[Jackie]

DISTRAUGHT Bill star Jeff Stewart tried to kill himself after racking up online gambling debts.

Jeff, 52 — who plays PC Reg Hollis — slashed his wrists on the set of the top ITV1 cop show minutes after being sacked following 24 years in the role.

Last night, pals planned to take him to the Priory clinic in Roehampton, South-West London, as he told them: “I’m on the edge.”

A source close to Jeff 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. He is very badly hurt and terribly disappointed about being axed.”

Jeff is the longest-serving actor on The Bill and the highest-paid on £150,000 a year — but pals say it does not cover his debts.

A Bill insider said his salary was one reason for his sacking. They added: “There are big cuts on the show, but Jeff thought his talents were worth more than just money.”

It had been feared he made a second suicide bid at home after leaving St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, yesterday.

Scotland Yard said officers went to his £1million house in Kingston after “a member of the public expressed concern for the occupant”.

A spokesman added: “They’re satisfied he is safe.”