VETERAN Heartbeat star Bill Maynard, paralysed by a serious stroke, says the hit show must continue.
He has urged TV bosses to replace him with singer David Essex playing a highly personable wheeler-dealer gipsy.
They worked together last month on the seventh episode of the 24-part tenth series, days before Bill became ill.
Bill, 72 later this year, fell ill during filming in studios at Farsley, near Leeds.
Bill said: "If I ever work again as an actor it will be in a wheelchair. In fact I doubt if I will ever work again. It's all over for me."
PICTURE: Bill Maynard
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article