What happened Reg? Bill star Jeff Stewart looks a state in plain clothes

At the première for comedy film Wackness, Stewart was suitably attired in a mis-matching combination of grey top, black jacket and blue shorts.

The 52-year-old, who played PC Hollis in the police drama for 23 years, slashed his wrists in his Bill dressing room in January after being told that he was being written out of the show.

Wacky actor: Former Bill actor Jeff Stewart, who played Reg Hollis showed off a wacky new look at a film screening last night in London

Reg made a rare appearance at a screening for film Wackness in London's Soho.

In the Bill, Stewart wore a smart look, with trademark slicked down hair. But now that has been replaced by an unruly curly hairdo, and a greying goatee.

He also wore nerdy black-rimmed glasses.

Fade to grey: Jeff's clean-cut Bill look has been replaced by an unruly mop and greying beard

But despite his radical new look,  Stewart 52, seemed back to his old self after a spell in rehab.

Stewart received treatment at The Priory clinic shortly after he was told that his £150,000 contract would not be renewed.

He had played PC Reg Hollis in The Bill since 1984.

He said at the time: 'It's true I was in a bit of a state. In fact I'd hit rock bottom and was on a medication.

'But there is no way I would ever take my own life and I can't really explain what happened that evening.'