and Hayley.
8 "Picking up the Pieces"Tony JordanKen Horn30 May 1998 (1998-05-30)
Tony goes AWOL after a heavy night of drinking, forcing Ray and Jane to take charge of the double murder investigation. Mary and Colin are called to the scene of an eviction. Yvonne is forced to give Nick a stern warning after he is reported by several members of the public for loitering around cafes and burger vans whilst on shift. However, his attempts to avoid hard work and fill his stomach pay off when he drums up a witness who claims to have seen Nikki just hours before she died, and provides the team with a vital new lead. Meanwhile, an animal rights protester dressed as Where's Wally (Ben Moor) causes problems for the team when he frequently targets a local butcher's shop.
9 "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"Ashley PharaohMartin Hutchings6 June 1998 (1998-06-06)
Ray wakes up to find that his flat has been wrecked by his date from the night before. Terry clashes with his landlord after a car which he supplied information on is found badly damaged. His day goes from bad to worse when he arrives home to find his mum has been assaulted by her new boyfriend, Barry Wilson (Bruce McGregor). Whilst on the trail of a gang of muggers, Steve is stabbed and thrown into the canal. Sue discovers she is pregnant by Ray and is forced to decide whether or not to keep the baby. CID attempt to make headway by interviewing all male Welsh students at Manchester University, but the day proves fruitless until Nick finds a vital piece of evidence in the janitor's kitchen.
10 "Life and Death"Tony JordanKen Horn20 June 1998 (1998-06-20)
Barnard is unimpressed when Nick's pursuit of Batty Brian leaves the police riot van overturned on the side of a moving barge. Colin vents his anger when Barnard orders him and Mary to act as removal men. As his home life continues to spiral, Steve returns to work, but struggles to contain himself when the identity of his attacker is revealed. Pete attempts to use underhand tactics to win Terry his job back. CID find themselves going round in circles as they try to pinpoint Millington (Darren Brown)'s whereabouts, but as the net finally closes in, Tony goes all out to catch his man. Jane catches wind of Tony's affections for Lucy, and decides to request a transfer back to her former department.

Series 2 (1999)
Episode Title Written by Directed by Viewers
(millions)[7]		 Original airdate
1 "The Grace of God"Tony JordanKenneth Gleenan8.1927 February 1999 (1999-02-27)
A major operation is launched to catch a maniac who is attacking clergymen. New recruit PC Judy Byrd joins the Christmas Street team. Yvonne is having trouble with her son.
2 "Moving On"Tony JordanKen Horn7.116 March 1999 (1999-03-06)
Terry has gone and those he's left behind have all been affected in a big way. His mum is beside herself with grief and Pete doesn't know what to do with himself. A hot-headed Steve has decided the best thing to do is join the Armed Response Team. Tony and Ray chase a vigilante who hunts down drug dealers.
3 "Neighborhood Botch"Tony JordanKen Horn6.1813 March 1999 (1999-03-13)
Judy has the thankless task of stepping into Terry's shoes when she's paired with his former partner, Pete. To make matters worse, the whole team's still in mourning and she doesn't know how to deal with their grief. Meanwhile, a seemingly drugs-related death at the hands of an angry mob, on a supposedly crime-free estate, baffles Tony and Ray, whose investigations are also hampered by a pair of hapless street robbers intent on pulling a major job in the city centre.
4 "Second Time Around"Stephen BradyTim Leandro7.4120 March 1999 (1999-03-20)
Tony's wedding day arrives, bringing more than a few surprises. As he prepares to tie the knot with Maggie, he thinks all he's got to worry about is being late. He hasn't taken into account the flooded reception, an old mate who wants to kill himself or the return of his ex, Lucy. The suspicious death of a baby leads Steve to believe that the father is responsible, leading to a touching encounter for Sue.
5 "Paradise Lost"Tony JordanTim Leandro7.2727 March 1999 (1999-03-27)
The Christmas Street team have to control a riot among residents on a estate who have discovered that pedophile Michael Dennison is living among them. The hunt is on to find Dennison when he kidnaps Sue and takes her down into the city's dingy tunnels.
6 "Blue Legume"Tony HoareKen HornN/A3 April 1999 (1999-04-03)
A man dressed as an aubergine robs a building society and a man in a carrot costume mugs a customer in a restaurant. Tony returns home early from his honeymoon.
7 "The Killing Moon"Doug BriggsKen Horn6.6110 April 1999 (1999-04-10)
CID prepares surveillance on Les Glover, a club owner and drugs dealer who is gathering cash for a big deal. Meanwhile, the uniform team lays bets on the identity and gender of Colin's new partner.
8 "Northern Soul"Jeff PoveyKenneth Gleenan6.6917 April 1999 (1999-04-17)
A call comes in to Christmas Street station, warning that an officer will die by 5.00 pm that day. Not much notice is taken until it is discovered that David Crane, who has been in prison for stabbing Pete's partner Mance, is on his way north.
9 "No Son of Mine"Jeff PoveyTerry McDonoughN/A24 April 1999 (1999-04-24)
Barnard is furious when he finds out that Ray has got to know his young daughter in the biblical sense. Loose cannon Steve, having been booted out of the Armed Response Unit, decides he wants to start a family. A 15-year-old boy is reported missing, and Colin and Nick have to sort out a hen party.
10 "Someone to Watch Over Me"Tony JordanTerry McDonough6.111 May 1999 (1999-05-01)
A team from the station stakes out a post office, hoping to foil an armed robbery, but the plan is compromised when Jane gets caught up in the action.
11 "Fair and Foul"Patrick WildeMartin Hutchings6.248 May 1999 (1999-05-08)
A man who claims to know the identity of Terry's murderer is brought in to Christmas Street station. Nick leaves a car as a decoy and it is stripped by thieves.
12 "Life, Liberty and Pursuit"Tony JordanMartin Hutchings6.4715 May 1999 (1999-05-15)
DSI Gagan of the murder squad continues to interrogate Connor Rice, but with no hard evidence available there's a chance the thoroughly nasty drugs dealer could walk free, which is not something that Terry's mentor, Pete, wants to hear as he prepares to retire. Steve and Sue are caught in a pursuit through the city centre. Tony receives bad news.

Series 3 (2000)
Episode Title Written by Directed by Viewers
(millions)		 Original airdate
1 "No Direction Home"Chris MurrayMartin Hutchings6.8815 April 2000 (2000-04-15)
Christmas Street's new CID chief, Jack Carter, immediately upsets Barnard by arresting local dignitaries. Colin and Nick become involved with a homeless young couple who are being chased by an armed bounty hunter.
2 "Half Man, Half Cop"Jeff PoveyTerry McDonoughN/A22 April 2000 (2000-04-22)
A one-man crime wave hits in the form of an impostor, and Jack and Janet investigate local drugs dealers – one of whom turns out to be the son of Barnard's new love.
3 "Everything Must Go"Mark Davies MarkhamTerry McDonoughN/A29 April 2000 (2000-04-29)
Jack and the team are after ambitious small-time dealer Gerald Ridley, but chances of them getting look slight after a bungled drugs bust, leaving Jack left to salvage something from the few scraps he has. Later, Colin goes to help social services take two children into care. However, it turns out they're ill-prepared and unequipped to deal with the mother and find themselves in the middle of a hostage situation.
4 "Respect"Mark Davies MarkhamKenny GlenaanN/A6 May 2000 (2000-05-06)
Clive tries some heroics to help one of Mulholland's tenants, while Jack leads an operation hoping to finally nail the dodgy landlord. Meanwhile, Andy offers to work for Mulholland to offset his debt, but ends up having to set fire to a house.
5 "Nutcase"Nick SaltreseDyleth ThomasN/A13 May 2000 (2000-05-13)
Alfie Stokes is a sadistic, underworld-type who now claims to have found God, and he's Jack's star witness in the prosecution of Barry Roberts, a local drug dealer, but then former sergeant Yvonne turns up – with some difficult questions. Nick is livid that Paul forgot to enter him for his sergeant's exams and threatens to take action.
6 "Above and Beyond"Chris MurrayKenny GlenaanN/A20 May 2000 (2000-05-20)
Jack's confidence is shaken to its core when he pushes his luck too far. Janet finds herself having to go beyond the bounds of duty when she tries to stop two brothers dealing in stolen videos. A girl tries to have her dad arrested to end his life of crime – but her plan has tragic consequences.
7 "She's the One"Nick SaltreseDelyth Thomas6.4627 May 2000 (2000-05-27)
Two young burglars break into Jack's house and steal his illegally held replica Colt 45 pistol, leaving everyone involved in hot water. Meanwhile, Colin is drawn into a couple's kinky fantasies while on a surveillance operation.
8 "Death Becomes Her"Nick SaltreseMartin Hutchings6.093 June 2000 (2000-06-03)
The team are called in to break up a bare-knuckle fight but, in the ensuing fracas, an old woman collapses and dies. When her body goes missing, the team pursue a modern artist who wants to use a corpse in his latest masterpiece.
9 "Community Spirit"Chris MurrayDavid Innes Edwards5.4510 June 2000 (2000-06-10)
Pete is having a rough couple of days. Nobody attends his police Q & A session on the Carcroft Estate, he's splattered with 'water' bombs and then he's suspended for clipping a 'lippy' boy around the ear. Then local lad Euan, one of the bombers, goes missing, but the Christmas Street cops don't get involved until late in the day – perhaps too late – and Pete's knowledge is sorely missed when the team try to find him.
10 "History"Tony JordanDavid Innes Edwards5.1819 June 2000 (2000-06-19)
Jack is put in a safe house after an arch enemy, Mark Dixon, is released from a psychiatric unit intent on revenge, convinced that Jack set him up. Dixon, a vicious rapist and murderer Jack put away some years ago, has already killed his old sergeant. Meanwhile, Colin and Richard are assigned an undercover operation to find a local bootlegger.

References
  1. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/691d8259efa04304bdc035072d8bd902
  2. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/dfe7df32b2fb458f9461a65c4fdca8b9
  3. "Paul Nicholls 'blank' on EastEnders". Press Association. 16 January 2012. Archived from the original on 16 January 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  4. http://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/speakers/tony-jordan
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147756/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
  6. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/9542f171bf9444c5ae36a615c0720e7f
  7. http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-30/
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