The Bill series 26

The 26th series of The Bill was the final series of the British police drama, ending after 26 years and 2,425 episodes. The show was axed on 26 March 2010, with the final episode, 'Respect: Part 2', airing on 31 August 2010, 15 days after the 27th anniversary of the pilot episode 'Woodentop'.

The series averaged 3 million viewers, down from 7 million prior to a revamp, and ITV cited changing viewer taste as a factor. The final year included plots such as a promotion for DC Jo Masters to uniformed sergeant, a mutiny after Sergeant Callum Stone's suspension, DS Max Carter's cocaine addiction, and a cancer diagnosis for DI Neil Manson's estranged son. The final episodes focused on a fatal stabbing and a gang rape on a housing estate, and were paired with the special 'Farewell The Bill' narrated by Martin Kemp.