HIS role in ITV s The Bill has made him one of television s most recognised police officers – but now Andrew Paul has turned his attention to a tool box. The actor, who is from North London, will be playing the leading role in Richard Harris witty comedy

HIS role in ITV's The Bill has made him one of television's most recognised police officers - but now Andrew Paul has turned his attention to a tool box.

The actor, who is from North London, will be playing the leading role in Richard Harris' witty comedy, The Maintenance Man, at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage from September 5-9.

Andrew said: "I play a do-it-yourself enthusiast who has to be needed by the woman in his life.

"It's a brilliant chronicle of a marriage break-up. It's dark because there's a lot of tragedy, but very well written."

Andrew has been a professional actor since the age of 14.

He said; "I had a natural ability from a young age so acting became something that I always wanted to do."

Andrew became famous for his role of Pc Dave Quinnan in The Bill from 1989-2002.

He said: "I had more than 12 fantastic years on The Bill and was part of some brilliant episodes. I loved 99 per cent of it, but started to get itchy feet about two years before I left."

Since then Andrew has appeared in Holby City and EastEnders, and is currently playing widowed Billy Boothe in ITV's Where the Heart Is.

His other television credits include The Sweeney, Inspector Morse and Bugsy Malone.

His early television work was followed by several theatre appearances, including the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He said: "Working on stage is a completely different discipline which I believe is technically more difficult than television.

"But if I had to choose between theatre and television it would probably be theatre because it is what introduced me to the job I do now.

"I take each job offer on its merit."

Speaking of The Maintenance Man, Andrew said: "It is an emotional play so expect to laugh and cry if you go and see it."

Call the box office on 08700 131030 for tickets (£11.50-£16.50) or visit the website at www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Performances begin at 7.45pm and matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.