New Tricks’ Jack Halford died of cancer in the crime drama series, due to actor James Bolam opting to leave the show during the filming of season eight.
New Tricks premiered in 2003 on BBC One, and the crime drama series was an immediate hit with viewers as it would run for 12 seasons.
During season eight, the show lost its first main character, Jack Halford, as he died of cancer following resigning from the Unsolved Crimes and Open Case Squad (UCOS).
What was New Tricks?
Created by Nigel McCrery and Roy Mitchell in 2003, New Tricks first premiered on BBC One. In total, the series would run for 12 seasons until 2015, when it ended its run on the channel.
The hit crime drama series was premised on, “Three retired police officers are drafted in to solve cold cases, with a touch of comedy and drama.”
Why did Jack leave New Tricks?
Detective Chief Superintendent Jack Halford was introduced during the first season as a retiree who comes back to the force to help in establishing the UCOS.
However, during season eight, he hands in his resignation and months later dies from cancer in the world of the story.
However, in reality, Jack’s death was a result of James Bolam’s decision to leave the show during the filming of the eighth season.
Why did James Bolam leave New Tricks?
James Bolam’s exit was announced following the conclusion of season eight in 2011. Reasons for his exit were never shared, but it is alleged that he was unhappy with the format of the series.
Moreover, he was unhappy with the extent of “meddling” by the producers of the series.
New Tricks producer promise Jack’s return
While the news of James Bolam leaving New Tricks surprised fans, the series producer wished him well and asserted that they were in discussions to bring him back for an episode during season nine.
However, the matter was unconfirmed until Bolam did in fact return for a special episode in season nine.
Why did Bolam return to New Tricks?
In 2012, James Bolam returned for a special episode which marked the final episode of series original, Amanda Redman.
Bolam reprised his role as Jack Halford, however, his cameo appearance was as a ghost visiting the woman and friend that had brought him out of retirement to establish the UCOS.
Final thoughts
One of the most popular crime drama series to have aired on BBC One was 2003’s New Tricks, as it ran for 12 seasons on the channel.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jack Halford marked the first major upset as he died of cancer on the series during season eight.