Bill star on the mend

The Bill's Jeff Stewart, who plays PC Reg Hollis, has told fans that he's 'progressively improving' after an apparent suicide attempt this week.

He reportedly slashed his wrists on the set of the ITV drama after being told he'd lost his £150,000 a year contract on The Bill.

BBC Online reports that Stewart said: "I love being an actor... and the thought of this changing had an extremely serious effect on me.

"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."

Following reports that he attempted suicide because of gambling debts, he said: "I want to confirm that I do not have any financial concerns, or indeed any other problems, as has been reported."

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

i would like to send all my regards to Jeff. he will be very sadly missed on the show, and i can say he was one of my favourite characters. i hope he makes a speedy recovery, and all the best for the future. - Ben Gibson

My family and I want to send our love and best wishes to Jeff Stewart and hope he makes a speedy recovery. Jeff is a pillar of The Bill and I think management were wrong to get rid of him. Love from Australia Jeff, - Lysa Cluer

I am appalled to read that Jeff Stewart had had his contact terminated. He is typical of the old coppa that exists in every police force and should continue in that role. I maintains the realism of the series - the Bill. - Vicki Jacobs

Please convey my sympathy to that wonderful actor Jeff Stewart at this traumatic time and let him know that he has lot of admirers in Sydney who care deeply about him and his character. Whoever decided to sack him was completely lacking in vision, let alone compassion or insight, and must bear responsibility for his reaction. As Reg Hollis he gave The Bill some much needed depth, sensitivity and gravitas. The Bill desperately needs to recover some sense of style and quality. It has become shallow and threadbare. Jeff. In time you may be able to see that what has happened is a good thing. You are truly a fine actor and there really is a wide, exciting world waiting for you and your talents outside The Bill. Lots of love - Sioned Fay

Please please think again about the cancellation of Jeff Stewart's contract. 'Reg' is a VERY much loved character on the Bill. Although we (Australia) are behind the UK in broadcast episodes of the Bill, the scarcity of 'Reg's' roles in recent episodes has been noticed. We want MORE of 'Reg' rather than NO 'Reg'. His character has been rich and interesting, and adds immemsely to the interplay between other characters in the show. PLEASE, bring 'Reg' back!!! This request is irrespetive of the recent sad event surrounding Jeff Stewart's reaction to the cancellation of his contract, Best Regards - Kathryn

C'mon now as an avid "Biller" from the very first episode, what the hell are you doing to Reg and to the programme we love? Old isn't all bad and hey some things can be repaired - we don’t need to throw everything away! Please give us what we want! If you surveyed the Bill fans you would realise just how popular this moaning bore is. We all love to see him written into a script that shows his resourcefulness and we are all waiting for him to realise his true potential and meet that someone who is going to drag him screaming into the world of social acceptance. So is to write him out an admission of your inability to come up with a decent story line that would capture and entertain the viewing public? Surely the creative solution is to design his future rather than to declare obsolescence. - Anon

Dear Talkback, Really sad that the Reg Hollis character has been eliminated and perhaps in such a traumatic way. His character added a humanitarian and caring aspect to the show. It was good to know amongst all the schemers and bad cops, like Zane there was always a Reg who you could trust and depend on. Reg and Tony are the foundations of the program--- pray that there will always be some good old fashioned policemen that are not climbing the corporate cop ladder, but who help the vulnerable and are genuine. May the world and The Bill have more like Reg Hollis, a likeable character..Shame on the producers... the could have developed his character far more A tragedy to hear of his suicide attempt. Please bring him back! - Ken, Sue and Enid - 3 fans

A comment from Australia: He mightn’t be the world’s greatest actor, and I don’t know what he is like personally, but viewers of The Bill feel comforted knowing the familiar face of PC Reg Hollis is still around. It’s a link that sets The Bill apart from other, more ordinary, cop shows. We will no longer watch 'The Bill' unless Reg Hollis is re-instated. The show is nothing without him. - Michael Robinson

The Bill are crazy to axe Reg Hollis. He brings so much to the show. Please give Jeff Stewart our best wishes and our hopes that we see him again on TV soon. - Paul & Catherine Morris

Hi, I have watched The Bill for years and years, and even when working in the far reaches of the Northern Territory in Oz in 1997, - so, don't let "Reg" be sacked, he's part of the furniture and a great laugh, so predictable, so awful in many ways, but SO much part of the Bill - As long as he wishes to be in the programme, please leave him in!! - Deborah Booth, Norfolk

i really like you in the bill and i think your great and hope you get better soon as i dont want you to leave the bill, thanks - Cameron Hinchliffe