The Bill was full of murder, intrigue and drama between its characters – but even the keenest of fans might not know the full extent of the real life tragedies experienced by the cast.
In the glitzy world of showbiz, it’s easy to forget that actors and entertainers go through the same ups and downs of life as the rest of us, something that was especially true for The Bill’s cast.
From alcoholism battles to tragic suicides, health battles and even a brush with death during a natural disaster, it seems there was little the actors didn’t go through.
READ MORE: 11 former Heartbeat, The Bill and London's Burning stars now living ordinary lives
As the programme prepares to be rebooted – after celebrating almost 40 years since it was first broadcast in August 1983 – Daily Star takes a look at the most harrowing tragedies of them all.
Alcoholism battle
Kevin Lloyd was best known for his role as DC Alfred "Tosh" Lines at Sun Hill, but he couldn’t escape real life tragedy during his battle with alcoholism.
He was eventually sacked from the programme in 1998 when the boozing got too much, leaving him turning up to work drunk and forgetting his lines.
He finally admitted himself into a rehab clinic in a bid to get sober, but ended up quitting the facility instead to head on another drinking binge – eventually leading to him choking to death on his own vomit after returning to his room.
A spokesperson for the Dove Clinic in Rolleston, where he died, said at the time: “Despite all efforts Mr Lloyd failed to respond to clinical inputs and was in the process of being discharged.
“Tragically on Saturday Mr Lloyd fell into unconsciousness after drinking alcohol and staff were unable to resuscitate.”
Lloyd’s early life was marred by tragedy, with his police officer father being killed when his car skidded off the road during an emergency callout.
His marriage had collapsed just three years before his death.
Kevin was just 49 years old when he died, just weeks after filming his final scenes for the programme.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Alcoholics Anonymous for free support on 0800 9177 650 or email [email protected]
Tsunami terror
Eric Richard is best recognised as Sergeant Bob Cryer in The Bill, making an incredible 789 appearances in the programme between 1984 and 2004.
But in his real life, Eric was faced with horrendous tragedy when his grandson Charlie Smith was killed in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
He was the youngest British victim, aged just two months.
His parents Richard and Deidre were also caught up in the disaster, battling the waves in an attempt to save their baby – but to no avail.
Richard told the Evening Standard at the time: “I held Charlie up with one hand to try to keep him out of the water. We were flying through trees and bushes. Concrete blocks disintegrated and debris from the beach – sun beds, tables and chairs – slammed into us.”
The waves got higher and higher, with debris from collapsing buildings injuring people all around.
They took the child to the hospital, but doctors could do nothing to save him.
Speaking himself of the tragic incident, actor Eric said a year later: “The first wave came in and Charlie was lying on the beach so they picked him up. Then the second wave came and so the family got themselves beyond the beach, houses and restaurants and pinned themselves to palm trees … then it hit.
"He [Charlie's father] and Charlie were being battered and smashed and crashed through this extraordinary wave, in and out of houses, banging into trees, being hit by breeze blocks and chairs and tables and furniture.
"In the midst of that would have been the blow that would have killed Charlie."
The tsunami killed a total of 227,898 people.
Cancer death
DC Duncan Lennon star George Rossi died earlier in 2022 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, aged just 60.
The actor passed away at home, with his wife Catrin and two children Santino and Matilda at his bedside.
His wife told MailOnline at the time of his death: “George was a wonderful person. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after losing his battle against pancreatic cancer.
“He died at home which is what he wanted. We will miss him terribly and we are all really grieving at the moment and trying to come to terms with this huge loss. The children are devastated as am I.”
She added that though George’s death was expected, he had been acting up until just before his death and the family were still in shock.
Sudden suicide
Colin Tarrant was known for taking on the role of Inspector Andrew Monroe in The Bill – but was sadly found in the bathroom of his Bristol home at the age of 59 with knife wounds on his body.
He had been diagnosed with depression, and his death was ruled to be a suicide by Flax Bourton Coroner’s Court.
He was taken to hospital, where his 24-year-old son Juma rushed to be at his bedside before he died, and was pronounced dead in January 2012.
Colin had separated from his wife Patricia more than a decade before his death, but the pair remained friends.
Confirming his death, Colin’s agent said: “It’s a shock and very sad. It has happened very suddenly. I don’t want to say any more at this time – it’s all a bit raw at the moment.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Ben Roberts’ death
Chief Inspector Derek Conway was fondly remembered for his hostage negotiation skills and ultimate death by petrol bomb – but actor Ben Roberts continued on his career long after The Bill ended.
He had starred in everything from Jane Eyre to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Sadly, the star died at the age of 70, with his agent confirming the news and calling him a “wonderful” actor.
Ben was survived by his wife Helen Lloyd, an accomplished continuity announcer and audiobook narrator.
Aphasia battle
Chris Ellison was following in the footsteps of Hollywood legend Bruce Willis in a rather unfortunate way in April 2022, as he revealed he was diagnosed with aphasia.
The star played DCI Frank Burnside in The Bill, and has since lost the ability to speak after suffering a stroke two years ago.
His wife Anita told The Sun on Sunday: “It's awful, we've been so lonely. Chris is trapped in his body. He can understand everything going on around him but can't speak, read or write.
“He has not uttered any sense in 18 months. Sometimes I feel as if I have lost my charismatic, very funny and caring husband.”
She added: “It’s frustrating for us both but when he looks into my eyes, I see he’s still in there. I have cried buckets.”
The NHS states that people with aphasia often struggle with the four main methods of communication, including reading, listening, speaking and writing.
The condition doesn’t affect intelligence, but can cause people to use the wrong words or sounds in a word.
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