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Updated: October 29, 2004 11:23 |
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(Today newspaper - Wednesday July 19 1989) Dashers of The Bill zapped by Annabel's Interceptor ONE of the Bill's toughest cops proved too mild-mannered to play the villain in ITV's new Treasure Hunt show, Interceptor. Jon Iles, Sun Hill police station's Mike Dashwood, was dropped after filming a pilot for the action series, presented by Annabel Croft. Instead, the part went to unknown Scottish suntman Sean O'Kane." "Jon is a wonderful actor, but he came across as too goodie-goodie" says Malcolm Heyworth, boss of Chatsworth TV, which makes Interceptor. "He didn't look evil or wicked enough. Sean, on the other hand, is very menacing. He has charisma and we think Interceptor will turn him into a big star." |
In the title role, a leather-clad Sean and his pet hawk track the two contestants across the countryside by helicopter. He is armed with an infra-red gun with which he tries to "zap" sensors on the backs of competitors. If he hits them, they forfeit their chance to win the £1,000 prize money. The part comes with a merchandising deal for clothes, dolls and zap guns which could earn Annabel and Sean up to £100,000 a year. Until now, Sean has been working in Hollywood. But he is all set to move back to Britain if Interceptor takes off. "I intend being a millionaire in a few years' time" he says. "I'm well on my way now, so I can afford to choose what I do with my time." Article by Mark Chadburn.
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