Inside ITV Taggart cast's lives now from new careers, health battles and heartbreaking tragedy

Daily Record

10-05-2025

The ITV Glasgow based police drama became one of the UK's longest-running television programmes having first aired in 1983 and ended in 2010 after 110 episodes and 27 seasons.
Scottish ITV series Taggart was known as one of the UK's longest running shows, airing from 1983 until it was finally axed in 2010. The hit programme, which had a total of 27 seasons, followed a group of detectives as they solved crimes around Glasgow.
Taggart tethered on the brink of cancellation in 2009 despite still bringing in a whopping 5.2m viewers. The show aired its last episode after a run of 110 episodes, prompting an announcement on the Taggart website: "This programme is now over."
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But where are the cast now? Here we take a look back at some of the beloved fan favourites from the Taggart cast which long time viewers are sure to recognise.
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Here is what they have been up to since the show came to an end from personal tragedies and heartbreak to new day jobs.
Mark McManus
Mark McManus found fame as the tough DCI Jim Taggart when the series premiered in 1983.
McManus, who stumbled upon acting without any grand aspirations, famously acknowledged: "I had no great talent as an actor, but I learned the techniques and applied myself."
The actor became known for his famous catchphrase: "There's been a murder". McManus sadly passed away following pneumonia complications in 1994 at the age of 59.
Alastair Duncan
Alastair Duncan made a splash in 1983 as DS Peter Livingstone, partner to Mark McManus's character on the beloved detective show.
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However, the Edinburgh-born actor had bigger aspirations and left Taggart behind for a career in Hollywood.
His credits include appearances on hit shows like Mad Men and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and he later ventured into voice acting for video games.
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After divorcing Breaking Bad actress Anna Gunn in 2008, the father of two stepped back from the spotlight, opting to sell luxury properties in Hollywood instead. He previously shared with The Sun: "I sell Hollywood homes."
There were even whispers suggesting the actor-turned-businessman now lives among Hollywood elites like Bruno Mars and Charlize Theron.
Iain Anders
Iain Anders became part of the Taggart ensemble back in 1985, stepping into the shoes of Superintendent Jack McVitie, earning himself the cheeky moniker "The Biscuit" along the way.
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The actor graced 40 episodes before his untimely passing in 1997 at the age of 64.
James MacPherson
James Macpherson stepped into the sidekick role as a detective after Alastair Duncan's departure.
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Following the death of Mark McManus in 1994, James advanced to become DCI Michael Jardine, only to leave in 2002 following health concerns involving a collapsed lung.
In the aftermath, James established an acting company with actress Emma Currie and featured in numerous theatre productions. More recently, he notably voiced the biography of Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Blythe Duff
Blythe Duff remained on Taggart for an impressive 31 years, becoming one of its longest-standing cast members shortly after James MacPherson.
She brought WPC Jackie Reid to life, holding the role close to her heart, as she expressed to the Scots Magazine: "I liked the character. She was straightforward, unfussy and a big part of my life. I had a good amount of input on set and I guarded the character ferociously."
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Beyond the screen, Blythe even tied the knot with a police officer and later pursued roles on the West End.
Her recent credits include portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall in 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'.
John Michie
John took on the role of DI Robbie Ross in 1998 and stayed with the show until it wrapped up.
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The actor is perhaps the most recognisable in the soap world, having transitioned from solving murders in Maryhill to walking the cobbles on Coronation Street and navigating hospital wards in Holby City.
John experienced a devastating family loss when his 24-year-old daughter Louella passed away at Bestival in Dorset after consuming recreational drugs.
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Alex Norton
Alex is best known for his portrayal of the straight-talking DCI Matt Burke in Taggart from 2002 until the show's end.
The actor has had a successful career, featuring in high-profile films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Les Miserables and Braveheart.
Alex has also made appearances on BBC's Waterloo Road.
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Colin McCredie
In 1995, Colin joined the Taggart squad as DC Stuart Fraser, securing his prominent role.
He continued with the show until its conclusion in 2010 and has since featured in the soap opera River City.
In 2014, Colin also made an appearance on CBeebies in the series Woolly and Tig, acting alongside his young daughter.