The Bill was a firm favourite for almost three decades before finally airing its last episode in 2010 - and many were sad to say goodbye to it.
However, in a major update for the first time in 14 years, activity has taken place on the ITV show's long-neglected Facebook page. The profile page and cover photo were mysteriously changed, leaving viewers convinced there could be a spin-off or complete comeback in the works.
One fan quizzed: "Whoah what's going on here?? Is The Bill coming back? Finally something decent to watch for a change!" A second, who'd been reliving the nostalgia already this Christmas season, chimed in: "Bring it back. Been watching quite a few episodes over Xmas. Love The Bill."
A third demanded: "Top quality watch - bring it back!" Over the years, stars including The Spice Girls' Emma Bunton, Doctor Who's David Tennant, Game Of Thrones' Sean Bean, Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt, Luther's Idris Elba, Boston Strangler's Keira Knightley and former BGT judge David Walliams all took part in the hugely popular show.
Back in 2021, tentative talk of a remake had already begun, with EastEnders and Holby City writer Tony McHale said to be involved. The name would be changed to Sun Hill, the police station in the original show, according to reports by The Sun.
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Meanwhile, original actors Graham Cole, Trudie Goodwin and Mark Wingett were also said to be in discussions about returning.
A source quoted in the aforementioned publication said at the time: "In the minds of many producers and execs, The Bill is a drama which is just sitting, waiting, to be rebooted.
"It’s a simple format but one which attracted a loyal army of followers who would be delighted to see it return.
“No doubt any new incarnation would be tweaked to make it attract a whole new generation to the show.”
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The show might be set to air on a different channel than before, with reports suggesting that writer Simon Sansome was in advanced talks with multiple TV stations.
Rights for what had been the longest-running police drama on British television had reportedly been assigned to him after he struck a deal.
After almost 2,500 episodes, it ended in 2010, but still has a loyal fanbase to this day, with the 1984 episode that featured Games of Thrones star Sean Bean as an armed robber being especially notorious.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, leaving crime fans to watch the likes of Death in Paradise, Red Eye and Professor T to get their fix while they wait for a similar offering to air.
