Where is The Bill's Jim Carver star now? Life after show and verdict on 'new episodes'

One of the most famous characters in The Bill was Jim Carver
-Credit:ITV Network


The Bill followed the police men and women at the fictional Sun Hill Police Station, as they fought crime on the streets of London. It has been over 40 years since the show first aired on our TV screens back in 1984.

The ITV drama quickly became one of the most popular shows on telly with its memorable characters and was one of the longest running British TV series until it was axed in 2010. Many of the actors who appeared on the drama became household names and some continue to be, years after.

One of the most famous characters in The Bill was Jim Carver, played by Mark Christopher Wingett. He starred in the show from 1983 until 2005, returning briefly in 2007. Jim Carver was central to several major storylines on the show, including struggles with alcoholism, gambling and as a victim of domestic violence.

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A fire served as the exit plot for Mark as DC Jim Carver. Following the death of his first wife Marie and later his best friend Ken in the station fire, Jim left Sun Hill after learning estranged wife June had begun an affair with experienced PC Roger Valentine.

His exit led to three episodes in a single night, the fire aftermath followed up with a half-hour special focused on Jim and June that saw Jim decide to leave her behind to rebuild his life.

The 64-year-old has appeared on other TV shows throughout his career. One of Mark's first roles came on legendary Scouse soap Brookside. He played a local press reporter in 1983, the minor role was before his big break on The Bill.

Mark Christopher Wingett played Jim Carver on The Bill
Mark Christopher Wingett played Jim Carver on The Bill -Credit:ITV

After leaving his role as Jim Carver on the long-running police show, Mark appeared on EastEnders in the same year (2005) as the dad of Mickey Miller and Dawn Swann. It was only a short stint on the BBC soap, lasting less than a year. In the same year, the actor took a role in one episode of Heartbeat, 'A Fresh Start'.

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In his personal life, Mark is married to Sharon Martin, a makeup artist and they have two children together, a daughter Jamila and stepson Benny from Sharon's previous relationship. They split for two years but got back together and worked on Snow White and the Huntsman together in 2014.

In October 2024, Mark appeared on This Morning alongside fellow Bill co-stars Graham Cole (who played PC Tony Stamp for 25 years) and Andrew Lancel (who played DI Neil Manson for 7 years).

Cat Deeley asked if there could ever be new episodes produced. Mark jokingly responded "too old now, they can't afford me." The ITV stars agreed it is best to keep the show as it was.