The quintessential Sunday night drama returns to ITV1 on 11 November and there is some major change a-coming (watch out spoilers ahead). Not only is there a new cop on the beat but a shocking accident which devastates the village. New cop, PC Joe Mason (Joe McFadden), instantly causes a stir with his untraditional approach to policing, but despite his knack of rubbing certain people up the wrong way, Joe’s laid back charm and intelligence gives him the ability to win over almost anyone, and gives the women in the village something to talk about.
Just as Joe starts to settle into village life, a violent incident sends waves of devastation rippling through Aidensfield as long time favourite, PC Phil Bellamy (Mark Jordon), is killed while on duty. Having finally made it to the altar, how will Gina (Tricia Penrose) come to terms with the loss of her new husband?
In the wake of Bellamy’s death, PC Don Wetherby (Rupert Ward-Lewis) takes on his responsibilities at Ashfordly Station, but how easy will it be for Don to take on the job under such tragic circumstances?
Also in the series, a blast from the past throws Rosie (Vanessa Hehir) into a spin when old flame Jamie (Nolan Hemmings) unexpectedly turns up and proposes marriage. While Jamie suggests they up sticks and move to India, Rosie receives an equally adventurous offer from some sexy Australian sheep shearers who invite her to travel with them. But which path will Rosie choose and can she face leaving Bernie (Peter Benson) and Aidensfield behind?
Meanwhile Blaketon (Derek Fowlds) and Ventress (William Simons) team up again to investigate a spate of burglaries. Dressed up in disguise, will the two men be able to use their previous policing experience to prove themselves as successful Private Investigators?
Elsewhere, David (David Lonsdale) worries about his last will and testament when Lord Ashfordly’s (Rupert Vansittart) gamekeeper passes away, while Peggy (Gwen Taylor) becomes Ashfordly’s new gamekeeper – the best he’s ever had.
Romance is on the horizon for Carol Cassidy (Lisa Kay) in the shape of hunky Dr Chris Oakley (Leon Ockenden). Will the course of true love run smoothly for the bubbly district nurse?
As always, a host of loved actors guest star throughout the series. Blair McDonough (Neighbours) plays the hunky sheep shearer who gives Rosie a thing or two to think about; veteran Eric Sykes stars as a solicitor who breaks the news to Peggy that her cousin has left her an animal in his will; David Calder plays a Detective Inspector who is less than impressed with Joe Mason’s handling of a train robbery investigation; and Emma Atkins returns to Yorkshire in the role of Lesley, a woman scorned by Don Wetherby, who threatens to put an end to his career as a police constable.
Other guest stars throughout the series include Kate Buffery and Kevin Doyle, Daniel Ryan, Ann Mitchell, Adam Kotz, Jeff Rawle and Julian Wadham.
Heartbeat is showing Sunday nights at 8.00pm on ITV1 from 11 November.