<P> Cowley's two best agents are Ray Doyle (Shaw) and William Bodie (Collins). Doyle is an ex-detective constable who has worked the seedier parts of London, while Bodie is an ex-paratrooper, mercenary and Special Air Service sergeant . Of the two, Doyle is the softer, compassionate and more thoughtful character, while Bodie is ruthless and more willing to take on criminals on their own terms . That said, Doyle is more hot - headed and tended to rush in, while Bodie waits for the shooting to start . </P> <P> While polar opposites, Bodie and Doyle have a deep and enduring friendship, and are almost inseparable . Although their loyalty to Cowley is beyond question, they have no qualms about disobeying orders if it means getting the right result, either for the case or themselves . </P> <P> Initially, Anthony Andrews was contracted to play Bodie, but he and Shaw did not have the chemistry that Clemens was looking for . As Shaw was deemed to have more' screen presence' Andrews was dropped, and Clemens hired Collins in his place . Shaw and Collins had played villains in an episode of The New Avengers ("Obsession") together, and reportedly had not got on with each other . Ironically, since this was the reason Collins was brought into the production, he and Shaw became friends off - screen, although they managed to keep up the on screen chemistry and abrasiveness of Bodie and Doyle's relationship . The Collins character had signed off in the 1977 New Avengers episode with "Maybe we should work together again . We're a good team ." The first Professionals episode was produced later the same year . </P> <P> Clemens intended to write two or three establishing episodes and then hand over to other writers, but their scripts were uneven and lacked the energy and pace needed . Clemens re-wrote nearly 10 scripts for the first series episodes and took a direct hands - on approach to the filming . In later series, with the format established and the writers and directors familiar with the show, he took a more leisurely approach behind the scenes . </P>

Who played bodie and doyle in the professionals