Blair's father-in-law to play role in The Bill

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s father-in-law has been signed up for a part in TV show The Bill, it was announced today.

Actor Tony Booth will play the warden of an old people’s home in the episodes to be screened this summer.

The 70-year-old father of Cherie Blair is best known for his role as Alf Garnett’s ‘‘Scouse git’’ son-in-law in 1960s sitcom ‘Til Death Us Do Part.

His most recent role was in Channel 5 soap Family Affairs and he is also a vociferous campaigner for pensioners’ rights.

Booth is filming his scenes and a spokeswoman for The Bill said: ‘‘It’s great that Tony is appearing on the show and we’re delighted to have him on board.’’

The ITV1 series is about to undergo major changes as five of the regular cast members are wiped out in a blaze at Sun Hill.

Viewers tomorrow will see them die when thugs petrol bomb the police station in the climax of a race war storyline.