New Cop To Get Hearts Beating

TV heartthrob Joe McFadden will step into the shoes of Jonathan Kerrigan to play the hunky new lead policeman in the next series of ITV1’s Heartbeat.

Joe McFadden, best known for his roles in The Crow Road, Sparkhouse, Sex, Chips and Rock ’n’ Roll and the feature film Small Faces will cause a stir in Aidensfield as Joe Mason, a cop who sets his own rules, tackling crime in an idiosyncratic way that doesn’t always sit well with those around him. Joe’s arrival will cause tension in the station, particularly with Miller (John Duttine) who is unwilling to accept Joe’s work ethics. Despite his knack of rubbing certain people up the wrong way, Joe’s laid back charm gives him the ability to win over almost anyone, and will certainly give the women in the village something to talk about!

Joe, who will film his first scenes in May, said: “Heartbeat is a great show and I’m really looking forward to playing the new cop. I got to know Yorkshire whilst working on Sparkhouse and really love it, so I can’t wait to get there and start filming in the beautiful countryside.”

Joe will replace Jonathan Kerrigan who will be leaving Heartbeat at the end of the current series. Jonathan joined the cast as Rob Walker in 2004 and has been a hit with viewers since his first appearance at the beginning of series 14.

Before his departure, viewers will see Rob Walker at the centre of a love triangle between Carol Cassidy (Lisa Kay) and DS Rachel Dawson (Clare Wille). But as Rob says farewell to Aidensfield, will he be leaving alone?

Jonathan said: “I’ve loved every minute of working on Heartbeat but I feel that the time is right to move on to pursue new projects. I did three series of Mersey Beat, three series of Casualty, and have done three series of Heartbeat, so three seems to be my lucky number! I will miss all of the cast and crew; they are a great team to work with.” Jonathan added: “I wish Joe all the best in his role. I hope he has as much fun working on Heartbeat as I have. I’m certain that he will.”

The Producer of Heartbeat, Archie Tait added:

“Jonathan has created a character who has been greatly loved. Joe will be a fine addition to the cast. We look forward to Joe McFadden’s Joe Mason, a different kind of cop for Heartbeat who will add a new dimension to the show.”

Series 16 is due to return this spring with episodes 13 – 24.

Joe McFadden’s first appearance will be in episode 1 of series 17; the transmission date is yet to be confirmed.