An inquest has heard that actor Terence Beesley, who had appeared in TV dramas including Victoria and War and Peace, took his own life on 30 November.

Catastrophe star Ashley Jensen – who had been in touch with her husband by text and email on the afternoon of his death – found him in a car in the garage when she arrived home and called emergency services.

Tragically, though, paramedics were unable to revive Beesley and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement read to Avon Coroner’s Court, Jensen said that she had been “extremely shocked by what happened that night” and would “never forget it”.

“Terry and I had been together for 18 years but I had no idea he was capable of what he did,” she added.

Jensen – who also starred in Extras and Ugly Betty – went on to reveal that she first met her future husband in 1999 while working on a production of King Lear.

They married in 2007 and had a child together two years later, living in London and LA before moving to Somerset.

She said her husband was “independent and outgoing” and had many friends and colleagues.

“I am truly devastated about Terry’s death,” she added.

Dr Sam Robinson, Beesley’s GP, said that the actor had “no past medical history of any mental health issues”.

Suicide is a delicate and complex subject, and the reasons behind it cannot be easily or fully quantified. 

However, while you can never really generalise how struggling to cope can make you feel or act, the Samaritans have compiled a list of symptoms.

These include:

• Lacking energy or feeling tired

• Feeling restless and agitated

• Feeling tearful

• Not wanting to talk to or be with people

• Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy

• Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings

• Finding it hard to cope with everyday things

If you think that these sound like you or someone you know, the charity has urged that you get in touch with them now.

Samaritans adds: “You don’t have to feel suicidal to get in touch. Only 1 person in 5 who calls Samaritans actually says that they feel suicidal.”

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

Images: Rex Features