DID GAMBLING DEBT PUSH PC REG OVER THE EDGE? (10/01/08)

A report in The Sun suggests that massive gambling debts were behind actor Jeff Stewart's suicide attempt on the set of The Bill on Tuesday.

Jeff, 52, has played Reg Hollis for 24 years, but he was informed this week that his contract wouldn't be renewed.

He reportedly returned to his dressing room and slashed his wrists before then calling emergency services himself.

After treatment at a hospital in south London Jeff returned home, but The Sun reports that police visited his home following fears Jeff may harm himself again.

The tabloid reported that a source close to Jeff, who earned £150,000 per annum on The Bill, said he was in financial trouble.

Friends reportedly intend to take him to The Priory psychiatric clinic in south-west London.