The Bill's Reg Hollis cuts wrists after sacking
By Aislinn Simpson
Last Updated: 1:56AM GMT 10 Jan 2008
An actor in the long-running police television drama The Bill has been released from hospital after slashing his wrists apparently in response to being sacked.
Jeff Stewart, aged 52, has played PC Reg Hollis in the show since it started in 1984.
He slashed his wrists shortly after a meeting at the show's London studios where he was told his character was to be axed.
"We can confirm an incident occurred following a meeting with Jeff Stewart, when it was discussed that Jeff’s contract would not be renewed," a spokesman for the ITV1 show’s producers, Talkback Thames, said.
"Our primary concern is for Jeff Stewart's welfare. We are doing everything we can to ensure Jeff is getting the help he needs, and would ask that his privacy is respected at this difficult time. All our best wishes are with Jeff."
A London Ambulance spokesman said they were called to Deer Park Road in South West London, where the studio is based, at around 5.50pm on Tuesday evening.
"We sent an ambulance and our staff treated an adult male and took him to hospital," he added.
It is thought Mr Stewart was taken to St George's Hospital in nearby Tooting, though it is not known where he is now recovering.
The Scotland-born actor has spent over 20 years playing London's most put-upon PC, but he has also appeared in Doctor Who, Crossroads and Hi-de-Hi!
