NEW Tricks star James Bolam has dramatically quit the hit show — just days after the BBC announced it is planning a ninth series with the "dream team" cast.
The show is the Beeb's most popular drama with regular viewing figures around the 10 million mark.

James, 76, stars with Amanda Redman, Dennis Waterman and Alun Armstrong as an ex-cop working on old cases.

But he believes the format is tired and wants to end on a high.

Executive producer Richard Burrell said: "We are very sorry to see him go."