List of The Bill Characters (A-D) - A - Luke Ashton

PC Luke Ashton first arrived at Sun Hill in December 1997,Fresh out of Hendon and being puppy walked by PC Tony Stamp. As a probationer, he was a likeable lad, excited about starting work but with little idea of what he'd let himself in for. He found his feet eventually but along the way took several dents to his confidence and began to doubt his suitability for the Job. On one of his first shifts, he tried in vain to tempt a suicidal man down from a roof, but felt devastated when he failed to prevent him from jumping to his death. After his initially bumpy ride, Ashton rediscovered his enthusiasm for the job but further mistakes and miscalculations led to his puppy walking period being extended. Despite this, he settled in and became an accepted and likeable member of the relief - although never really being allowed to forget he was the baby of the team. Luke's first tenure only lasted two years, after he left Sun Hill in 1999 after clashing immediately with new PC Dale Smith on his arrival at the station in 1999. Relations between the two became strained when Smith was attacked and Ashton arrived on the scene, too late to assist and with Smith accusing Ashton of cowardice. Ashton became determined to salvage his reputation, but after failing to prevent an ex-crack addict kill his daughter and himself, he left the Police Force, having decided he was not cut out for it. Following his backpacking experience to Sudan he later returned in 2002, to prove he could succeed where he failed before. He came back a more mature, stronger personality with greater self-esteem and confidence in his own abilities and judgement. His colleagues found him far less susceptible to wind-ups and able to take dangerous situations in his stride. In many ways, he saw his return to Sun Hill as a chance to wipe the slate clean. He soon fell for fellow officer, Kerry Young. As their romance built, they decided to marry. However, it is revealed that Luke is secretly gay and trying to keep this a secret from the rest of the relief. While at Sun Hill, he shares a kiss with Craig Gilmore, the day before he is due to marry Kerry, he ends up in bed with Craig. On the morning of the wedding, the two men are lying in bed together, while the wedding guests are waiting. Gina Gold goes looking for Luke and walks in on the two men. Kerry announced she was pregnant but later had a miscarriage. After finding out Luke was gay, she later ended their marriage despite his protests. After battling to come to terms with his sexuality, he eventually came out to the rest of the relief. Luke once again transferred out of Sun Hill to another station deciding it was the best thing for both him and Kerry despite him still loving her and caring about her leaving Kerry heartbroken.