What Happened to Des Taviner in The Bill? Who Played Des Taviner in The Bill Actor?
by Mathelene | Updated Aug 14, 2023
What Happened to Des Taviner in The Bill?
Des Taviner was a character in the TV show The Bill between 2001 and 2004. He was a well-known officer at Sun Hill and was involved in several major storylines during his time on the show. One of the storylines involved the death of several Sun Hill cops. Des was somehow connected to this incident, although the details are not specified in the provided information. Another storyline involved the kidnapping of another officer, and yet another storyline nearly killed a long-term Sun Hill officer.
Des Taviner first appeared in Season 17's episode "A Week of Nights, Part One" where he was paired with PC Di Worrell. In his first year at Sun Hill, Des faced various challenges and had eventful experiences, such as being shot at while pursuing armed robbers and breaking up riots.
In 2002, there was a fire at Sun Hill, resulting in the deaths of several officers, including Chief Inspector Derek Conway. Des was involved in the aftermath of the fire, trying to pin the case on a supremacist named Jeff Simpson. Des and his colleague Danny Glaze fabricated evidence to implicate Simpson in the fire.
Des' last year in the show saw him struggling with guilt over starting the fire and causing the deaths of his colleagues. He entered into a relationship with Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy, who was married at the time. However, his guilt and the revelation that Simpson was appealing his conviction put a strain on their relationship.
Des eventually confessed to Sheelagh about starting the fire. She confronted him, demanding that he tell Superintendent Adam Okaro or she would reveal the truth herself. Des and Sheelagh decided to think it over, but Des became angry when he discovered that Sheelagh had gone to the New Scotland Yard with Okaro. In a fit of rage, Des joined a pursuit and chased a suspect into a warehouse. The warehouse exploded, and Des was presumed dead.
Des later returned to Sun Hill to see Sheelagh and their baby, but Sheelagh revealed that the baby had died due to a heart defect. Overwhelmed with grief, Des abducted Cameron Tait, who was involved in the baby's death, and Sheelagh. In a conversation with Cameron, Des realized that he blamed others to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. Des decided to tell Sheelagh where Cameron was, but in the process, he was arrested by Gina Gold.
While in custody, Des was beaten to death by a manic depressive. Reg, Des's colleague, rushed to the scene upon hearing the news but was unable to save him. Des was pronounced dead at the hospital. After Des's death, he was mentioned in connection with the second Sun Hill fire in 2005. Tony Stamp mentioned that there were various theories about who could have caused the fire, including the ghost of Des Taviner.
Who Played Des Taviner in The Bill Actor?
The actor who played PC Des Taviner in The Bill is Paul Usher. Born on 30 April, 1961 in Liverpool, Usher is an English actor who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Usher's portrayal of PC Des Taviner in The Bill is one of his most notable roles.
The Bill was a long-running British television series that focused on the daily lives of police officers working at the fictional Sun Hill police station. Usher's character, PC Des Taviner, was a complex and multi-dimensional character who added depth to the show.
In addition to his role in The Bill, Usher has appeared in various other television series. He played the character of Mark Johnson in Liverpool 1, a police drama set in the city of Liverpool. This role showcased Usher's versatility as an actor and his ability to immerse himself in different characters.
Usher's acting career also includes appearances in popular television shows such as Brookside and London's Burning. In Brookside, a British soap opera, Usher played the character of Barry Grant. This role allowed him to showcase his acting skills in a dramatic and intense setting. In London's Burning, a drama series centered around firefighters, Usher portrayed the character of Station Officer Tate.
Furthermore, Usher's talent as an actor extends to the big screen as well. He has appeared in films such as Robin Hood, where he played the character of Will Scarlett. This role allowed Usher to showcase his physicality and charisma on the big screen. Throughout his career, Usher has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor. From his portrayal of PC Des Taviner in The Bill to his roles in Liverpool 1, Brookside, London's Burning, and Robin Hood, Usher has left a lasting impression on audiences.
Des Taviner Final Episode
Des Taviner's final episode in The Bill was titled "Fatal Consequences." It was a live episode broadcast on 30 October 2003, marking the 20th anniversary of the pilot episode "Woodentop." The episode was written by Tom Needham, directed by Sylvie Boden, and produced by Susan Mather and Donna Wiffen.
In this episode, the main plot revolves around DC Juliet Becker and PC Cathy Bradford being held hostage by a drunk named Mark Nevett. As the situation escalates, Juliet is pushed into a carrier van, and the police at the station are alerted to the hostage situation. Meanwhile, the murder investigation team is dealing with interviewing a suspect named Jules Ellis, who may have information about a missing person case.
While all this is happening, the officers at the station are also dealing with personal and emotional struggles. DC Mickey Webb, who recently experienced a traumatic event, returns to assist with the investigation. There are tensions between Sergeant Dale Smith and PC Tony Stamp regarding Mickey's rape and the aftermath. Superintendent Adam Okaro and Inspector Gina Gold coordinate the rescue operation for Juliet.
As the episode unfolds, Juliet is rescued from the van, but it is discovered that she has been stabbed. First aid is administered in the station yard while an ambulance is delayed due to a road traffic accident. In a parallel storyline, Sergeant June Ackland attends to a victim of domestic assault at the hospital, where she also encounters PC Jim Carver, who is suspected of being abused by his wife.
Tragically, Juliet cannot be saved, and the crash team fails to revive her at the hospital. This devastating loss affects the officers at the station, particularly Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy, who is emotionally distraught. June tries to comfort Sheelagh but is left stunned when she discovers that the victim of domestic assault is the wife of Juliet's murderer.
In a shocking twist, Des Taviner, who was believed to have died in a previous episode, reappears at the station. It is revealed that he survived the car crash and explosion, leaving viewers surprised and intrigued by his return. The episode also sees the resolution of the hostage situation with Mark Nevett, who tragically swallows his tongue and dies in custody.
In the midst of all the chaos, Gary Best, who had been hoping for news about his missing father, lashes out at Jules Ellis and chases him onto the roof of the station. A confrontation ensues, leading to both Gary and Ellis falling off the roof and landing on a passing van. The episode ends with fireworks exploding overhead, symbolizing the intense and dramatic nature of the events that transpired.
The Bill
The Bill was a British police procedural television series that aired on ITV from 1983 to 2010. The show followed the lives and work of a shift of police officers, focusing on both uniformed officers and plainclothes detectives. It was known for its realistic portrayal of police work and dealt with a variety of situations and storylines faced by law enforcement professionals.
The series began with a one-off drama called "Woodentop" in August 1983, which served as a pilot for the show. From there, The Bill became a long-running and successful series, becoming the longest-running police procedural in the United Kingdom and one of the longest-running British television series at the time of its cancellation.
The title of the show, "The Bill," originated from the slang term "Old Bill," which was commonly used to refer to the police. This choice of title reflected the focus of the series on the lives and work of police officers. Throughout its 27-year run, The Bill received both praise and controversy.
In 2008, an episode featuring a fictional treatment for multiple sclerosis received criticism. The show also faced general criticism for its levels of violence, particularly prior to 2009 when it aired in a pre-watershed slot. Despite this, the series won several awards, including BAFTAs, a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award, and Best Drama at the Inside Soap Awards in 2009.
The Bill was consistently broadcast on the main ITV network during its run. In later years, episodes were repeated on ITV3 and other digital stations such as Gold, Alibi, W, Dave, and Drama. However, in March 2010, the decision was made not to recommission the show due to declining audiences and negative reception from the public and media. Filming ceased on 14 June 2010, and the final episode aired on 31 August 2010, marking the end of an era for the long-running series.
The Bill had a significant impact on British television, being one of the most successful and enduring police procedural shows in the country. It provided viewers with a glimpse into the lives of police officers and tackled a wide range of issues and storylines. Despite its controversies, the show garnered a dedicated fan base and received critical acclaim throughout its run.
Who is Paul Usher?
Paul Usher is an English actor known for his roles in various television dramas. Born on April 20, 1961, he has had a successful career spanning several decades. Usher gained recognition for his portrayal of Barry Grant in the popular Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, which he began appearing in 1982.
This role helped establish him as a talented actor, and he went on to appear in other notable television series such as Liverpool 1 and London's Burning. He also starred in the film Six Bend Trap and appeared in the movie Swing as Liam Luxford in 1999. In 2001, Usher joined the cast of the ITV police drama The Bill, where he played the character PC Des Taviner. He remained in this role for three years, appearing in a total of 135 episodes.
In 2019, Usher joined the cast of the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, taking on the recurring role of Danny Hardcastle. This marked another significant milestone in his career, as he became part of one of the UK's most popular television shows. Aside from his television work, Usher has also made appearances in other productions. In May 2023, he appeared in an episode of the BBC soap opera Doctors as Terry Exton.
In his personal life, Usher was educated at Wirral Grammar School for Boys. He met his wife, Charlotte, while working on The Bill, and they got married in Rhodes. Together, they have one child named Lucas. Unfortunately, Usher experienced the tragic loss of his son James, from a previous marriage, in 2014.
What Happened to Des Taviner in The Bill? - FAQs
Des Taviner was played by actor Paul Usher.
Des Taviner first appeared in The Bill in Season 17's episode "A Week of Nights, Part One" in 2001.
Des Taviner was a character on The Bill from 2001 to 2004, for a total of three years.
Des Taviner was involved in several major storylines during his time on The Bill. He was connected to a fire at Sun Hill that resulted in the deaths of several officers, and he later confessed to starting the fire. He was presumed dead after a warehouse explosion but later returned. He ultimately died after being beaten by another inmate while in custody.
Des Taviner's final episode in The Bill was titled "Fatal Consequences," which aired on 30 October 2003.