IT was one bill too many ...Tony Scannell, the Beccles-based actor who for nine years appeared in ITV police drama The Bill, has been declared bankrupt by the High Court after the Inland Revenue called in debts of £42,000.

IT was one bill too many ...

Tony Scannell, the Beccles-based actor who for nine years appeared in ITV police drama The Bill, has been declared bankrupt by the High Court after the Inland Revenue called in debts of £42,000.

"Basically I fell out with the tax man," he said.

"Hopefully this is a very, very transient time. My earnings when I was in The Bill and what I earn now are very different, and I have a very different lifestyle. I tried to make it last as long as I could and did my best."

Mr Scannell, 56, who lives in London Road, Beccles, with his partner and fellow actress Agnes Lilles, was declared bankrupt on November 19 last year. But it was not until yesterday that Norwich official receiver Mike Deveson announced the first creditors' meeting to appoint an official trustee to realise his assets.

The official receivers in Norwich are calling the first meeting of creditors on February 19 at Emmanuel House, Convent Road, Norwich, at 10.30am.