JIM ALEXANDER, THE SUN, THE TV MAG, JULY 8TH - 14TH 2000.

End of series shocker in London's Burning

Firey exit

It's a cracker of a finale but who will survive it?

The Blue Watch crew tackle a blaze in a fireworks factory in the heart - stopping final episode of London's Burning. The series goes out with a bang and fans will be left wondering who survives the explosive cliffhanger.

The nerve - jangling action comes after the fire - fighters scramble to help three teenagers who become trapped after they break into a Chinese warehouse packed with fireworks.

And as the rockets go off around them, sparks start flying among the firefighters, too. In the heat of the moment, Sally finally gives Joe an answer to his marriage proposal.

But while the couple are braving the inferno alongside Dan and Sicknote, a firework hits an oil tank and triggers a massive explosion. All four are buried - you will have to wait until the next series to find out who survives.

Jim Alexander, 24, who stars as Joe, is leaving the series. But walking away from London's Burning, his first TV job after leaving acting school, was a huge wrench for Jim. He says:"I really wanted to do the final explosion scene but they wouldn't let me - it was too dangerous. The stuntmen had to be thrown backwards by the blast. But I've done most of my own stunts and that has been great".

The episode, which was directed by former EastEnders star Susan Tully, will be a real tear - jerker for fans who have been closely following the firey on - off romance between Joe and Sally (Heather Peace, pictures left with Jim).

"Joe decided that he was totally in love with Sally, so he proposes," says Jim. "She turns round to him at the end of the episode and says, "Yes." But then it all goes bang."

Both Jim and co - star Brad Gorton, who plays Dan, decided to quit the series last year to persue other roles. "I turned down an awful lot of money to stay but I decided that moving on with my career was more important," says Jim.

For his next role in a detective drama, Jim's distinctive bleached blond crop is dyed black. however, it hasn't stopped fans recognising the actor, who lives in South London. "But even though I played a fireman, I never get chatted up," "I would love to be recognised by a fit bit of totty for once."

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