A long-serving star of television drama The Bill has died in hospital following a suspected suicide at his Bristol home, it emerged yesterday.
Colin Tarrant, 59, who played Inspector Andrew Monroe for almost 600 episodes, was discovered in the bathroom of his home.
The father-of-two was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary but died at the hospital on Thursday.
It is believed that the actor’s son, Juma Woodhouse, 24, rushed to be at his father’s hospital bedside before he passed away.
A family statement from Mr Tarrant’s son Juma, partner Sabrina and baby son Louis did not disclose details of the circumstances surrounding Mr Tarrant’s death, only confirming that he died “suddenly”.
It said: “Colin was best known as Inspector Andrew Monroe in the television series The Bill, a part he played very happily for many years.
“Since leaving the series he has triumphed on stage as Brian Clough in The Spirit Of The Man and had recently played John in the enormously successful stage production of Calendar Girls, and to which he would have returned this autumn.”
Mr Tarrant, a former teacher, also appeared in shows including Heartbeat, Holby City, Casualty and Midsomer Murders since leaving The Bill – which was axed in 2010.
His death is one of a number of personal tragedies to hit The Bill, with Jeff Stewart attempting to kill himself in 2008 after his character was cut from the show.
Mr Stewart, who played PC Reg Hollis, slashed his wrists in his dressing room after playing the part for 24 years.
West End theatre producer David Pugh, paid tribute to Mr Tarrant, who separated from long-term partner Patricia Woodhouse more than a decade ago.
He said: “Colin was a lovely man, he loved the theatre, his politics and his family, our hearts must go out to his son Juma, his partner Sabrina and their baby son Louis.”
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police yesterday refused to confirm or deny whether Mr Tarrant had taken his own life.
He said: “All I can say is that he did pass away in the Bristol Royal Infirmary. It is going to be referred to the coroner and an inquest will be public record.”
He refused to comment on whether the incident was being treated as suspicious or whether officers were still investigating the case.
Sad loss. RIP Colin.