ITV3 solution for Scottish fans of The Bill

The Bill is to be repeated on ITV3 so fans of the programme in Scotland can watch the show, after STV axed it from its Thursday night line-up.

STV, ITV franchise holder for north and central Scotland, dropped The Bill earlier this month due to the cost of network shows. It has also axed Lewis and Midsommer Murders among others, although it has kept ratings winners Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

The cop-drama will air on Mondays at 11pm on ITV3, although the first two episodes of the revamped (see ITV unveils new drama line-up) show will go out on the digital channel on Wednesday 29 July between 11pm and 1am.

A spokesman told the Guardian: “STV has taken the decision to opt out of broadcasting The Bill. However, we’re pleased that fans in Scotland will still be able to watch the Bafta award-winning drama as we will be repeating it every week on ITV3.”

STV said that axing the ITV shows is part of its plan to deliver more homegrown content to Scottish viewers.

The new-look The Bill airs on ITV1 Thursday and Friday night.