About the Heartbeat book
Heartbeat - The story behind the series
When ITV drama producers set the story of a Cockney policeman and his young bride – a local GP – against the backdrop of the stunning North Yorkshire Moors and stirring sounds from the 60s, they hit upon a winning formula.
That was in April 1992 and 17 series later, Heartbeat is still in ITV’s top five best performing shows.
Since then five new young bobbies have walked the Aidensfield beat and some of British television’s best known faces have featured among its characters.
One of the most memorable of these was Bill Maynard as Claude Jeremiah Greengrass also the perennial Derek Fowlds (Oscar Blaketon) who is the sole surviving member of the original cast.
The series is inspired by the novels of Nicholas Rhea who was born in Glaisdale and joined the North Yorkshire Force as a beat bobby at Whitby in 1956.
After reaching the rank of Inspector, he retired from the force after 30 years’ service in 1982 to concentrate on his writing, encouraged by Yorkshire TV’s interest in his Constable books, on which the series is based.
Still writing full-time, Nicholas is now telling the Heartbeat story through the eyes of someone who has not only ‘lived it’ but has been involved with its production from the start.
To say that Heartbeat has captured the public’s imagination is an understatement; it has become essential Sunday evening viewing.
Heartbeat - The story behind the series will not only chart the success of the programme but it will go behind the scenes, both in the studio and on location, meeting the people and places which have contributed to its success.
Illustrated with original photographs from the series, Heartbeat - The story behind the series will be the must-have viewing companion which will grace the coffee tables and bookshelves of Heartbeat’s legions of fans for years to come.
The Heartbeat book is supported by, and in association with ITV.
Heartbeat - The story behind the series will be available from all WHSmith stores from the end of September.
ITV & Heartbeat - The story behind the series
Heartbeat - The story behind the series is supported by, and in association with ITV, making this the must-have memento of the series.
Heartbeat is about to start its 18th series with a regular eight million viewers every week.
Heartbeat book format
Format: Glossy A4 perfect bound book
Number of pages: 132
