DI Frank Burnside is a fictional character from the British television series The Bill. He is portrayed as a tough and no-nonsense detective inspector known for his unorthodox methods and strong personality. Burnside often finds himself at odds with his superiors due to his aggressive approach to policing. The character was played by actor Christopher Ellison and first appeared in the show in the late 1980s. Burnside became a prominent figure in the series, known for his dedication to fighting crime and his complex relationships with other characters, including his colleagues in the Sun Hill police station.