London's Burning was once considered to be burnt out, but the last series, pulling in around 10 million viewers, proved that the fires were still raging.
The 14TH Series kicks off this week with a dramatic, budget - busting water rescue that's unlikely to dampen enthusiasm for the firefighting series. To aviod a collision with a lorry, a car veers off the road and ends up in the Thames with the truck on top of it. Called to the scene, Blue Watch newcomers, Mike Callaghan and Frank Mooney, dive into the murky river to save the couple trapped inside the car. 'It's the most thrilling opening act of any drama on British TV,' promises producer David Newcombe.
Filmed on a bitterly cold January day in the same water tank in Hertfordshire used for the Bond films and somes scenes in Titanic, the episode was a logistical nightmare to organise. Two carss were used for the stunt, each suspended by a winch, and air was pumped in to keep the water from rising over the heads of the couple inside. Every actor in the water was accompanied by a diver at all times to ensure his safety on a shooting day that lasted from 10.00am to 8.30pm and left the actors exhausted.
But there was no fear factor for Tristan Gemmill, who plays new fireman Frank Mooney. 'If at any time you were remotely worried, you swam to the surface,' he says. 'There were safety divers six feet away; all you had to do was make a signal. Even the fireman's suits didn't feel heavy when they got wet, though we were allowed to wear wellies instead of the usual heavy fireman's boots.'
Of course, when you're an experienced scuba diver like Tristan, spending three days in the water to rehearse and film is your idea of fun. 'It was three days of boy heaven,' says Tristan. 'I had washing - up hands by the end of it, but that was a small price to pay for all the excitement.'
That's not the only thrill awaiting the Blackwall brigade this series. Even on a relaxing outing to Southend in Essex, the firefighters end up rescuing a baby whale washed up on the beach.
The new series will have a more contemporary feel, promises David Newcombe. 'We have stronger banter, stronger humour and they're more recongisable working class lads,' says David. And with most of them looking very fanciable, fires will be smouldering in more ways than one.
The actors playing the new firemen went through a day - and - a - half of real firefighter training. Sam Callis, who plays Adam Benjamin, believes the series is so compelling because people admire real - life firemen so much. 'Their job requires such courage,' he says. 'That's why I respet them and I think everyone else does, too. That's why people like the show. It's showing those guys at work.'
WHO'S NEW ONE BLUE WATCH
MICK CALLAGHAN - Anthony Green. The new station officer has a manic - depressive wife (Liza Walker), and an eight - year - old boy. 'Mick's like me, but braver,' says Anthony.
FRANK MOONEY - Tristan Gemmill. 'Frank got involved in the underground in his past, and he returns to it in the course of the series,' says Tristan, who played Phil in Sam's Game.
CHARLIE MEAD - Terry Alderton. Stand - up comic Terry is ideal casting for joker Charlie Mead. 'Charlie is a child really, and I guess I act like a 10 - year - old,' says Terry.
CRAIG ROSS - Leon Black. Craig is a rookie who falls for fellow newcomer Lisa Hill. 'He's a loveable character and really enthusiastic about his new career,' says Leon, 19.
LISA HILL - Jan Anderson. Lisa is the new cook. 'There's something ballsy about someone who blags a job they can't do,' says Jan, who played Casualty's Nurse Chloe Hill.
