BILL TREACHER (Father Alistair) trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, appeared in rep, made his West End debut in Shout for Life and subsequently guested in a number of classic television series including Minder, The Sweeney, The Professionals, Dixon of Dock Green and Z Cars. His West End theatre career continued with many hit comedies with Brian Rix's Theatre of Laughter; a long run in Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage, plus other notable West End successes.
In late 1984, Bill was cast as Arthur Fowler in Eastenders and appeared in the very first episode in February 1985. He played the role for the next 11 years and received huge critical and popular acclaim for his performance, especially for his portrayal of Arthur's mental decline and subsequent nervous breakdown. Since leaving Eastenders, Bill has made several films including The Musketeer, Tale of the Mummy and George and the Dragon. He also guest starred in The Bill in 2006, and Casualty in 2007.
Bill came out of retirement to play the part of Father Alistair in Coming Home. 'What decided me,' said Bill 'was, firstly, I liked Rebecca Atkinson's script and then I just loved the name of the company, Mutt and Jeff Pictures. It made me laugh!'
By chance Bill was filming his scenes on the same day as Helen Fraser and they met up at the crew lunch. 'We've known each other since the 1970s', said Bill, 'I think, we met doing the Dick Emery Show together. Helen's a wonderful actress - in both comedy and straight roles. It was a joy to see her again.'