Heartbeat was a British drama television series that aired from April 10, 1992, to September 12, 2010. The show was produced by ITV and became one of the network’s most popular series during its long-running 18-year span.
Set primarily in the fictional village of Aidensfield and the nearby town of Ashfordly in the Yorkshire countryside during the 1960s, Heartbeat combined elements of drama, comedy, and nostalgia in its depiction of rural life.
But one of the most memorable parts of the programme was the theme tune, which became synonymous with the feeling that Sunday evenings were drawing to a close.
Just listening to the credits would transport many of us back to the 90s – but did you ever stop to think about who sang the theme tune?
The iconic track was actually performed by Nick Berry. The now-retired actor and pop singer is best known for playing PC Nick Rowan in Heartbeat from 1992 to 1998.
Before Heartbeat, Nick Berry was also well-known for his role as Simon Wicks in the BBC soap EastEnders, which he played from 1985 to 1990. His character was very popular, and Berry even released a single, “Every Loser Wins”, in 1986 as part of a storyline in EastEnders. The song became a UK No. 1 hit.
But, little you may know, he actually performed the theme song from Heartbeat, which was a cover of the Buddy Holly song “Heartbeat”, in 1992. Nick, now 61, managed to get the track to number two in the charts.
In addition to acting, Nick Berry pursued a brief career in music, although his primary recognition remains tied to his television roles. Since leaving the limelight in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nick Berry has lived a more private life, largely stepping back from acting to focus on his family.
That hasn’t stopped people from asking for the iconic show to be brought back to our screens, though. On X, one commenter urged: “ITV should bring back Heartbeat. A 50-something Nick Rowan returns to 1990s Aidensfield. Expect white jeans, baggy suits and lad-culture adventures soundtracked by Britpop.”