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Mike 'Bayleaf' Wilson
Bayleaf
Rank Fire Fighter
Station Blackwall Fire Station
Spouse(s) Karen Wilson (divorced)

Clare Wilson

Relatives Melanie Wilson (to Karen)
Played by James Hazeldine
First appearance TV Movie (1986)
Last appearance Series 9, Episode 6 (1996)

Michael (Mike) David Wilson, nicknamed "Bayleaf", was a firefighter at Blackwall Fire Station before retiring from the watch at the end of series 8 to run a restaurant. Bayleaf was also the Watch's mess manager from the pilot movie until series 6, when he handed the role over to Billy Ray. He was one of the series' longest-serving characters, appearing in 83 episodes as well as the pilot movie. He was portrayed by the late James Hazeldine.

Biography[]

Mike Wilson joined the brigade in 1970 and was a popular and well-respected member of Blue Watch, being the second longest-serving member after Station Officer Tate. He got his nickname from his role as mess manager, although later in series 6 he let Billy Ray take over the role. Bayleaf often provided a sympathetic ear for other members of the watch, who would confide in him with their problems. He received his 20 year service medal in series 3. During series 1 he became estranged from his first wife Karen, with whom he had a daughter, Melanie. He was granted custody of Melanie after Karen suffered a mental breakdown.

Bayleaf was close to firewoman Josie Ingham and they had a brief fling. He then met Clare, a fireman's widow, after Sandra Hallam set up a blind date for them. Eventually he and Clare married. Karen returned in series 5 determined to regain custody of Melanie, and then kidnapped her. A private investigator located Melanie in Spain, so Bayleaf flew over and brought her back home with him.

Bayleaf was called upon to climb a high rise crane to talk down a mentally disturbed young man who was threatening to commit suicide. He almost succeeded, until the man was frightened by a passing helicopter and fell to his death. While rushing to a shout, Bayleaf swerved to avoid a speeding motorcyclist and crashed the appliance into a car, resulting in one of the car's passengers being paralyzed. He subsequently had nightmares about the accident and received death threats from a relative of the victim. He also fell out with Geoff Pearce, who claimed not to have seen the motorcyclist. He was later cleared in court of any wrongdoing.

After a series of near misses, including being buried alive during the 20 pump warehouse shout, assaulted by an escapee at a young offenders prison, and almost being hit by a falling manhole cover, Bayleaf began to consider his future in the Brigade. He and Claire bought a restaurant in Littlehampton, and after being conned by their business partner, decided to put all their efforts into turning the restaurant around. Despite Nick's efforts to dissuade him, Bayleaf was adamant and went through with his decision to retire from the service. He returned to Blackwall to be a pallbearer at John Hallam's funeral.

Appearances[]

See also: Mike 'Bayleaf' Wilson/Appearances

Bayleaf made 84 appearances in London's Burning between 1986 and 1996.

Gallery[]

Blue Watch
STATION OFFICERS: Sidney TateNick GeorgiadisChris HammondJohn ColemanMick Callaghan
SUB OFFICERS: John HallamCarole Webb
LEADING FIREFIGHTERS: Malcolm CrossGeoff PearceDan Barratt
FIREFIGHTERS: Lesley 'Charisma' ApplebyKenny 'Rambo' BainesAdam BenjaminGregg Blake
Roland 'Vaseline' CartwrightSally FieldsGeorge GreenJosie InghamAndreas 'Ethnic' Lewis
Stuart 'Recall' MacKenzieCharlie MeadKevin MedhurstFrank MooneyJack MorganChris 'Skippy' Newman
Colin ParrishBert 'Sicknote' QuigleyBilly RaySally ReidCraig RossTony SandersonRob 'Hyper' Sharpe
Ronnie 'Hi Ho' SilverKate StevensJoe WalkerMike 'Bayleaf' Wilson
MISC: Lloyd AndersonVernon 'Clingfilm' ChiversMelissa ClarkeLiver SaltsCarmen MillerJaffa Parrish
SparkyWebley
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