Kent capped a year where his villainy dominated events by committing a second murder, throwing the sniper he colluded with off a fifth-storey balcony to his death to stop him being arrested.

UKTV Gold showed several classic episodes over the course of two days, with special scenes in between that gave the impression that several characters were reminiscing over the last 21 years at Sun Hill.

Sergeant June Ackland, trainee DC Gary Best and PCs Tony Stamp & Reg Hollis were joined by former series regular George Garfield.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, ITV broadcast two special episodes; Sergeant June Ackland and DC Jim Carver, who were the protagonists of the pilot Woodentop, married after being close friends for the entirety of their time at Sun Hill together.

While actress Lisa Geoghan chose to leave due to family commitments, she was the fifth actor with over ten years' experience on the show to have left since Marquess took over; however, her character Polly Page was one of two not to be killed off as part of their exit storyline.