Entertainment

Star of The Bill tries to kill himself

Jan 10 12:02pm

Jeff Stewart, the longest-serving star on hit UK TV drama The Bill, has tried to kill himself after having his contract on The Bill terminated.

British Press has reported that Stewart, who played fan favourite, PC Reg Hollis ("Reggie Babe"), slashed his wrists on Monday after being told he had been sacked.

The 52-year-old actor was the only original 1984 cast member left on the show, which is one of ABC TV's most popular programs. Fans of the show have watched Reg for years and shared his life as he kept devastating secrets, fell in love, lost his soul mate Marilyn and even started his own podcast.

Stewart cut his wrists in his dressing room at the south London studios where the show is filmed but then telephoned for help. Staff swiftly called for an ambulance. Stewart is now in hospital recovering.

27 Comments Report Abuse

1. grakatoz - Jan 10 12:56pm

Give him a 'spin-off' series. "Hollis, PI" anyone? Hollis really is a very popular character, and Stewart deserves better. He's not the first (attempted) suicide after being axed from the Bill.

2. lovemyfruit2007 - Jan 10 01:10pm

Who are the other people grakatoz? OMG, this is terrible news.

3. terry_griffiths2000 - Jan 10 02:40pm

Very sad that it should come to this, I am sure that he would have been snapped up by another program

4. johnabbavaccari - Jan 10 03:05pm

Jeff has long been one of the shining lights in this often vastly overrated copshop-soapie...onward and upward squire! You can do better once you're better!

5. slygathor - Jan 10 03:22pm

Reg is the bomb and he MAKES that show! How dare they.

6. jen_ny_67 - Jan 10 04:00pm

you are a great there will be work lines up for you

7. janjewson - Jan 10 07:39pm

Jeff Stewart "Reggie" - You are the Bill mate. What are the writers thinking about?

8. sanjadapark - Jan 10 08:36pm

jeff "reggie", you are a funny , decent , honest & a great person , these are the things sadly that is lacking in most people today ..

9. mike_beamish2000 - Jan 10 08:50pm

Hey, Reggie babe don't be an idiot, it ain't worth it. And to the producers - revisit your thoughts, this is one of the mains stays and bright lights in a sometimes dull sky...in fact it is time to elevate this character and give him a more interesting and prominent part. - how about Sargent Reg???