Nick Berry rejects Heartbeat return

Actor Nick Berry has turned down the opportunity for a one-off return to Heartbeat, according to reports.

ITV bosses had wanted Nick to revive his role as Pc Nick Rowan in the family drama to coincide with the departure of Pc Phil Bellamy in the forthcoming series.

An ITV source told The Sun: "We tried to persuade Nick to return for Bellamy's exit but he declined. We thought it would be a good idea as Bellamy and Rowan were pals when the show started in 1992.

"Nick didn't want to do it as he's busy with his production company and he's happy doing that."

Former EastEnder Nick played Rowan for six years until 1998, when the character emigrated to Canada with new love Jo, following the death of his wife from leukaemia.

Nick's last TV acting role was four years ago in the BBC cop drama In Deep.

The new series, which returns to ITV1 in November, will see the departure of Bellamy played by Mark Jordon and the arrival of Joe McFadden as Aidensfield's new cop Joe Mason.