David Brent

Sad to read today that actor Jeff Stewart, best known as Reg Hollis in The Bill television, series attempted suicide last night by cutting his wrists.

Stewart had earlier been informed by ITV bosses that his contract with The Bill would not be renewed. Stewart returned to his dressing room and cut his wrists.
He then phoned for help and was rushed to hospital.
He is currently under observation.

Stewart had suffered an emotional breakdown in 2006.

He has played the part of Reg Hollis in the show since 1984.

Dave.

Dame Starry

Sadly, Jeff Stewart has always had a sort-of 'dark side' to him.
When he was going out with Joan Collins's daughter some years ago, there was a Sunday tabloid story about his fetish activities and I think that Joan was quite concerned at the time - particularly as this was the daughter who was involved in a terrible accident when she was younger.
He always reckoned that people would mourn Reg Hollis if he went - and I think he's right but, of course, no actor is bigger than the programme they are in and, for all we know, the makers may just have come to the end of their tether.
They also had a problem with Kevin Lloyd some years ago - and we all know where that led to.

Having said that, I like Jeff (and Reg) and I wish the makers of The Bill could keep both in the programme.
I also hope that Jeff Stewart gets the help he obviously needs and makes a full recovery.

YDSL x.

Windthrop

It must be difficult when actors have an apparant 'job for life' like Hollis appeared to and then are let go. Not many actors ever achieve that kind of longevity and he might have felt indispensible. I only hope for his sake that he took the trouble to give himself a degree of financial security during his near quarter century.

Thats the joke that killed the Music Hall !

Modular

I strongly disagree with this thread title (unless one is trying to emulate tabloid headlines).

It was hardly a 'suicide attempt' if he cuts his wrists and then calls in security! More likely a cry for attention and/or help.

A very sad situation nonetheless, and a great shame...

Marky B

I too wish Jeff a speedy recovery and hope the programme makers change their mind,as he is now the longest serving cast member of The Bill. I must say it has improved over the last few weeks,with good police stories and less romance.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

Carmel

Its sad that anyone feels the need to do this but thats life no job is for life or secure nowadays no matter what you work as, i wish him all the best and hope he gets a repreive in the show and is kept on by the shows producers.

Live each day to the full because one day it will be your last.

Redstar

The character Reg added a bit of humour to the series, its a shame that the producers could not find another role for him in the series. I really hope they dont kill him off like so many other characters in the Bill The death rate amongst its "police" is incredible.

May he recover soon.

Wolfgang

I loved that film spin-off of "The Bill" they did when Reg was investigated after some female acquaintance of his i.e. prostitute died. He ended up being arrested and charged with murder and it showed his colleagues investigating his life, including poignant moments like discovering his ten year old never-opened condoms. Jeff Stewart brough real pathos to his role in it and proved he was better actor than most of his co-stars and it is sad he has always been one of those background characters when he is capable of contributing so much more. Has The Bill finally reached its nadir in getting rid of its last properly acted character?

scenesixty

Well said!! Everyone has gone through bad patches, and, for Pete's sake wer'e only human-given his longevity in the show it would be a tragedy if they let him go! If your'e in a job, well then your'e focused, and only hope the producers welcome him back.
Like 'June Ackland' they became a bit of an institution having been in the show since it's inception. Good luck to 'Reg' I wish him the best!!

David Brent

Latest reports suggest that Jeff Stewart has racked up large debts from online gambling. This was another cause of his depression. His sacking just brought him to the end of his tether.

Apparently Stewart was the highest paid member of The Bill on 150,000 quid a year.

Dave.

image45

< 150,000 quid a year>, just shows it does not guaranty happyness at the end of the day!

"Seya next time!"

Carmel

The richest of people are sometimes never happy, money cant buy happiness only gather people you dont want or need.

Live each day to the full because one day it will be your last.