An actor in the long-running police television drama The Bill has been released from hospital after slashing his wrists apparently in response to being sacked.
Jeff Stewart, aged 52, has played PC Reg Hollis in the show since it started in 1984.
He slashed his wrists shortly after a meeting at the show's London studios where he was told his character was to be axed.
"We can confirm an incident occurred following a meeting with Jeff Stewart, when it was discussed that Jeffs contract would not be renewed," a spokesman for the ITV1 shows producers, Talkback Thames, said.
"Our primary concern is for Jeff Stewart's welfare. We are doing everything we can to ensure Jeff is getting the help he needs, and would ask that his privacy is respected at this difficult time. All our best wishes are with Jeff."
advertisement
Click to learn more...
A London Ambulance spokesman said they were called to Deer Park Road in South West London, where the studio is based, at around 5.50pm on Tuesday evening.