The Bill theme tune axed

The iconic music is being axed as a part of the show's revamp...

09:37 06 July 2009

The iconic title music to The Bill is being axed as a part of the show's revamp.

The ITV1 police drama is dropping the original music 'Overkill' as the show moves to a post-watershed slot to become grittier and feature more hard-hitting storylines.

Executive producer Jonathan Young said the revamp would give viewers a "more immersive experience".

He said: "We haven't sought to totally reinvent The Bill. The heart of the show will remain the same, but will look very fresh."

The new music will however retain "subtle echoes" of the distinctive theme tun.

'Overkill' will be best remembered for the closing credits which saw two police officers' feet walking the beat.

The Bill has been a regular series since 1984. Its current viewing time of 8pm will change to 9pm for the re-launch later in the year.