The beating heart of a TV favourite
Heartbeat ended in 2010 but many fans of the show still flock to Goathland, the village where it was set
IT WAS a nostalgic police drama set in a quiet village nestled in the heart of the North York Moors, but at its peak Heartbeat attracted more than 15m viewers and became a Sunday night television staple.
When the show ended in 2010 there were fears that Goathland, which had thrived as the setting for Aidensfield, would “drop off a cliff ”.
This weekend sees the 30th anniversary of the airing of the first episode – yet tourists and fans of the show, which is still being aired in the UK on ITV3 and around the world, flock to the village to catch a glimpse of the Aidensfield Arms, Scripps’ Garage and the police house.
Even to day, actor David Lonsdale, who played David Stockwell from 1993 to the end of the series, says people stop him in the street to talk about the episode they watched that day
After Heartbeat, he appeared in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, The Full Monty and the film version of Downton Abbey but says Heartbeat is a “special part” of his life.
“I was full time for 13 years, it was more than just a job, it became a bigger part of my life. There was one year we filmed two series at the same time. When I did my tax return I realised I spent more time at the Inn On The Moor hotel than my own house.”
Unusually for film crews and actors, they stayed on location as Goathland was isolated. It made for a family-like atmosphere, especially as many actors remained in the show for years.
Mr Lonsdale, who lives in Southport, said: “It was very special. You had a lot of people who you knew very well to work and play with. I have moments of nostalgia about that job. It will always be a very special part of my life, it was a brilliant time and I enjoyed it so much.”
He puts the show’s success and popularity down to its format, cast and escapism. He added: “Its popularity is extraordinary.
A lot of feelgood drama over the years has been superseded by gritty stuff which is more challenging.
“The blend of comedy and drama, nostalgia, fashion and music was important. And, each episode is a story in itself for an hour. The actors stayed together for so long and that was quite extraordinary.”
Mr Lonsdale returns to Goathland each year for the Heartbeat car rally, which last year was the busiest day some businesses had had all year.
Brian and Susan Taylor have run Goathland post office for years and feared when filming stopped that tourism and local business would suffer but their fears proved to be unfounded.
Mr Taylor said: “I thought it would drop off a cliff but it didn’t, we even had a recession, but Heartbeat was still selling. It was great for us. It created a lot of employment with holiday cottages and B&Bs because the cast wanted accommodation. We have been privileged to be here when they were.”
Blend of comedy, drama, nostalgia, fashion and music.
Actor David Lonsdale, who played David Stockwell on the appeal of the show.