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Blue Heeler sees red

ACTOR John Wood has slammed Channel 7's treatment of Blue Heelers after the network axed the show and moved it to a Saturday night timeslot. Wood, who has been nominated for a Gold Logie for the 10th straight year, a record, said it was "very disappointing" that hardly anybody was watching the final few episodes of the drama.

"My understanding was that the 500th episode, which I thought was the best thing I had ever done anywhere, bombed," he said.

"I think it was watched by nobody."

The show was moved to Saturday nights after being axed last year, and has struggled against the loyal audience of The Bill on ABC and the football on Channel 9.

With new SMS and phone voting, and a grass-roots campaign around the country getting behind him, this year may be the year for Wood.

He said he was usually blase about the awards, but being nominated for 10 years in a row was quite a record.

"I actually feel really proud of the fact that's what's happened," he said.

"Suddenly, for the first time, I would actually quite like to win."

Nova 100's Michelle Anderson is running a campaign for Wood, and has had T-shirts made up in his honour: "Ten years, it's high time the pillar of society and acting god that is John Wood be rewarded with gold."

Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon has also thrown her support behind Wood.

To vote for Wood, phone 1902 559 598 or SMS 199 888 22.

By Luke Dennehy
April 29, 2006
The Herald Sun