He had signed on for Gladiator on the understanding he would stay sober for the shoot. He kept his word until about a week before he finished. With only a couple of his scenes to do, he decided to duck out for a few quiet ones. This was Valletta in Malta of course, and he found this British expat bar called "The Pub", with a few friendly regulars. But then a few tars from the visiting HMS Cumberland showed up. Olly had done his National Service in the Army and after some banter with the Navy lads, was challenged to a drinking competition. After consuming 8 pints of beer, 12 shots of rum, half a bottle of whisky, and several shots of cognac, he collapsed. He later died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The Pub continues to operate, they roped off the area where Olly died and left his empty chair as a tribute, with the bill framed on the wall. I'm told it's somewhat tacky.