This December marks the 40th anniversary of London’s Burning, the iconic ITV drama that focused on firefighters and staff at the fictional Blackwall station.

The show, which started as a movie before running from 1986 until 2002, continued ITV’s streak with show based on the emergency services, which included the likes of The Bill and Peak Practice.

During its 14-season run, the show welcomed a wide cast of characters and featured several hard-hitting storylines. Alongside the on-screen action, characters often had to deal with racial prejudices, while female firefighters also had to contend with sexism.

But have you ever wondered what the original stars of the show are currently doing now? See what the show’s original cast are up to 40 years after the show first aired…James Marcus in a still from A Clockwork Orange© Alamy Stock Photo

James rose to fame in A Clockwork Orange

James Marcus

James first rose to fame in 1971 when he starred in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, where he played Georgie. Throughout the decade, he continued starring in the likes of The Chinese Puzzle, Doctor Who and Minder before appearing in London’s Burning as ADO Sidney Tate.

Sidney was known for his old-fashioned approach to firefighting, balking at the idea of having a woman on the force, and he ultimately departed the serial at the end of its season after he failed a routine medical.

James racked up several further credits after departing the serial, appearing in Woof!, Heartbeat and EastEnders, before leaving the profession in 2001. James died at the age of 77 on 4 May 2020, with his death being kept a secret until August 2024 when Equity announced that he had passed away.

Sean Blowers at an awards event© Alamy Stock Photo

Sean also has credits in Game of Thrones

Sean Blowers

Sean was part of London’s Burning for nine seasons, playing Sub Officer John Hallam. Although the character was often overlooked for promotions, he wasn’t short of bravery, testifying against another station who had racially harassed a colleague.

During his time on the show, the character also dealt with the trauma of being buried alive and his relationship with wife Sandra. He was memorably killed off in the ninth season after a gantry collapsed during a warehouse fire.

Sean has had plenty of credits since starring in the show, including in the likes of The Bill, Doctor Who, Heartbeat, New Tricks, Casualty, The Krays and Black Beauty. He also appeared in Game of Thrones, playing Wyman Manderly.

Rupert Baker in a still from London's Burning© Alamy Stock Photo

Rupert has had a successful career

Rupert Baker

Rupert played senior firefighter Malcolm Cross for five years on the long-running serial, with the character departing at the end of the fifth season after moving to Belgium.

Alongside this, Rupert has had roles in Lipstick on Your Collar, Bugs, The Bill and Rosamunde Pilcher.

Gerard Horan© Alamy Stock Photo

Gerard has appeared in several major British shows

Gerard Horan

Gerard played firefighter Leslie ‘Charisma’ Appleby in the first two seasons, the character earning his nickname owing to his lack of charisma. He left at the end of the second season taking up a brigade staff job, but made an unexpected return for the show’s seventh season, although he only remained for the series.

Away from the show, Gerard is known for his roles in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, My Family, Doctor Who, Doc Martin, Cinderella, Murder on the Orient Express and Death in Paradise.

Mark Arden© Alamy Stock Photo

Mark’s character expressed racist and sexist views

Mark Arden

Mark played firefighter Roland ‘Vaseline’ Cartwright, who was known for his sexist and racist attitudes, although these started softening as the series went on. Mark only appeared in the show for two seasons with the character being killed off after his breathing apparatus malfunctioned during an underwater rescue.

Since starring in London’s Burning, Mark has appeared in the likes of Blackadder, Lazarus and Dingwall, Carry On Columbus and Endeavour.

Katharine Rogers in a still from London's Burning

Katharine’s character created a stir in the station

Katharine Rogers

Katharine played Josie Ingham on London’s Burning, with the character earning the ire of her fellow firefighters due to her gender. One hard-hitting storyline saw her fall victim to an attempted rape, later unexpectedly meeting her attacker in a store. The character departed at the end of the third season after transferring to another station, although she made a cameo appearance in the fourth season.

Katharine has since picked up credits in Springhill, Merseybeat, EastEnders and The Good Karma Hospital.

Black-and-white image of Richard Walsh in London's Burning© Alamy Stock Photo

Richard appeared in the show for 12 seasons!

Richard Walsh

Richard ended up being one of the longest-running actors on the show, appearing in 12 seasons as firefighter Bert ‘Sicknote’ Quigley, who was famed for being a hypochondriac. Known for his interest in social issues, the character even ended up becoming an elected councillor for the Green Party. Richard’s time on the show came to an end when Sicknote was killed off following an explosion at a fireworks factory.

Richard, who is married to the actress Sarah Keller, has also appeared in Midsomer Murders, Doctors and Heartbeat.

James Hazeldine with a white dog© Alamy Stock Photo

James died in 2002

James Hazeldine

James was part of London’s Burning for nine years, playing firefighter Mike ‘Bayleaf’ Wilson. Mike was a mess manager at the station and was known for his relationship with Clare, leaving the force after the eighth season to set up a restaurant with her. He briefly returned for the ninth season to attend John Hallam’s funeral.

As well as an impressive stage career, James appeared in the likes of Business as Usual and Harold Shipman: Doctor Death. He is also the father of actor Sam Hazeldine, who has starred in Bridget Jones and Peaky Blinders.

James died at the age of 55 on 17 December 2002 after falling ill after a production of The Talking Cure. His cause of death was an aortic dissection caused by complications from a previous triple heart bypass.

Glen Murphy at a film premiere© Alamy Stock Photo

Glen was the show’s last original character

Glen Murphy

Glen played firefighter George Green in all 14 seasons of the show, known for his numerous relationships and old-fashioned views about women in the workplace.

The father-of-four has also appeared in The Bill, Tank Malling, Fathers of Girls and Lords of London.

Ross Boatman at the Woman In Mind premiere© Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Ross is also a professional poker player

Ross Boatman

Ross appeared in London’s Burning’s first eight seasons, where he played firefighter Kevin Medhurst. Known for his fiery temper and answering back to senior colleagues, he left the show after his relationship with Remy ended, but he briefly returned in the 12th season for a fellow colleague’s wedding.

Ross has also appeared in the likes of Mum and Stay Close, and since 2021, he has played taxi driver Harvey Monroe on EastEnders, earning the Best Newcomer Award at the 2022 British Soap Awards.

Alongside acting, Ross is a professional poker player, and part of the famed Hendon Mob. He has earned an estimated $2 million in earnings from tournaments.

Treva Etienne wearing a grey suit© WireImage

Treva has appeared in several Hollywood films

Treva Etienne

Treva played firefighter Tony Sanderson in the show, with the character being part of an interracial marriage with Dorothy. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Tony found love again with Jenny, departing from the station to run a boutique with her.

Since starring in the ITV hit show, Treva has acted in major Hollywood movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Black Hawk Down and Bad Boys II.