Heartbeat (series 1–5)

This episode starts with a short behind-the-scenes introduction for the series.

The village's new PC Rowan and his wife drives into town and immediately runs into trouble with the local bikers. Greengrass's dog does not make a good start between sergeant Blaketon and PC Rowan. Dr. Rowan tries to look for work helping the local doctor.

First appearance of Nick Berry as PC Nick Rowan, Niamh Cusack as Kate Rowan, Derek Fowlds as Oscar Blaketon, Bill Maynard as Claude Greengrass, William Simons as Alf Ventress, Mark Jordon as Phil Bellamy, Frank Middlemass as Alec Ferrenby, Stuart Golland as George Ward, and Jack Deam as Alan Maskell.

The police have a missing man to look for. While the sergeant says “all flashers should be locked up before they get worse” the mystery flasher helps the police station.

Ugly rumors leads to lots of other problems. Dr. Rowan tries to help a family against the village doctor's morals.

A lady who cannot control her horse keeps PC Rowan busy. Teenagers and salmon poachers keep the police busy. Does Greengrass help the police? Trouble after a teenage girl is seen with Dr. Rowan. Claude gets left out of pocket by a couple he is trying to help.

This episode starts with a short behind-the-scenes introduction. Three young boys have nothing better to do but to have fun, which does not go down well for those on the receiving end, then it gets mistaken in a neighborly dispute.

A tidy burglar does his rounds in the village. A caregiver is on a good thing borrowing things from patients. Dr. Rowan finds a job.

First appearance of Rupert Vansittart as Lord Ashfordly.

The peace anti-bomb movement comes to the village and starts the locals fighting. Greengrass runs into trouble after adding local events together.

John Duttine appears later from episode 264 as Sgt George Miller

Gypsy-like people turn up in town. The vicar falls out with his daughter.

A ex-policeman getting shot starts a lot of back-stabbing in the police force.

Sheep rustling leads to a pack of lies in court. PC Rowan goes to London to try and chase a new job but finds a bent copper.

Final appearance of Jack Deam as Alan Maxell from the motorcycle workshop.

When a market trader is held at gunpoint and his van is stolen, Nick suspects Lord Ashfordly's spoiled and erratic son Rupert has something to do with it. But the youngster is using his position at Ashfordly Hall to make life difficult for the officers, and even Blaketon is powerless against him. Kate befriends a pregnant teenage girl and discovers the father of her baby is in fact Rupert Ashfordly.

Nick's past comes back to haunt him when Frank Milner arrives in Aidensfield. Frank blames Nick for the death of his beloved granddaughter years ago. Full of rage and revenge, Frank plots to show Nick how it feels to lose someone close – and targets Kate. As his wife's life hangs in the balance, Nick must confront his past to save her. Meanwhile, Greengrass is asked to clear an old barn and discovers the parts of a car. However, he is not happy when he discovers he has sold them at a knockdown price.

A quiet night at the Aidensfield Arms turns into a life or death situation when the pub is targeted by armed robbers, and Nick, Greengrass and George find themselves held at gunpoint in the cellar. One of the robbers, Alec Robinson, appears to be well acquainted with Greengrass, leaving Nick convinced that the old rogue has something to do with it, whilst Blaketon and Kate join forces to investigate the robbers.

When a local farmer discovers his cow has been infected with foot and mouth disease, Aidensfield is put on red alert and the team must act fast to contain it. Meanwhile, Gina Ward, George's wayward niece from Liverpool, is sent to Aidensfield to help George at the Aidensfield Arms whilst he is ill, and she soon becomes a big hit with the male residents.

First appearance of Tricia Penrose as Gina Ward.

When black soldier Ken Marston reports his racist sergeant to his superiors, Sgt. Nichols plans to kill Ken up on the cliff. However, in a twisted turn of events, it's Nichols who falls to his death. Desperate and running for his life, Ken seeks solace in an old friend in Aidensfield, but when Nick is called in to investigate a break-in at a farm, Ken discovers he can never run from his troubles. Meanwhile, Kate is caught up in the Sandford family's problems: Tom Sandford has died, and social services are convinced his wife, Helen, is unstable to take care of their young son, Daniel. Can Kate keep the fractured family together?

When Rosie Tinniswood tries to commit suicide, Nick and Kate take in her children. When she recovers, Rosie tells Nick that her husband is in prison for a crime he did not commit, and Nick offers to help clear his name by re-investigating the case. But Blaketon is against it, especially when it becomes apparent that his predecessor, Sgt Rowley Carson, is somehow connected to the wrongful imprisonment, and retired soon after. Nick is determined to find out what secrets the former sergeant was hiding. Meanwhile, PC Phil Bellamy is getting married. But on his stag night, he is assaulted outside the Aidensfield Arms. Luckily, Gina and Greengrass are well acquainted with his attacker.

Nick and Kate's marriage comes under threat when one of Kate's old boyfriends becomes a prime suspect in a hit-and-run accident. Kate is certain of his innocence, leaving Nick fearful that she may still harbour feelings for him. However, Nick's attentions are soon turned to a spate of bank robberies, and crime writer Amanda Younge. Meanwhile, Greengrass comes into some money and decides to buy a flashy car, whilst Bellamy organises a talent contest for the local football team.

Marjorie Doubleday is convinced that her daughter-in-law, Rita, is neglecting her young grandson, which causes a rift in the family which gets a lot worse when the baby is abducted from outside the shop. Nick and the team are forced to investigate the possibility that Marjorie may have kidnapped her own grandson. But the residents of Aidensfield think a gang of hippies are to blame, and the case becomes more complicated when Sarah Collins, a patient of Kate's who is unable to have children, is reported missing. Meanwhile, Greengrass buys a racehorse and begins training it up. But he once again incurs the wrath of Blaketon when the horse runs wild around the village.

A series of break-ins across Aidensfield is the last thing Blaketon wants, especially whilst the chief constable is staying at Ashfordly Hall. Things get worse when the latest crime-spree hits the Ashfordly estate, leaving Nick caught in the middle of a feud between Lord Ashfordly and his former gamekeeper. Meanwhile, Kate discovers Susan Rawling is having an illegal abortion, and tries to convince her of the dangers that she may face. Susan ignores her advice and resorts to stealing from Greengrass to pay for it. However, when Susan is rushed to hospital, Kate makes a sickening discovery about the paternity of Susan's baby, leaving her questioning whether abortion may be the best option.

The fair is visiting Aidensfield and caravan site owner Edna Plummer uses the fair as a meeting place for her criminal brother, who receives some stolen paintings that have been transported from Holland. One of the paintings falls into the hands of Greengrass, who attempts to get himself out of trouble by offloading them to Dr Ferrenby. However, Ferrenby forces him to tell Nick what is going on, and the unlikely pair join forces to nail Edna and her smuggler associates. Meanwhile, Claire Mercer, one of Kate's patients, tells her that she suspects her son, Michael, is connected to the disappearance of two five-year-old boys.

When a stash of drugs is stolen from the surgery and Dr. Ferrenby is left critically injured, Nick discovers drug problems are at an increase in Aidensfield when one of Gina's friends suffers an overdose, and the case unexpectedly reunites Blaketon with his estranged son, Graham. Meanwhile, Kate grows concerned when Mavis Briggs, a sufferer of multiple miscarriages, announces she is pregnant once again. Greengrass is not happy when his car is stolen by the men who robbed the surgery.

Blaketon asks Nick to keep an eye on Stevie Walsh, recently released from prison after ten years for armed robbery. But Stevie is the least of their troubles when a thunderstorm causes a train to crash, leaving many of its passengers injured, including Gina's brother and Stevie himself. As Nick, Greengrass and George attempt to rescue everyone, Stevie elopes and discovers his wife is pregnant by another man and goes looking for revenge. But when his wife goes into labour, Kate finds herself trapped, and in the middle of a violent confrontation.

When a pawnbrokers is robbed in Ashfordly, Nick discovers Bellamy was supposed to be on the beat, but neglected his duty to go on a date. Investigating further, Nick finds the stolen items at a lock-up that is rented in Bellamy's name, and comes to the conclusion that someone is trying to frame his colleague. Blaketon is forced to suspend Bellamy, whilst Nick recruits Bellamy's date to help him clear the young officer's name. Meanwhile, Greengrass gets involved in a betting scam with ruthless businessman Jack Scarman, and spots a way to make money out of Scarman's greyhound.

A German called Victor Kellerman arrives in Aidensfield with the intention of making life miserable for local landowner Mr Lessor. When he attacks Lessor, Nick intervenes and finds himself in the middle of a feud dating back to WWII. As Nick attempts to stop Kellerman from turning into a murderer, he unearths horrifying secrets about both men's involvement in the war that makes him question who the real villain is. Meanwhile, Dr Ferrenby dies whilst fishing, sending shockwaves through the village, and turning Kate's world upside down. Greengrass helps gypsies organise a bare-fist fight.

Final appearance of Frank Middlemass as Dr Alec Ferrenby.

Nick and the team discover someone is out to sabotage a young woman's wedding, and when her ex-boyfriend makes a surprise return to Aidensfield declaring his love for her, suspicion falls on him. But Nick thinks otherwise. On the day of the wedding, the church is sabotaged, threatening the lives of everyone inside. Meanwhile, Kate receives a visit from her aunt Eileen and discovers she has inherited some money from her Uncle Henry. However, she refuses to take it. A suspicious Nick wonders what his wife is hiding. But Kate is unable to reveal her secret, knowing it would devastate her aunt, whilst an old friend of Greengrass's sells him stolen seafood which gives the villagers food poisoning. First appearance of Anne Stallybrass as Aunt Eileen.

An elderly woman called Jane Thompson is receiving threatening phone calls and reports that someone is lurking outside her house at night. Nick suspects landowner Raymond Walker, who is desperate to get his hands on Jane's cottage. But Blaketon is certain Jane's ruthless, money-driven son-in-law, Eric, is the culprit. When Jane's cottage is sold and she is placed in a nursing home, Nick becomes personally involved in the case and sets out to nail Eric. Meanwhile, Greengrass takes the law into his own hands when he is nearly killed by a farmer whilst walking his dog on the moors. Ventress develops a strong bond with a kitten and hides it at the police station.

When a DJ is assaulted at the village hall dance, Nick suspects drugs were being used. However, a witness claims that Blaketon's estranged son Graham is the attacker. Graham claims that he was trying to prevent the DJ for dealing drugs to youngsters. As Nick investigates Graham's claims and attempts to flush out any drug dealers in the village, Blaketon is finally forced to confront his mistakes with his ex-wife. Meanwhile, Greengrass delivers a note to Betty Such from her late husband, and discovers he has left her a large amount of money. The trouble is, it was buried along with his coffin, so Greengrass, Betty and Betty's son plot to retrieve the fortune.

When David Stockwell reports an illegal badger digging ring in the woods, his mother is involved in a hit-and-run accident. When Nick questions Mrs Stockwell, she insists that she fell, leaving Nick wondering if she is covering up for someone. Suspecting Mrs Stockwell's friend, Harry Capshaw, is up to no good, Blaketon is forced to allow David to work with the team to bring him down. Meanwhile, Greengrass sells shares of a racehorse to George, but he lands both of them in trouble with the other shareholders. Ventress is revising for his Sergeant's exam, and uses it to get out of working.

First appearance of David Lonsdale as David Stockwell.

An American motorcyclist called Charlie arrives in Aidensfield. He causes friction in the village when people express their views on outsiders. One of the residents who wants Charlie out of Aidensfield is a Korean war veteran called Laski. Charlie makes it clear he's going nowhere by starting a relationship with Gina. But it seems Laski has a very personal vendetta against Charlie, and with Nick struck down with flu, Blaketon and Bellamy must investigate this strange rivalry and put a stop to it. Meanwhile, Greengrass buys a couple of classic English motor bikes, and hopes to make a quick deal with Charlie's contacts, whilst Gina considers a life away from Aidensfield.

Inspector Crossley arrives in Aidensfield and is not impressed when he discovers Nick is using the police house as a surgery, and Blaketon has taken leave to be with his son Graham before his trial. At the same time, the villagers head off to Whitby, where Gina hopes to boost her singing career. On the beach, Nick comes to the aid of a young girl, setting off a tragic chain of events. Meanwhile, Kate fears for her job as Crossley demands that she close the surgery at the house. However, she receives a job offer from Dr James Radcliff. But the job is in Whitby, and Nick makes it clear that he has no plans on leaving Aidensfield. Greengrass gets into trouble with the Inland Revenue, and Kate grows worried for his health.

Inspector Crossley thinks that there is a wild animal that has escaped from a zoo (far away) and is attacking the local sheep; the joke is they blame a harmless dog. Dr Rowan finds a new job but runs into a problem with the receptionist.

Dr Rowan solves a case that the police inspector Crossley thought he was doing a good job with.

Final appearance of Russell Boulter as Inspector Crossley and first appearance of Karen Meagher as Inspector Murchison.

A dog causes all the problems that could have been avoided if it had gone through quarantine after it came from another country.

PC Rowan goes undercover to catch some smugglers, leaving sergeant Blaketon on the beat breathing down Greengrass' neck trying to find what he is up to. Dr Rowan tries to help a teenage girl.

A mother who gave up her child for adoption runs into problems.

Gina gets followed home by another car, and the female police inspector makes it looks like she started it.

A man who lost his memory for eight years turns up in town. Greengrass is bothered by someone who got carried away with the plot of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.

A wife runs into trouble by having a lover. Greengrass is keen to get his hands on the belongings of someone who just died.

A Russian sailor wants political asylum. Two children from a school class outing think they are doing good to stalk him.

A WW2 army officer has an old shed of old army surplus stock to make the show go off with a bang, but not before some children have a bit of fun. Greengrass shows how to fish with a hand grenade to get some quick money. Lord Ashfordly is not pleased the next morning with his fast-depleted stock level of trout.

Roof lead is disappearing from around the village. Dr Rowan tells Nick she is pregnant.

A man and his brother are always fighting, so his wife runs away. Gina gets a visit from a old friend.

The night time painter has a hatred towards factory poultry farming. Greengrass gets egg on his face with his latest money earning scheme.

A man arrives in the village to find he's taken the wrong suitcase from the train, which uncovers a family secret. Greengrass dog race training for Alfred at the fair does not go to plan.

Greengrass sets out to trace a relative with Gina's help. A farmer has his sheep set loose.

A sick little boy would be best treated overseas, trees disappear and someone uses Greengrass's truck.

It is silly season for the bikies. Nurse Maggie Bolton appears and seems to be well known. The case of most of the missing gold bars is solved.

First appearance of Kazia Pelka's as Nurse Maggie Bolton.

Three boys get up to mischief. A Gipsy woman comes to town and puts a hex on Greengrass.

Petrol disappears from cars. PC Rowan has to attend to his wife after they get a daughter.

Final appearance of Niamh Cusack as Kate Rowan.

First appearance of Diane Langton as Ruby Rowan.

It's about six weeks later. Ruby Rowan is back. Two neighbors get a peace plan thanks to PC Rowan. Greengrass is out of pocket again thanks to his nephew.

Diane Langton as Ruby Rowan

A house is for sale that was promised to someone else. Ruby tries to light up Sgt Blaketon, but he is too slow to rush in. Eileen is back.

Diane Langton as Ruby Rowan.

A German visits and ignites hatred. A couple make their 50th visit for their wedding anniversary, but the husband has had enough of the same thing every year.

A wife takes the car out on a joyride but her problems are far worse than that. Gina gets into pigeon racing. The father and daughter staying at the Aidensfield Arms make another worry.

A electrical storm runs past the town and PC Alf Ventress sees a UFO that gets the police worried.

A strange person with a bag over their head causes havoc in the town residences. A road accident causes an unneeded problem.

The horse fixing game is what is on someone's mind. A past friend of PC Rowan comes to visit him.

A house gets robbed, then, soon after, the husband has a heart attack.

As Greengrass and David are digging the foundations for PC PC Alf Ventress' new home, a bomb is discovered.

Sergeant Blaketon follows Greengrass into a cave, who is looking for lost history. There is a cave-in; they both get out, but then Blaketon has the bed next to Greengrass in hospital.

PC Rowan becomes a DJ with the local pirate radio station. Greengrass runs into problems making his own whiskey.

Sergeant Blaketon is more interested in the activities of the football club he is president of. A boy gets admitted to hospital; his father should have listened to Nurse Maggie Bolton.

First appearance of Juliette Gruber as Jo Weston.