The Bill

No and No.

This is his last episode, there is no leaving do (Graham said so).

He joined in 1984 as an extra. His first line was "Terry the Tortoise" in Not Without Cause (1987).
Seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb5Ou4fh-f0#t=4m25s
He is not one of the originals, the last one to go was Reg Hollis

I guess the next longest serving is Jack Meadows (joined 1992)..? At least they're still giving him a prominent role within the force.

I read in an interview with Graham Cole that he wasn't having a spectacular exit as they are leaving the door open for Stamp to return

When is The Bill repeated please?

Just seems like they want rid of him but don't want the problems they had with Reg Hollis leaving, so they've 'left the door open' as you say, instead of actually sacked him. I doubt we'll ever see him again. Shame, i like Tony. Perhaps he could be a Cyberman again after this

Thinking about it, they never really had a big send off when Carver left did they?

He was first in it as Detective Superintendent Jack Meadows in a Fresh Start in 1989.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy5DxI0rliM&NR#t=6m07s

Ah, that is sooo sad!

True enough.... but didn't he leave, then come back and then disappeared again? Then again that's not unusual since Smiffy did just that, also Sgt Ackland-- and PC/Sgt Noble more recently.

I just can't stand the programme now. It's Smithy as an Inspector that sort of puts me off, he could just get away with sergeant. Most of the previous inspectors were older than him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh5725tF_Aw
Recognise a familiar face?

ITV axes The Bill - MediaGuardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/26/the-bill-itv