Star of The Bill who slashed his wrists on set: 'My heartache at being axed from show'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

In a statement, Stewart said: "I love being an actor. My work as an actor is very important to me - it's my life - and the thought of this suddenly changing had an extremely serious effect on me."

Stewart, 52, who has played Pc Reg Hollis in the ITV1 police drama since it began, was taken to hospital on Tuesday after an ambulance was called to the set in Merton, south west London.

Scroll down for more...

The Bill actor Jeff Stewart is 'improving' after his apparent suicide attempt

Stewart said: "I want to reassure and thank everyone for all their support and good wishes.

"The last few days have been very difficult for me, but I am receiving the right care and help, and am surrounded by family and friends."

Denying reports he was in financial difficulty, he said: "I want to confirm that I do not have any financial concerns, or indeed any other problems, as has been reported."

On his recovery, he added: "I am feeling much better now, and am progressively improving.

"I have very much appreciated the kind messages of support from members of the public and other people in the business.

"I'd really appreciate if my privacy could be respected by the media at this time."

Stewart reportedly cut his wrists in his dressing room before phoning security staff, who called an ambulance.

A spokeswoman for The Bill said the "incident" happened after Stewart was told his contract would not be renewed.

Earlier this week it was reported that Stewart, who plays Pc Reg Hollis, had racked up debts from internet gambling sites and confessed to friends that he was "on the edge".

A source close to the actor said: "Jeff is in financial trouble. He has been sobbing and there have been a lot of tears. He was semi-conscious in hospital, so he has been through an ordeal."