This is an accepted version of this page
195-464: Holby City is a British medical drama television series that premiered on 12 January 1999 on BBC One . The series was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the established BBC medical drama Casualty . It is set in the same hospital as Casualty , Holby General, in the fictional city of Holby , and features occasional crossovers of characters and plots with both Casualty (in episodes broadcast as Casualty@Holby City ) and
390-445: A heart surgeon , has occasionally left open-heart surgery to advise Holby City writers over the phone. The program uses surgeons from different disciplines, who check scripts for accuracy. Carter believes this is particularly important in case viewers copy procedures they have seen in the show, such as CPR . Series star Amanda Mealing commented: "We pride ourselves on being realistic. You need to know what you are doing and why. It
585-551: A public schoolboy , with less of a "bad boy" persona than he would ultimately exhibit on screen. Actor Hari Dhillon had a chance encounter with a Holby City casting director whilst in London, who suggested to him that he might be right for a part in the show. Dhillon was living in America , but as the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike was ongoing at the time, his wife Lara had suggested that they leave to find work elsewhere before
780-470: A special care baby unit were introduced during series four , Young explained that new wards were necessary to allow the crew to rotate sets, maximising filming potential. Episodes of Holby City cost around £370,000 to produce—more than the BBC soap opera EastEnders , at £130,000 per episode, but less than Casualty at £450,000 per episode, or Dalziel and Pascoe at £700–800,000 per episode. As Holby City
975-512: A "clean slate". Dhillon believes that flirting with other women is in Michael's nature, but that he arrives in Holby seeking a fresh start, so initially turns down Donna's advances. When questioned on whether the spark between Michael and Jac would lead to anything more, Dhillon conceded: "Probably. This is Holby City , after all! And Michael's an old dog, so to speak." In 2008, Michael became involved in
1170-734: A "self-destructive perverse streak", and believes that his world is limited to his work and family. He commented: "if you took one of those things away, you would cut out half of his personality. There's not much outside of that. He’s very muscular in his medical intellect but his emotional depth, or range, has almost withered. He's learning life's lessons late and in a hard way." Michael is introduced as being married with three daughters, however immediately upon arriving at Holby City Hospital , he becomes embroiled in potential relationships with both staff nurse Donna Jackson ( Jaye Jacobs ) and surgical registrar Jac Naylor ( Rosie Marcel ). He had an affair at his previous hospital, and left as he wanted
1365-479: A Doubt (Part 1)", as a midwife on the hospital's maternity ward. She later goes on to become sister of the Acute Assessment Unit , then clinical matron of Keller, the hospital's general surgical ward. Following her departure from the show, the official series website described Lisa as: "ambitious, highly capable at her job and didn't suffer fools gladly . However, she sometimes took herself too seriously and
1560-661: A backlash from critics, fans and past and present cast members. Calli Kitson of Metro branded the decision "a huge mistake" and summarised, "Put simply, storylines in Holby City have saved people's lives." Borehamwood and Elstree Times writer and Elstree Studios historian Paul Welsh was disappointed by the news and felt sorry for the cast "whose fame rests on being in Holby City " and may struggle with typecasting . Quarshie, Joe McFadden ( Raf di Lucca ), Davood Ghadami (Eli Ebrahimi) and Luisa Bradshaw-White ( Lisa Fox ) were among
1755-418: A bit of spare time and I'll tell you what my character did age four and a half - whether it's a lot or a little, it's all good." During Holby City 's eleventh series, Rachel uncovers Daisha Anderson's post-natal depression and helps to support her, before being transferred to the hospital's geriatric ward. Executive producer Tony McHale commented on Rachel's transfer: "Although she is still working in
1950-420: A capable surgeon, often comes across as being patronising, sexist and rude to his colleagues, especially Elliot Hope, who eventually has an outburst whilst operating with Geddes, becoming infuriated with offensive comments made by Geddes. It is implied that Geddes sees himself as something as a ladies man, making flirtuatious comments to and about female surgical staff including Jac Naylor and Penny Valentine. After
2145-400: A certain effect on people - I think we both share a slight ironic detachment from the world we are in. Sometimes it feels like you are an objective observer in your own life, like you are on the outside looking in. I don't feel overly identified with a particular country, I feel pretty comfortable in a number of different environments, and I think he does as well." Dhillon feels that Michael has
SECTION 10
#17328760051232340-529: A close ally of Malick's, is not at all happy to see him back. Dominic does his best to make peace with Arthur but to little avail. He strikes up a friendship with Zosia and moves into Arthur and Zosia's flat, much to Arthur's disgust. Dominic experiences a profound character development throughout the show. He has experienced many difficult storylines. For example, he was abused emotionally and physically by his ex-partner Isaac Mayfield. Imelda Cousins , played by Tessa Peake-Jones , made her first appearance during
2535-453: A close professional relationship with Malick and the two have a steamy encounter in the locker room and it turns out they spent the night together. However, things turn sour when Malick makes it clear it was just a one-night stand that should never have happened given his role as Dominic's line manager. Dominic does not take this at all well. The story concludes with a controversial patient where Malick risks his career by trying to get answers for
2730-449: A consultant obstetrician who appears between series four, episode three and series eight, episode ten . Rob Ostlere plays Arthur Digby, an F2 who first appeared in "Blood ties" but arrived on Darwin in "Push the Button, Part 2" as an F1. Arthur slowly began to realize he had unknown feelings for Chantelle which he finally declared was love, but during episode 51 of Series 15, Arthur paid
2925-399: A core of fifteen to twenty main actors employed on the serial at any given time. In casting the first series, Young sought out actors who were already well known in the television industry, something which has continued throughout the show's history, with cast members including Patsy Kensit , Jane Asher , Robert Powell , Adrian Edmondson , Alex Walkinshaw and Jemma Redgrave . McHale was
3120-562: A dance rendition of " Jai Ho " for Let's Dance for Sport Relief . On 12 October 2021, it was announced that Holby City would partake in a special crossover event involving multiple British soaps to promote the topic of climate change ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference . It was confirmed that events from Holby City would be discussed on Hollyoaks . Holby City has attracted comparisons to other medical dramas, often unfavourable. In November 2002, John Whiston, then head of drama at Granada Television , accused
3315-480: A deep, loving relationship." In a 2008 interview with the Holby Gazette , Dhillon stated: "I'm starting to realize that Annalese is the one person in the world - along with his children - that Michael truly loves. It may seem strange to a lot of fans, but Michael is a real family man - nothing is more important to him than his family - they make him feel secure, safe, and most importantly, successful. For Michael, there
3510-505: A focal point of early reviews, with Holby City series producer Diana Kyle describing Michael as "dishy [...] good-looking and sexy", and Hanna Davies of What's On TV adding that the character is "gorgeous". In September 2009, The Asian Today observed that he had become "an integral part" of the drama, "as well as acquiring an army of female fans in the process." Discussing public reaction to his character, Dhillon stated: "I get every reaction imaginable. It's what makes playing Michael
3705-417: A grieving mother. The patient dies and Dominic deliberately lies in a hearing as revenge for Malick's snubbing of him. The truth is revealed and Malick manages to save his career, mainly due to the intervention of Hanssen. Disgraced, Dominic leaves the hospital. However, on 14 January 2014, Dominic returns following being cleared of any wrongdoing. He does, however, have to repeat his F1 year. Arthur, having been
3900-461: A heart attack. The storyline was, however, broadcast as regular Casualty and Holby City episodes, rather than under the Casualty@Holby City title. Casualty 's series producer Oliver Kent commented that, while it is "fantastic" to be able to produce crossover episodes, they are logistically difficult, and it is unlikely that another Casualty@Holby City episode will be produced in
4095-452: A love triangle storyline with Donna and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Connie Beauchamp ( Amanda Mealing ). He flirted with Connie, and had sex with Donna in a toilet stall to which Jaye Jacobs says she was hoping Donna would get somewhere a bit more glamorous Jacobs explained of Donna's affair with Michael: "Donna knows he's married deep down, although he hasn't actually told her, but unfortunately that doesn't stop her. It carries on for
SECTION 20
#17328760051234290-551: A loving reunion." Annalese returned on 15 June 2010, breaking up with Michael after their marriage counselling proved unsuccessful. Following the episode broadcast 17 December 2013, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Dhillon had chosen to take an extended break from the role to pursue other projects. His departure storyline saw him forced to leave the hospital by Guy Self ( John Michie ) and Serena Campbell ( Catherine Russell ) after he broke strict rules surrounding liver transplants. Dhillon told Kilkelly that "I have had
4485-431: A main cast member in 2011. Mary-Claire often has difficulties in her relationships, be they personal or professional. Although a very capable and caring nurse, it does not often show with several consultants questioning her ability and commitment. She was close to Chrissie Williams until her departure and after a failed relationship has bonded with CT2 Harry Tressler. Mary-Claire can be blunt, lazy and insensitive. Diplomacy
4680-482: A major incident at the hospital in Series 12's episode 'The Butterfly Effect Part 2', Toby departs the hospital and is never seen or mentioned again, having endeared himself to few people during his brief tenure at Holby. Verona Joseph plays Jess Griffin, the daughter of consultant general surgeon Ric Griffin . Jess first appears in series 4, episode 15, becoming the personal assistant of Owen Davis. She goes on to become
4875-416: A more minor role, as Dr. Sunil Gupta, between 2001 and 2003. Dhillon took an extended break from the series in 2013 and Michael departs in the episode first broadcast on 17 December 2013. He returned for a month-long stint in 2014 and also appeared in an episode of sister show Casualty . In 2022, Dhillon returned for an episode as part of the show's final series . The character was initially constructed as
5070-451: A musical performance from Holby City cast members. Sharon D Clarke , backed by Nadine Lewington , Rakie Ayola and Phoebe Thomas performed a soul version of Aretha Franklin 's signature song, " Respect ". On 28 June 2008, Holby City stars competed against their Casualty counterparts in a special charity edition of BBC Two game-show The Weakest Link . Holby City and Casualty cast members united on 20 February 2010, performing
5265-498: A natural antenna when it comes to flirting." Holby City was Grant's first television role. She explained of her introductory storyline: "Some characters get a huge introduction, but mine has a 'flow' to it." Daisha's first appearance in Holby City explains that, although the character has been working at Holby City Hospital for some time in order to financially support her family in the Philippines , she has previously only worked on
5460-641: A new plastic surgery unit being opened on Darwin, to replace the cardiothoracic surgery unit. After the cessation of the plastics unit, following a major scandal involving problematic cheap breast implants and the death of Bhatti, Michael tendered his resignation. Hanssen in turn then moved Michael back to Keller ward, to serve out his three month notice period. It appeared that Michael had left Holby City on 20 December 2011 in an episode named, Half Empty, but he reappeared on 27 December 2011 in an episode set in Kyiv and agrees to return to Holby. The character's good looks were
5655-565: A nurse, and departs from the show in series 9, episode 29. She reappeared in series 13, episode 3 on 2 November 2010, married to a man named David Kilburn and is 18 weeks pregnant, and again in series 13, episode 21 on 8 March 2011. On 4 March 2014, Jess returns suffering from bad symptoms which turn out to be a hernia. It also transpires that her husband, David has been abusing her both mentally and physically. Her father pledges to do everything he can to get her away from him. Holby City Holby City (stylised on-screen as HOLBY CI + Y )
5850-429: A part he took immediately after leaving drama school, unable to even recall the year of his appearance. Jeremy Sheffield plays Alex Adams, a cardiothoracic registrar and a protege of Anton Meyer . He appears from series three, episode one until series five, episode 45 . A romance with SHO Sam Kennedy almost ends his career, when Sam gets him drunk in an attempt to lure him into spending the night with her. Unaware he
6045-570: A patient during surgery. Plowman became pregnant during the filming of the storyline, so was written out of the series temporarily, leaving both Michael and her job. The plotline was left open-ended, allowing Plowman to return after taking maternity leave. She returned briefly to the programme in series eleven , when the couple's daughter Milly (Darcy Cannon) was admitted to hospital seriously injured. Michael and colleague Ric Griffin ( Hugh Quarshie ) saved Milly, and he and Annalese began rebuilding their relationship. Off-screen, Annalese gives birth to
Characters of Holby City - Misplaced Pages Continue
6240-448: A patient with Parkinson's disease , Sheridan Smith appeared for six episodes in 2001 as teenage stalker Miranda Locke, and David Soul made two appearances as Professor Alan Fletcher. The BBC's William Gallagher wrote in a November 2001 column that Soul's guest-appearance had begun a trend for American actors appearing in UK shows. In 2012, Ron Moody guest starred as patient Vincent Mancini,
6435-493: A phonecall from Michael's wife, Annalese, and he later brushes Donna off. Although them initially not getting on, the episode "labour of love" sees Jac and Michael casually flirting and both walking in on each other half naked. They are about to head out to lunch when they are interrupted by the new anaesthetist, Michael's wife Annalese. In August 2009, Michael was promoted to Director of Surgery over Connie Beauchamp and then served under new CEO Vanessa Lytton. He later began to share
6630-668: A pleasure to work with them again." Executive producer Oliver Kent commented that Gillett's character would "stir things up" for Serena Campbell ( Catherine Russell ). Edward is Serena's ex-husband and a consultant anaesthetist, who comes to the hospital to take up a locum position on AAU. He also takes the opportunity to try and win Serena over. Russell told a What's on TV reporter that Serena and Edward had an acrimonious divorce around 15 years prior, due to his infidelity. Serena and Edward reunite, and decide to go on holiday with their daughter for Christmas. However, Serena soon learned that Edward
6825-480: A position at the private hospital where Michael is working as a professor. Michael arrives at Holby City Hospital in episode "Unfinished Symphony". He begins his first day being beaten up in the hospital carpark, an attack staff nurse Donna Jackson discovers is related to his departure from his previous hospital, where he had an affair with a member of the nursing staff. Donna, and Surgical registrar Jac Naylor both vie for Michael's attention, and although he
7020-426: A positive example of "diverse British programm[ing]". Five years previously in 2003, former BBC host Sir Ludovic Kennedy complained that ethnic minorities were over-represented on television, prompting a BBC spokeswoman to explain that Holby City has more ethnic characters as it is set in an area where minorities account for up to 30% of the population. According to the 2001 census, the population of Bristol – which
7215-561: A prestigious job in France, though reappears briefly in episode "Love Will Tear Us Apart", arranging a meeting with Maddy but ultimately standing her up. He reappears again in Holby City 's eleventh series, and although Wingfield left the show in order to spend more time with his family in Los Angeles , he has stated that he would return again "in a heartbeat". He explained: "The story would have to be good, but I don't have any doubts that there
7410-466: A recurring anaesthetist in Holby City . In some instances, actors have stated that it was their guest appearances which led to their casting in more permanent roles. Roberts believes that his single scene in series seven was enough for him to be called in for the part of Joseph, explaining: "I hear it got the attention of the producers. Amanda Mealing put a good word in for me that day as well." Conversely, Dhillon dismissed his minor role as Dr Sunil Gupta as
7605-479: A registrar in cardiothoracic surgery who first appears in series twelve, working for Connie Beauchamp in London. He follows her back to Holby and begins working on Darwin ward, mentoring F2 doctor Oliver Valentine. Adrian Edmondson plays Abra Durant, a consultant surgeon who first appears in the series seven episode "Tuesday's Child", filmed entirely on location in Ghana as part of the BBC's "Africa Lives" season. While
7800-438: A relationship with SHO Kirstie Collins prior to her arrival at Holby. She clashes with nurse practitioner Jasmine Hopkins, disparaging her position in the hospital. When Tash's father visits the hospital, she discovers he has Alzheimer's disease . She tells him she is a lesbian, and he refuses to accept her identity. When Tash's ex-girlfriend arrives, terminally ill from complications arising from AIDS , Tash decides to join her on
7995-529: A relationship with one of the builders renovating the hospital, but he breaks up with her when he learns she has a child. When her ex-husband Martin arrives and begs Julie to give their relationship another chance, she agrees. They remarry, and leave Holby to start a new life with their daughter in Brighton . Jasmine Burrows , played by Lucinda Dryzek , made her first appearance during the eighteenth series episode "A Perfect Life", broadcast on 19 July 2016. Jasmine
Characters of Holby City - Misplaced Pages Continue
8190-557: A riot. [...] I find that people tend to have very strong opinions about him, and I also find that people have very detailed opinions regarding Michael, from his behaviour, attitude, even his dress sense." In 2009, Dhillon was nominated for the "Best Drama Performance" award at the National Television Awards for his role as Michael. The character's return in 2022 was well received by viewers, as reported by Lucy Buglass of What to Watch . She noted that they were "delighted" by
8385-428: A rise in its fifth series , ratings declined year-on-year until 2009, with the eleventh series averaging 5.44 million viewers. The twelfth series saw a small rise to 5.62 million. Later series consistently drew over 4 million viewers per week. The show began with only eleven main characters in its first series . New main characters were been both written in and out of the series prior to its end, with
8580-411: A secret to shock viewers, which he found difficult. He told Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy that he was happy with his exit story because it was memorable. He added "I am all about arc; about where people start and where people finish. Zav came in as someone who was so over-confident and not always good with understanding other people and not always getting it right. But then he ended up dying trying to do
8775-466: A shortlist of actors for the producer and director to audition. Some cast members who play main characters have made previous appearances in Holby City in minor roles. Mealing appeared as the mother of a paediatric patient in the show's fourth series , Roberts appeared as the son of a medical professor in Holby City 's seventh series , and Dhillon appeared as anaesthetist Sunil Gupta in 2001. Roberts believes that his single scene in series seven
8970-594: A soap opera, rather than a drama, and deemed the episodes he worked on "the most dispiriting experiences in [his] 25 years as a dramatist." On several occasions, people within the television and entertainment industry have suggested that Holby City is a waste of the television licence fee , with some suggesting that it ought to be cancelled. In August 2002, Paul Bolt, director of the Broadcasting Standards Commission criticised BBC programming as being "humdrum" and "formulaic", saying of Holby City and
9165-503: A son, Charlie, and in the opening episode of series twelve , Michael announced that he had become a father for the fourth time. On 4 June 2010, Kyle told Kris Green of Digital Spy that Plowman would again be reprising her role as Annalese, commenting: "The last time we saw her on screen there was practically no prospect of a loving reunion but they complement each other wonderfully. Annalese will be returning, but unfortunately someone else may come between her and Michael so I can't guarantee
9360-416: A staff nurse between 2012 and 2014. It was announced on 1 April 2014 that Walkinshaw would leave Casualty and join Holby City . He has a connection with Director of Nursing Colette Sheward ( Louise Delamere ). David Ajao plays Damon Ford, a foundation doctor in his first year of training. He made his first appearance in the nineteenth series episode "The Hard Way Home", broadcast on 6 June 2017. Damon
9555-530: A statement: "This speech clearly reflects BSkyB's view that programmes are merely a commodity to be bought and sold." In June 2004, Charles Allen , chief executive of ITV plc questioned the amount of funding spent on lengthened episodes of Holby City , and in January 2010, Janet Street-Porter of The Independent argued that Holby City was one of several series which had "come to the end of their natural life" and "should be put out of its misery." Holby City
9750-459: A total of eight complaints about the incident. Michael Spence (Holby City) Michael Spence is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City , portrayed by actor Hari Dhillon . The character first appeared on 20 November 2007, in the episode "Unfinished Symphony" - episode six of the show's tenth series . Dhillon had previously appeared in the show on a recurring basis in
9945-565: A twenty-first began airing in January 2019. The show has run for over 600 hour-long episodes. It is filmed in studios at the BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire, with the 1960s office building Neptune House being used for multiple exteriors and interiors in the series. It has occasionally featured special episodes filmed on location abroad. From October 2010, Holby City moved to high definition broadcasting. In September 2016, as part of
SECTION 50
#173287600512310140-491: A war veteran. Peter Sallis also had a guest appearance in the episode (The Morning After) where he played Lionel Davis. In 2003, the BBC reached an agreement with the actors' union Equity to cease offering walk-on drama series roles to members of the public as prizes. When an untrained person won such a role in Holby City in a competition, Equity complained to the broadcaster that such prizes were "demeaning" to actors, depriving them of paid employment. The competition winner
10335-566: A week, all year round, and each series contained 52 episodes. Holby City has attracted comparisons to other medical dramas, often unfavourable, and figures within the television and entertainment industry, including Broadcasting Standards Commission director Paul Bolt, have accused the BBC of squandering the television licence fee on the programme. The series employs a team of researchers to ensure medical accuracy, and utilises surgeons from different disciplines to check scripts. Cast members are taught to perform basic medical procedures, and given
10530-554: A while and Donna thinks he's the one, she is in love with him and he's different from all the others - she's deluded." She opined that Michael was at least treating Donna a little better than her previous love interests. In October 2008, it was announced that Anna-Louise Plowman had been cast as Michael's wife Annalese , who would be arriving in Holby City as a consultant anaesthetist . Dhillon believes that while Michael and Annalese have their differences, they are "complements to each other [...] they understand one another, and have
10725-406: A wonderful time at Holby during the past six years - thank you to all the viewers for their great interest and support!" On 19 June 2014, it was announced that Dhillion would be returning to Holby City for a short stint, and that Debbie Chazen would be joining the cast as his "partner-in-crime" Fleur Fanshawe. Michael returned during the episode broadcast on 14 October 2014 before later leaving
10920-461: A world tour, and departs from Holby. Ayesha Antoine plays Rachel Baptiste, who appears from series eleven, episode six as a staff nurse on the general surgery ward, Keller. Antoine had formerly appeared in Holby City series seven, episode five , as Mel Allen, the relative of a patient. She described her character upon her introduction as "quite nervous, but very excited", expanding that: "She loves her job, caring for people and being helpful. She
11115-449: Is working class . Meena's friendship with Nicky is tested, as they try to impress Jac Naylor ( Rosie Marcel ) during their rotation. Peter Wingfield plays Dan Clifford, a general surgical consultant who first appears in series nine, episode seven , "It's Been a Long Day". Dan is described as: "sexist, materialistic and egotistical but also incredibly charismatic", and engages in several romantic relationships during his single season on
11310-405: Is "a very idiosyncratic character" and "not overly sincere in that 'I'm just trying to save a life' way." He described: "He's very objective about himself - as though he is slightly outside of himself in situations - a slight ironic disposition. Half the time I think he says things just to watch the reaction. He's direct, honest, morally ambiguous, unapologetic. He certainly thinks and behaves outside
11505-576: Is a British medical drama television series that aired weekly on BBC One . It was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the established BBC medical drama Casualty , and premiered on 12 January 1999; the show ran until 29 March 2022. It follows the lives of medical and ancillary staff at the fictional Holby City Hospital , the same hospital as Casualty , in the fictional city of Holby , and features occasional crossovers of characters and plots with both Casualty (which include dedicated episodes broadcast as Casualty@Holby City ) and
11700-543: Is a complex and foreign thing to act out an operation. For training, I watched a number of real ones." Cast members are taught how to give realistic injections, monitor blood pressure and check a pulse, and some are given the opportunity to observe procedures in real hospitals. Original cast member George Irving observed coronary artery bypass surgery performed at Papworth and Middlesex Hospital in preparation for his role as Anton Meyer , while Edward MacLiam observed laparoscopic surgery being performed before joining
11895-434: Is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, who made his first appearance in the series four episode "New Hearts, Old Scores", broadcast on 13 August 2002. Lawson described his character as "a complex guy who is ruthless, political and driven by ambition". Lawson quit the serial in 2004, and he departed during the sixth series . Lawson reprised the role for the show's 20th anniversary celebrations. He appeared in two episodes, with
SECTION 60
#173287600512312090-481: Is a consultant general surgeon Clinical Lead. She made her first appearance in the fourteenth series episode "Coercion", broadcast on 1 May 2012. The show's official website describes Serena as being candid, professional and a "fearless architect of change." Serena was recruited by Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry ) to help the wards run more efficiently. She immediately clashed with new colleague Ric Griffin ( Hugh Quarshie ). Tom Campbell-Gore , played by Denis Lawson ,
12285-402: Is a high-volume, year-round production, it has relatively low production costs. Set-up costs can be spread over many years and standing sets can be repeatedly re-used, which is not the case for shorter series or one-off dramas. Young remained an executive producer of Holby City until 2004, when he left the BBC to work for production company 19 TV . Former Casualty producer Johnathan Young
12480-455: Is a must," explaining: "It's about getting the characters' voices because the characters drive these shows. It is a love for and investment in these characters and the consistency of those characters." Harper does not require that writers are necessarily familiar with the show, and would like to attract more female scriptwriters. McHale wrote the series' first episode, and served as the show's lead writer. His 2006 promotion to executive producer
12675-410: Is a new F1 and the half-sister of established regular Jac Naylor ( Rosie Marcel ). She was also a potential love interest for Oliver Valentine ( James Anderson ). The character was killed off in the episode broadcast on 20 June 2017. Luke Roberts played Joseph Byrne, a cardiothoracic surgical registrar introduced in the series eight episode "A Mother's Love". Roberts had made a former appearance in
12870-430: Is a single mother with mounting debts. When she is passed over for promotion to deputy ward sister, she resorts to lap dancing at night to care for her daughter. Her alter ego Crystal is exposed when a member of the lap dancing club is admitted to Holby General as a patient and recognises her. Julie is reprimanded, but is given a temporary promotion to help with her financial circumstances. During series two, Julie embarks on
13065-412: Is accused of aiding him in euthanasia by Lisa, and is arrested and tried in court, eventually deemed to be innocent. She and Lisa do not reconcile until Kath departs from Holby, leaving the country with her most recent love interest. Paul McGann plays Professor John Gaskell, a neurosurgeon who made his first appearance on 5 December 2017, in the nineteenth series episode "Group Animal – Part One". John
13260-403: Is admitted to the hospital with a damaged liver after years of alcohol abuse. Kirstie agrees to see him and urges him to seek help. She leaves the hospital after undertaking a dangerous rescue. David Ames plays Clinical Registrar Dominic Copeland who first appears on 23 April 2013. Coming over as friendly and very capable, he makes a good impression on both colleagues and patients. He strikes up
13455-457: Is at the beginning of a new stage in her life, and it's quite an upturn for her, and she's just very interested in getting to know everyone and is excited at being part of a group." The BBC describe Rachel as: "warm and kind but perhaps a little too trusting. She's anxious to please. She loves nursing but her real passion is her boyfriend, Patrick." Antoine received just a thumbnail sketch of Rachel's background, but commented that: "I love it. Give me
13650-441: Is billed as "boyishly enthusiastic". Executive producer Simon Harper called Ajao "a really exciting new talent" and said that he has injected "energy and idealism" into the character. Ajao left the role in 2017 and Damon made his final appearance in the nineteenth series episode "Hungry Heart", broadcast on 21 November 2017. Luisa Bradshaw-White plays Lisa Fox, who first appears in Holby City in series four, episode 13, "Shadow of
13845-517: Is billed as a "surgical star with irrepressible charm", who will take the hospital into "an exciting but unknown future" with a new surgical programme. McGann began filming in August 2016. Of his casting, McGann said, "I'm really excited to be joining Holby. Professor John Gaskell is certainly going to be an interesting character and I can't wait to get started on the wards." Head of Continuing Drama for BBC Scripted Studios, Oliver Kent, expressed his delight at
14040-473: Is definitely not her strong point, but scratch at the surface and you'll find a lonely girl, with a heart of gold, who is desperate to find 'the one'. She could be a brilliant nurse, if only she could just keep her mind on the job and learn to believe in herself. Lee Mead plays nurse Ben "Lofty" Chiltern, a nurse who previously appeared in Casualty . He will appear in Holby City from series nineteen, working on
14235-619: Is filmed at BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood , Hertfordshire. The Casualty set in Bristol was not large enough to encompass the surgical ward and operating theatre required for Holby City , and as a result, some crossover scenes in the first episode had to be shot twice, first on the Casualty set and then again at Elstree, with cast members travelling between the two locations. In October 2007, BBC cutbacks led The Daily Telegraph to report that
14430-478: Is hit over the head with a bottle and killed in the grounds of the hospital while trying to stop Faye being attacked by a drug addict. Noah Huntley plays Will Curtis, a cardiothoracic surgical registrar who appears between series six, episode 29 and series seven, episode 25 . Will is killed when scaffolding being used to do work on the outside of the hospital collapses and he is trapped under it eventually dying from his injuries. Mark Moraghan plays Owen Davis,
14625-478: Is motivated by his strong Catholicism, admitting in confessional to feeling he has betrayed his dead wife Olivia by developing romantic feelings for Ward Sister Faye Morton , after he and registrar Joseph Byrne track her down in a special episode set on location in Cape Town . He reveals that Olivia was killed in a car crash, for which he blames himself, and that he has a daughter, Holly, who reminds him of Olivia to
14820-449: Is much more to explore and more fun to be had with Dan." Dawn McDaniel plays Kirstie Collins, an original character who appears until series three, episode six as a cardiology registrar. Kirstie flirts with many of the staff, including nurse Danny Shaughnessy. In the second series, it is revealed that Kirstie had previously had a lesbian relationship with registrar Tash Bandara. Kirstie's father, who she has been estranged from for six years,
15015-471: Is nothing beyond family and medicine. It would be unimaginable to Michael to envision a world without his wife. He certainly would never try to hurt Annalese deliberately, but he just loves attention from women." Series producer Diana Kyle revealed to entertainment and media website Digital Spy that in early 2009, Annalese would discover Michael's past affairs, sending her "way off course". After discovering Michael's infidelity, Annalese accidentally killed
15210-429: Is obvious that they are great together, so when it happens it is effortless and joyous and has wonderful potential. But Dan's private demons prevent it from being allowed to live and grow. I always thought it might be great for him, if only he could have let it be." Similarly, Nadine Lewington who plays Maddy assessed: "Dan loved Maddy sincerely which is why he didn't want to risk hurting her any more than he already had. He
15405-451: Is occasionally broadcast on a different day dependent on BBC scheduling. In 2007, the show temporarily moved to Thursday nights, allowing HolbyBlue to air in the 8pm Tuesday timeslot. BBC One in Scotland typically broadcasts episodes at the later time of 10.45 pm. In February 2019, it was announced that repeats of Holby City would begin airing on the channel Drama , starting from
15600-425: Is over the speed limit, Alex causes the death of a young boy due to drink driving. He escapes a jail sentence, but departs for America when Meyer accepts a position overseas. He later returns and has a brief romance with Jess Griffin, as a result of which she becomes pregnant, but opts for an abortion. Alex goes on to develop Parkinson's disease , affecting his ability to work. He comes close to attempting suicide, but
15795-450: Is pushed off a balcony. He is left paralysed from the waist down, and becomes depressed, feeling unable to cope. When his ex-fiancée returns to Holby, she and Liam reconcile and move to Australia. Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher , played by Alex Walkinshaw , made his first appearance during the sixteenth series episode "Star Crossed Lover", broadcast on 12 August 2014. Fletch previously appeared in Holby City 's sister show, Casualty , as
15990-406: Is talked out of it by Diane Lloyd, after which he leaves Holby for good. Rebecca Grant plays nurse Daisha Anderson, who first appears in the episode "Twelve Hour Nightmare", series ten, episode 24 . Daisha is described by the BBC as "a forthright and assertive Filipina with a highly tuned sense of right and wrong. She doesn't understand hierarchy or tact but is straightforward and honest and has
16185-510: Is the mother of nurse Danny Shaughnessy, and during her early years on the show escapes a violent marriage marred by domestic abuse to Danny's father. Her Christian faith is a strong element of her character, and she struggles emotionally when the hospital's Father Michal develops romantic feelings towards her. She rejects his advances, and he responds by attempting suicide. Later, she falls in love with and marries Terry Fox, father of midwife Lisa Fox. Terry has cancer, and later kills himself. Kath
16380-457: Is the reason the RNID is calling on the government to channel funding into the training of British Sign Language interpreters who could then be available to NHS staff treating deaf patients." Stokes commented: "The writer had a great story he wanted to tell – for us, that's what matters first and foremost." A 2008 report into ethnic diversity on television, commissioned by Channel 4, cited Holby City as
16575-583: Is unimpressed with Jac's underhand tactics, he and Donna begin a casual flirtation. In episode "Stolen", Michael reveals that the hospital has built a new private ward for him, to be known as HolbyCare. He attempts to convince colleague Ric Griffin to join him, and although Ric initially resists on ethical grounds, financial difficulties cause him to change his mind and agree several weeks later, in episode "The Extra Mile". Michael and Donna continue their flirtation throughout this period, and eventually kiss in episode "No Cars Go". However, they are interrupted by
16770-522: The EastEnders cast for the first Sport Relief fundraiser, in a segment dubbed "Sport in the Square". The teams competed in events such as taxi pulling, melon tossing and a beer keg relay. The competition was televised on BBC One, and the event as a whole raised £10 million. In October 2003, BBC One aired a "Kenyon Confronts" documentary by Panorama reporter Paul Kenyon, investigating hospitals run by
16965-498: The Orthopedic ward - not one of the four wards the show focuses on. Daisha forms a close friendship with nursing consultant Mark Williams ( Robert Powell ). She flirts with Mark in order to win a transfer to Darwin ward, and moves in with him after breaking up with her boyfriend and being assaulted by her landlord, coming to rely on him yet further upon discovering herself to be pregnant. Mark also aids Daisha in becoming ambassador of
17160-482: The Portman Group made an official complaint to communications regulator Ofcom about a scene in Holby City which depicted two medics drinking five shots of tequila following a stressful day at work. The body's chief executive David Poley claimed that in failing to show the negative consequences of this action, the series was presenting a "highly irresponsible portrayal of excessive and rapid drinking". Ofcom received
17355-480: The Private Finance Initiative . He discovered many problems within the hospitals, which were dramatised by the Holby City cast in specially commissioned scenes. March 2004 saw the station air the documentary "Making It at Holby", as part of a BBC initiative to develop new acting talent. The documentary followed the casting process of Holby City and Casualty , from the audition stages to the filming of
17550-518: The RP accent originally envisioned for the character. He explained that he "put [his] own twist on what [he] thought Michael Spence should be like." Executive producer Tony McHale and series producer Diana Kyle accepted his take on the character, and tailored the role towards his accent. Michael became an Asian character with an Indian/Christian background and the ability to speak Punjabi . Dhillon has stated: "Most producers would have just thrown my tape in
17745-466: The fifteenth series episode "Hail Caesar", broadcast on 20 November 2012. The character and casting were announced on 30 October 2012. Imelda was introduced as the Acting CEO of Holby City Hospital, following the abrupt departure of Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry ). Duncan Pow plays Linden Cullen, the head of Holby General's Acute Assessment Unit , introduced in series ten, episode 14 , "Stolen". Linden
17940-754: The final series concluding on 29 March 2022. The show ran for over 1000 hour-long episodes. It was filmed at the BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire , and has featured special episodes filmed on location abroad. From October 2010, Holby City moved to high definition broadcasting. Its first executive producers were Young and Johnathan Young , who were succeeded by Kathleen Hutchison from 2002 to 2004, Richard Stokes from 2004 to 2006, McHale from 2006 to 2010, Belinda Campbell from 2010 to 2011, Johnathan Young from 2011 to 2013, Oliver Kent from 2013 to 2017 and Simon Harper from 2017 to 2021. Holby City aired once
18135-480: The first series of Holby City , Young selected actors who were already established names in the acting industry, primarily from a soap opera background. He cast Michael French as Nick Jordan , George Irving as Anton Meyer , Angela Griffin as Jasmine Hopkins , Lisa Faulkner as Victoria Merrick and Nicola Stephenson as Julie Bradford . Young explained: "Soap actors are the best actors. There's been so much snobbery before. The whole thing about typecasting
18330-535: The twentieth series episode "Hard Day's Night", broadcast on 20 February 2018. Xavier is a general surgical registrar. Griffiths described his character as "very confident and charming", as well as an "alpha male". The actor said he shared some similarities with Xavier, such as their ambitious sides, but Griffiths thought he was more empathetic. He also thought Xavier was a "Marmite" character, who viewers would either like or hate. Xavier clashes with co-worker Nicky McKendrick ( Belinda Owusu ) after they both get drunk at
18525-520: The working title Holby Central , before the name was amended by the time that promotions for the programme began being broadcast over the Christmas season of 1998. Series producer Richard Stokes believes that the series' popularity stems from the fact the hospital setting presents numerous plotline opportunities, explaining: "You have licence to create life-and-death situations every week, something you cannot do in any other set piece. The interaction of
18720-426: The "Most Popular Newcomer" award at the 2006 National Television Awards . Edward Campbell , played by Aden Gillett , made his first appearance in the fifteenth series episode "Never Let Me Go", broadcast on 30 July 2013. Gillett's casting was announced on 6 April. The actor stated, "I'm looking forward to joining the cast of Holby . I've worked with Catherine, Guy [Henry] and Hugh [Quarshie] before, and it will be
18915-415: The "foreseeable future". In September 2010, Holby City 's nurse Donna Jackson ( Jaye Jacobs ) appeared in Casualty , and Kent hopes that characters from the two shows will begin to crossover two or three times a year. Despite the show's end, former cast members have continued to crossover to Casualty , starting with Alex Walkinshaw as Fletch appearing on 2 April 2022 as a continuation of plot of
19110-426: The 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards. He came in ninth place, receiving 3% of the total votes. Zav was written out of the show and he made his final appearance on 14 April 2020. Zav's final scenes featured him discovering Cameron Dunn's (Nic Jackman) secrets about the death of Evan Crowhurst ( Jack Ryder ). He decides to go to the police but is knocked over by a cyclist and killed. Griffiths had to keep Zav's departure
19305-497: The American medical drama ER . Television producer Paul Abbott has commented that although he watches ER , he does not watch Holby City as: "it looks like you've crammed one hour's drama into 26 episodes." In October 2009, former Holby City writer Peter Jukes wrote a critical piece for Prospect magazine, contrasting the show negatively with the standard of American television dramas. Jukes wrote that Holby City has become
19500-650: The BBC of producing "ersatz parodies" of ITV drama, commenting that: "With Holby City cloned out of Casualty , the BBC has even ended up copying itself." Paul Hoggart of The Times has written that the differences between the two shows are "mild", calling Holby City : " Casualty 's cute little sister". Kevin Lygo , director of television at Channel 4, referred to Holby City as "sudsy drama", deeming it, Casualty and HolbyBlue "all decent programmes, but strikingly similar in many aspects of their tone and construction." Holby City has also been unfavourably compared with
19695-861: The BBC's EastEnders , while Stephenson and Faulkner had starred in Brookside . Griffin had also appeared in ITV 's Coronation Street . Young explained: "Some of the best performances on screen have come out of soaps in the past few years. There is a fantastic amount of talent on those shows." This propensity for hiring established actors continued as the soap progressed, with former Brookside actress Patricia Potter cast as registrar Diane Lloyd , Star Wars actor Denis Lawson cast as consultant Tom Campbell-Gore , and Family Affairs star Rocky Marshall cast as SHO Ed Keating . Later roles were awarded to comedian Adrian Edmondson , former film actress Patsy Kensit , and Jesus of Nazareth star Powell. When Jane Asher
19890-528: The Byrne Foundation for cardiothoracic care, and promotes her to Sister of Keller ward, leading some to question the true nature of their relationship. Paul Shane plays Stan Ashleigh, a porter who appears in Holby City from series three, episode one to series six, episode two . Thusitha Jayasundera plays Tash Bandara, a general surgical registrar of Indian heritage who appears from series two, episode five until series four, episode 37 . Tash had
20085-545: The DoS post with Ric Griffin, before he was relegated to light duties, to be replaced by Connie. Michael was then removed from the post of Joint DoS after having punched a cancer-stricken Ric in the hospital car park. New Joint DoS, Henrik Hanssen , moved Michael to head up the hospital's Acute Admissions Unit, after the death of Linden Cullen. This remained Michael's role for the next year, though he spent six months working with old friend consultant plastic surgeon Sunil Bhatti, working on
20280-619: The Elstree site would be sold, and Holby City relocated to share a set with Casualty , possibly in Cardiff . In March 2009, the BBC confirmed that Casualty would move to a new set in Cardiff, however in the following month, The Guardian announced that the BBC would retain Elstree Studios for at least another four years. Several episodes of the series have been shot on location abroad. In 2004,
20475-458: The NHS and fuelling compensation culture . Holby City has been nominated for over 100 television awards , of which it has won ten: the 2008 British Academy Television Award for Best Continuing Drama, one BEFFTA Award, two Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards , two Music Video and Screen Awards, and four Screen Nation Awards. The show's first series averaged 9.27 million viewers, but apart from
20670-400: The academy, and graduate Abi Bown went on to become a regular writer for Holby City . Harper also recruits writers through the BBC's Continuing Drama Shadow Scheme, open to writers from all levels of experience. He believes that scripts which demonstrate synthesis between guest and serial storylines are "the spine of the show", and has stated that, "Good, cracking, intelligent, ballsy dialogue
20865-440: The appearance. Reviewing the episode "Thursday's Child", Bree Treacy of RTÉ.ie wondered if Michael's separation from Annalese would lead to a romance with Connie, commenting: "Romance is not usually a word you associate with Connie but she and [Michael] do seem to enjoy a bit of banter and it might be good to see a relationship which could mix their obvious attraction for each other with their constant need to stab each other in
21060-521: The audience." Kris Green of entertainment and media website Digital Spy suggested that the number of songs used per episode could be "very jarring", to which Kyle replied: "We plan to use music carefully in the future – maybe 'songtages', as above – and sourced music within a scene, that is music actually playing in the scene itself, for example on a radio – but less incidental." Holby City premiered on 12 January 1999 on BBC One. Twenty-three series of Holby City aired over twenty-three years, prior to
21255-487: The broadcaster's Compete Or Compare Strategy, the BBC confirmed the show would be one of the first put up for tender. In the tender released in October, it was confirmed the contract, open to independent producers and BBC Studios , would be for 3 series of a minimum 50 episodes per series, delivered from December 2017 with no break in transmission and produced from the existing production base at BBC Elstree Centre . BBC Studios
21450-638: The cast as Greg Douglas in series twelve . The series uses operational ventilators on set and these were donated to the NHS Nightingale Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic . Holby City and Casualty are both set in Holby City Hospital, in the fictional county of Wyvern, in the southwest of England close to the Welsh border. The city exterior is represented by Bristol , though Holby City
21645-430: The cast who expressed their sadness with the show's cancellation. Fans of the show launched a change.org petition to save Holby City ; it reached over 30,000 signatures in a matter of days. Holby City follows the professional and personal lives of medical and ancillary staff at Holby City Hospital. It features an ensemble cast of main and recurring characters. New main characters have been both written in and out of
21840-454: The casting of McGann and described him joining the show as "a dream come true". He added, "John Gaskell will be a mercurial force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to see him locking horns with Jac, Hanssen, Griffin and the other Holby titans." Toby Geddes Rick Warden plays Toby Geddes, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon briefly on Darwin ward in 2010 brought in by Michael Spence as a replacement for Connie Beauchamp. Geddes, despite being
22035-404: The character had only recently embarked on a new relationship with Mubbs, Bradshaw-White explained: "When he does finally declare his undying love for her and asks to move in with him, Lisa realises it isn't what she wants at all." She expanded that "Lisa's waited so long to hear those words, but she's annoyed to discover he assumed she'd jump at the chance [to move in with him]." She stated that she
22230-406: The characters can be sexy and social issues also permeate the writing. But, basically, hospital drama is successful because the viewers will forgive all the yukky bits for the wonder of a life saved." The focus of the series has developed since its conception, expanding to cover extra wards, including a gynaecology ward, an acute assessment unit and a maternity ward. When the maternity ward and
22425-556: The city of Holby is loosely based upon – is 88% white and 12% ethnic minorities. The show has been criticised for its lack of realism. Former nurse Vici Hoban commented in February 2004 that there existed three stereotypes of nurses exist: "sex object, doctor's handmaiden, or angel". She felt that media portrayal had amplified these misconceived views, observing that with "the syringe-toting serial killer Kelly in Holby City , realism has never been top of TV's agenda." However, Hoban felt that
22620-543: The content of Holby City is defined by the watershed , describing real nursing work in contrast as "very post-watershed". In November 2009, Antony Sumara, CEO of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Hospital Trust, wrote a column criticising Holby City for misrepresenting real hospital life. Tom Sutcliffe of The Independent reviewed a December 2009 episode poorly, finding it "astonishing" that any patients leave Holby General alive, as
22815-506: The crossover to the American CSI franchise , in that: "You really believe it's a world." While the second series attracted 5.6 million viewers with its opening episode, by the end of May 2008 viewership had fallen to 2.5 million. In August 2008, the BBC announced that due to declining ratings, Holby Blue would not be recommissioned for a third series. In June 2002, cast members from Holby City and Casualty competed against
23010-420: The end of its run the show featured an ensemble of sixteen regular characters. Having originally appeared between 2004 and 2011, Jaye Jacobs reprised her role as Donna Jackson in 2017. Rosie Marcel has starred as Jac Naylor since 2005, while Sacha Levy actor Bob Barrett joined Holby City in 2010. Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry ) rejoined the show in 2015, two years after leaving a three-year stint on
23205-446: The end of the year. The series moved to HD broadcasting, with a BBC HD simulcast, from the start of series 13 in October 2010. The show's eleventh series saw musical montage or "songtage" segments become standard in each episode, introduced by McHale as a means of modernising the show. Although McHale initially considered commissioning original pieces, budgetary constraints limited choices to pre-existing tracks. The use of songtages
23400-457: The entire cast and crew for their work on the serial and promised that it would "[go] out on a high". Gleeson explained that his team wanted to make the series' concluding broadcasts "the most entertaining Holby yet". Hugh Quarshie , the show's longest-serving cast member, told Sarah Marsh of The Guardian that the cast and production team were informed about the cancellation one hour before its announcement. The show's cancellation received
23595-459: The extent that he cannot bear to see her, so is being raised by Olivia's parents instead of him. A long-running series ten plot strand sees Linden become deeply involved with the plight of a pair of Korean asylum seekers , one of whom is pregnant with conjoined twins . As the couple are Christian, he feels compelled by his faith to help them, and ensures that the hospital hosts the twins' separation operation, despite political red-tape . Linden
23790-470: The fiftieth episode. Other notable guest stars include Paul Blackthorne , Suzanne Shaw , Geoffrey Hutchings , Richard Todd , Johnny Briggs , Terence Rigby , Michael Obiora , and Lionel Jeffries . Richard Briers appeared as patient George Woodman in the Christmas episode "Elliot's Wonderful Life", Eric Sykes played Roger Ludlow, a patient with Alzheimer's disease and Phill Jupitus starred as morbidly obese patient Andy Thompson. Kieron Dyer
23985-492: The final episode that aired earlier in the week. In October 2022, it was confirmed Bob Barrett would appear as Sacha Levy in a 2023 episode. On 27 April 2006, the BBC announced the commissioning of Holby Blue , a police procedural spin-off from Holby City created by Tony Jordan . Jordan contemplated that "soap snobs" may hold the series in disdain for using the Holby brand, but concluded: "After much thought, I remembered who I
24180-513: The first airing on 2 January 2019. Lawson commented, "I have great memories of my time on Holby City and I'm delighted to be back on my old stomping ground with the Holby cast and crew". Tom is reacquainted with Ric Griffin ( Hugh Quarshie ) at the Innovation Conference, where they are rivals for funding. Niamh McGrady plays staff nurse Mary-Claire Carter. Initially a recurring character, she first appeared 22 September 2009. She became
24375-559: The first episode. The programme airs in Finland on the channel Yle TV2 under the name of Holby Cityn sairaala . On 2 June 2021, it was announced that Holby City had been cancelled and would conclude with the 23rd series. The final episode was broadcast in March 2022. The decision was made as part of plans from the BBC to make more programmes across the country with the intention to better reflect it. An official press release statement thanked
24570-490: The hospital's Keller ward. Upon the character's introduction, it was teased the character could be "running away from his problems". Mead said he was "looking forward to being in a new part of the Holby hospital and seeing what it has in store for [Lofty] next." The show's acting executive producer, Simon Harper, said it was "thrilling" to introduce Mead to Holby City . He added, "Keller Ward is going through some dark times, so Lofty's trademark warmth and kindness will come at just
24765-409: The hospital's surgical wards. While Casualty 's scope is limited to "accident of the week" storylines about patients entering hospital, Holby City allowed the possibility of storylines about long-term care, rather than immediate life and death decisions. The series was commissioned by BBC One Controller Peter Salmon , and began airing on BBC One on 12 January 1999. The series initially had
24960-403: The hospital, we are not likely to see her on our regular wards for some time." Rachel is of Afrocaribbean heritage. Clive Mantle plays Mike Barratt, a consultant general surgeon who previously appeared in Casualty practising emergency medicine . He appears in Holby City from series two, episode five until series three, episode 30, working on the hospital's Keller ward. At the end of
25155-527: The impending birth of their child. Dhillon submitted a tape, and the next day was asked if he was interested in the role. Given the circumstances, he has described his casting as a "beautiful stroke of luck". Dhillon had previously appeared in the show as minor character Sunil Gupta for six episodes after leaving drama school. He does not believe that this role contributed to his casting as Michael, but instead worried that it would work against him. In auditioning for Michael, Dhillon used his own accent, rather than
25350-409: The local bar, while he has a casual relationship with her friend Meena Chowdhury (Salma Hoque). In April 2018, Griffiths starred in one episode of Holby City 's sister show, Casualty , as Xavier. Griffiths made another appearance in Casualty as part of a two-part crossover episode, originally broadcast in March 2019. For his portrayl of Xavier, Griffiths was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at
25545-528: The mother of a paediatric patient in the show's fourth series . Luke Roberts , who plays registrar Joseph Byrne , appeared as the son of a medical professor in Holby City 's seventh series , Rosie Marcel , who plays registrar Jac Naylor appeared in both Holby City and Casualty as a patient on three occasions. Stella Gonet , who plays CEO Jayne Grayson , had a minor role as an anaesthetist in Casualty , while Hari Dhillon , who plays general surgical consultant Michael Spence , previously appeared as
25740-446: The music he believed his character Ric Griffin would listen to in theatre. Asked in June 2010 whether she felt songtages were appropriate for a serious drama show, Kyle responded: "Yes – sometimes. On a multi-strand series such as Holby , they are an excellent way of telling stories visually – a moment from each – to open or close an episode or create the passing of time in a concise way for
25935-604: The normal parameters of behaviour, which is challenging to many characters." Dhillon and Michael share a similar background. Michael grew up in India, moved to America, and now lives in the United Kingdom, while Dhillon grew up in San Francisco , spent nine months in India aged six, and also now lives in the United Kingdom. Explaining the impact of this on Michael's characterisation, Dhillon stated: "I think that type of background has
26130-477: The opportunity to spend time on real hospital wards for research. Holby City has, however, been criticised for its lack of realism, with the British Medical Association denouncing its portrayal of organ donation and unrealistic impression of resuscitation, and an accident and emergency nurse at the 2008 Royal College of Nursing conference accusing the show of fostering unrealistic expectations of
26325-402: The police procedural Mersey Beat : "One begins to wonder what really is the point of the BBC bringing this to us. Let's have something a bit different." Then head of BBC drama Jane Tranter responded that Bolt's examples were "highly selective" as well as "hugely patronising to the millions of viewers who enjoy popular dramas like Holby City – week in, week out". Young, who at the time held
26520-481: The position of head of drama serials, told The Guardian : "Popular drama has always been singled out for criticism, but people are increasingly voting with their on-buttons." Also in 2002, David Cox of the New Statesman criticised BBC One's 2001 Christmas schedule, for airing Holby City against a contemporary version of Othello . On this basis, Cox advocated the abolition of the licence fee, explaining: "The BBC
26715-964: The price for his love, as he got distracted behind the wheel while trying to tell Chantelle he loved her causing to crash his car. After her recovery, Arthur finally told her he loved her, but he was left crying when Chantelle decided one of them had to move on. Arthur is diagnosed with stomach cancer and later dies in " I'll Walk You Home ", broadcast on 7 June 2016. Joe McFadden portrays general surgical registrar Raffaello "Raf" di Lucca. By his own admission, his passion lies with CPR routines, protocols and development. He first appears in on 28 January 2014 and instantly makes an impression on Ric and Guy after bringing his lunch and shoes to an interview after assuming they would want him to start. He comes over as confident bordering on arrogant. He upsets Harry when he criticises his CPR abilities and attitude. He also clashes with Adele and confiscates her mobile phone after catching her using it. Edward MacLiam plays Greg Douglas,
26910-557: The production team intentionally sought out "well-known-names", or whether roles simply went to the actor best-suited for the part. Kyle responded: "It's lovely when we have a new member of the cast come in and bring an audience with them. But we want the best actors, and the star names we cast are always the best - which is why we go for them." Many cast members who play main characters have made previous appearances in Holby City and Casualty in minor roles. Amanda Mealing , who plays cardiothoracic consultant Connie Beauchamp , appeared as
27105-406: The right moment." Meena Chowdhury , played by Salma Hoque,made her first appearance in the sixty-third episode of series 19 . The character and Salma Hoque's casting details were announced on 29 September 2017, alongside those of Belinda Owusu who plays Nicky McKendrick , Meena's best friend from school. Meena is an F1 . In her fictional backstory, she had a privileged upbringing, whereas Nicky
27300-432: The right thing." Petra Letang plays healthcare assistant Adele Effanga and made her first appearance in series 16 on 14 January 2014. Adele is the younger sister of Mo Effanga ( Chizzy Akudolu ). Adele is the show's first regular healthcare assistant and series producer Simon Harper described her as being "funny, sassy and streetwise". He added that while Mo loves her sister, she is not very happy to have her working at
27495-527: The role of executive producer until 2021. Holby City storylines are planned eight months in advance. The series utilises a number of scriptwriters, who are found and scheduled by script development editor Simon Harper. Harper receives around 20 speculative scripts a week, and also finds writers through the BBC Writers Academy, a course established in 2005 which guarantees its graduates the opportunity to work on prime time television. McHale teaches at
27690-410: The role was created for Edmondson as a one-off guest-appearance, he has since reprised the role of Abra six times, stating that he has loved the show since its 1999 conception. Abra's initial role in the show is that of Third World rights champion and humorous surgical maverick, whose major storylines centre around serious rule breaking, and his relationship with colleague Kyla Tyson . Upon returning to
27885-1205: The romance between nurse Jess Griffin ( Verona Joseph ) and anaesthetist Zubin Khan ( Art Malik ) culminated in an episode set in Paris. The following year, registrar Diane Lloyd ( Patricia Potter ) followed consultant Ric Griffin ( Hugh Quarshie ) to Ghana as part of the BBC's "Africa lives" series, a week of programmes bringing an exploration of African culture to UK audiences. In 2006, an episode shot in Switzerland featured consultant Elliot Hope 's ( Paul Bradley ) wife Gina ( Gillian Bevan ) committing assisted suicide after her motor neurone disease worsened. A 2007 episode filmed in Dubai focused on Holby registrar Joseph Byrne ( Luke Roberts ) meeting new nurse Faye Morton ( Patsy Kensit ), and in 2008, Joseph and consultant Linden Cullen ( Duncan Pow ) travelled to Cape Town when Faye experienced difficulties there. Series producer Diana Kyle stated in November 2008 that due to major BBC budget cuts,
28080-419: The same hospital. Chizzy Akudolu plays specialist registrar Mo Effanga, who has been on the show since 22 May 2012. Mo is a comedic character but has also been involved in many big storylines, for example when she was giving birth to a baby for a friend. On her arrival, a BBC spokesperson dubbed her Disorganised and chaotic in her personal life, if there's a disastrous man on the horizon, she'll find him . She
28275-444: The second series onwards, episodes have been one hour in length. The show was originally broadcast on Tuesday nights at 8.10 pm, until a switch to Thursdays occurred for the second series, which began broadcasting in November 1999. Halfway through the third series in 2001, Holby reverted to its original Tuesday night slot, but now at 8.05 pm. Finally, the show moved into the 8pm timeslot, where it has since remained. The show
28470-529: The second series, Mike severely damages his leg after stepping on a poacher's trap and rolling hundreds of feet down a hill on a team building course. He recovers, and returns to work on crutches. At the end of the third series he is offered a job in New Zealand , which he refuses, although he does not return for the fourth series. Amanda Mealing plays Connie Beauchamp, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon on Holby General's Darwin ward . Connie first appears in
28665-484: The selected actors' first scenes. Young explained his casting criteria, stating: "I try to put my head into the head of a viewer and ask: do I want to spend three years in the life of this person?" The 17 November 2006 Children in Need charity telethon included a segment featuring the Holby City cast performing a comical version of " Hung Up " by Madonna . The 16 November 2007 Children in Need appeal again contained
28860-721: The series regularly since it started, the show contains a core of 10 to 20 main characters on the show at any given time. The original cast of 11 characters featured in the show's first episode consisted of consultants Anton Meyer ( George Irving ) and Muriel McKendrick ( Phyllis Logan ), registrars Nick Jordan ( Michael French ) and Kirstie Collins (Dawn McDaniel), senior house officer Victoria Merrick ( Lisa Faulkner ), ward sister Karen Newburn ( Sarah Preston ), theatre sister Ellie Sharpe (Julie Saunders), senior staff nurse Ray Sykes ( Ian Curtis ), staff nurses Julie Bradford ( Nicola Stephenson ) and Jasmine Hopkins ( Angela Griffin ), and ward clerk Paul Ripley ( Luke Mably ). Towards
29055-501: The series since. In addition, Holby City features guest stars each week, as well as recurring guests that take part in story arcs that span a portion of a series. Occasionally, the recurring guest storylines will span multiple series. Many actors in the series have made prior, minor appearances as both patients and staff members in both Holby City and Casualty - in some instances crediting these former appearances for their later casting as main characters in Holby City . In casting
29250-483: The series six episode "In at the Deep End", She is initially portrayed as a married man-eater, engaging in extra-marital trysts with Ric Griffin and registrars Mubbs Hussein and Will Curtis, though goes on to become a loving mother to her daughter, Grace, fathered by surgical registrar Sam Strachan . Connie was briefly written out of the series in 2007 to allow Mealing time out to work on separate projects, but returned to
29445-479: The series would not be filming abroad again for the "foreseeable future". However, on 10 December 2012, it was announced that the show had filmed one episode in Stockholm , which focusses on Jac tracking down hospital CEO Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry ) and exploring his backstory. Holby City was shot using the single-camera setup . Filming occurred from 8am until 7pm daily, 50 weeks a year. From July 2007 onwards,
29640-503: The series. He resigned from the position in 2009, and was succeeded by Belinda Campbell in 2010. In February 2011, it was announced that Johnathan Young would return to the BBC from March, succeeding Campbell as executive producer of both Casualty and Holby City . Two years later, the BBC advertised for a new executive producer for both shows. Oliver Kent was then announced as Young's successor, being promoted from senior producer at Holby City and series producer at Casualty . Kent
29835-456: The show again. Holby City was cancelled in June 2021 after 23 years on air with the final episode due to be broadcast in March 2022. Producers invited multiple former cast members to reprise their roles during the show's final series . In February 2022, it was revealed that Dhillon had reprised his role and would appear in episode 1098, first broadcast on 28 February 2022. Michael returns when he interviews Dominic Copeland ( David Ames ) for
30030-450: The show at the end of the year in the series ten episode "Elliot's Wonderful Life". She departs the show in " Snow Queens ". Holby City . Season 13. Episode 11. 28 December 2010. BBC . BBC One . Connie later joined Holby City's sister show Casualty , arriving on 29 March 2014 as a new consultant and deputy clinical lead. Nicola Stephenson plays Julie Bradford, an original character who appears until series three, episode 29. Julie
30225-456: The show in series eleven , the character takes a darker turn, resorting to self-harm as a symptom of post-traumatic stress , following a harrowing experience in the war torn Congo . Abra returns to Africa after seeking psychiatric help, and makes his final appearance soon thereafter, returning briefly to Holby in an attempt to convince Kyla to move to Ghana with him. Xavier "Zav" Duval , played by Marcus Griffiths, made his first appearance in
30420-475: The show on 8 June 2005, BBC Publicity commented: "The character of Lisa has been wonderful in the show and she has always had a huge sense of fun and adventure. So in the months to come we will see her unable to resist the challenge of working in a setting very different from Holby City Hospital ." In her final appearance, series 7, episode 48 "Great Expectations", Lisa decides to leave Holby with surgeon Abra Durant and relocate to work with him in Ghana . Although
30615-431: The show took on the filmising technique, giving episodes the impression of having been shot on film. Kyle stated that this was intended to attract a younger audience and modernise the programme, and that there had been a "very positive" response to the change. On 28 May 2010, the BBC announced that it would be launching a high definition (HD) simulcast of BBC One from the autumn, and that Holby City would move to HD by
30810-425: The show's seventh series as a minor character, and attributes this prior role to his eventual casting as Joseph. His major storylines have included an accidental drugs overdose , a relationship with fellow surgical registrar Jac Naylor , who cheated on him with his own father, and a relationship with the show's "black widow" character, Ward Sister Faye Morton . Roberts' portrayal of the role saw him longlisted for
31005-408: The show's 2007 police procedural spin-off HolbyBlue . Holby City follows the professional and personal lives of surgeons, nurses, other medical and ancillary staff and patients at Holby General. It features an ensemble cast of regular characters, and began with 11 main characters in its first series , all of whom have since left the show. New main characters have been both written in and out of
31200-570: The show's 2007 police procedural spin-off HolbyBlue . It began with eleven main characters in its first series , all of whom subsequently left the show. New main characters were then periodically written in and out, with a core of around fifteen main actors employed at any given time. In casting the first series, Young sought actors who were already well known in the television industry, something which has continued throughout its history, with cast members including Patsy Kensit , Jane Asher , Robert Powell , Ade Edmondson and John Michie . McHale
31395-543: The show's end in March 2022. The show's first series ran for nine episodes. In June 2000, then Director-General of the BBC Greg Dyke pledged extra funding for BBC One, some of which was used for extra episodes of Holby City . The second and third series ran for 16 and 30 episodes respectively, with new episodes then airing on a weekly basis from the fourth series onwards. Series four to nine and eleven all ran for 52 episodes, while series ten ran for 53 episodes, including
31590-411: The show's final series: Eli Ebrahimi ( Davood Ghadami ), Madge Britton ( Clare Burt ), and Russell "Russ" Faber ( Simon Slater ). In casting the first series of Holby City , Young—who had previously worked on the soap operas Brookside and Family Affairs —selected actors who were already established names in the acting industry, particularly from a soap opera background. French had starred in
31785-413: The show's lead writer for several years, and was the first British writer ever to become the "showrunner" of a major prime time drama. Under his tenure as executive producer, attempts were made at modernising the programme and appealing to a younger audience by taking on the filmising technique and introducing musical montage segments into each episode. Twenty complete series of Holby City have aired, and
31980-418: The show. Initially cast in a guest stint, actor David Ames ( Dominic Copeland ) joined the regular cast in 2014. Following his decision to leave Casualty , Alex Walkinshaw accepted an invitation to reprise his role as Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher in 2014. In 2019, Ange Godard ( Dawn Steele ) and Max McGerry ( Jo Martin ) were introduced to the series. Max's son, Louis McGerry (Tyler Luke Cunningham),
32175-411: The show. He arrives having left his third fiancé at the altar, and goes on to develop feelings for both SHO Maddy Young , and his sister-in-law Louise. Of Dan's relationship with Maddy, Wingfield explained: "There was a line in one of the last episodes, 'one of them seems perfect for you' and I always thought that summed it up. Dan and Maddy have always been incredibly close without becoming lovers, but it
32370-667: The staff are "so busy looking stricken or lovelorn at each other". In December 2003, Libby Purves wrote a critical opinion piece in The Times , observing that Holby City 's medical staff are often depicted getting drunk in clubs, but afterwards are able to function properly at work, and that as a result, alcohol "is made to look innocent". In October 2004, Canon Kenyon Wright , chair of Alcohol Focus Scotland, criticised an episode of Holby City which saw doctors downing tequila slammers, stating that it glamorised irresponsible drinking. Similarly, in October 2007, drinks' industry body
32565-584: The stand-alone finale episode "Mad World", set outside the hospital. All series from then on continued to consist of 52 episodes, with exception to the twelfth series, which consisted of 55 episodes in total. Young explained of the increase in series length: "Longer runs allow you to develop really strong storylines for the regular characters. As long as you do volume with passion, it'll work." The series reached its 500th episode on 13 April 2010, and its 1000th episode on 5 November 2019. Throughout Holby City 's first series, episodes were 50 minutes long. From
32760-402: The theme and story of their episodes than was previously the case. To ensure accuracy in scriptwriting, the serial employs a team of researchers to advise writers on nursing issues and health service politics. One medical advisor was given a cameo role in the series as an orthopaedic surgeon, and another, recovery nurse Rachel Carter, appears in Holby City as a scrub nurse. Another adviser,
32955-403: The trash, considering that I wasn't able to give them their original vision of the character, but I really admire the way they were willing to build on what I was able to bring to Michael." Describing Michael's personality, the official Holby City website states: "Being a doctor defines Michael. Surgery is his first love, it's the only time he feels true emotion." Dhillon believes that Michael
33150-513: The two series are usually produced 120 miles apart, and work on both shows had to be halted for two weeks to release a number of cast members to appear in the special. A second crossover was commissioned in 2005 as part of the BBC's DoNation season, aiming to raise public awareness of organ donation and help viewers make an informed decision about whether to sign up to the Organ Donor Register. An interactive episode of Casualty@Holby City
33345-405: The two shows had occasionally crossed-over storylines and cast members before; for instance developing a romance between Holby City 's Ben Saunders ( David Paisley ) and Casualty 's Tony Vincent ( Lee Warburton ). The first full crossover was spearheaded by Casualty 's executive producer Mervyn Watson, and Holby City 's McHale. Logistical difficulties arose from the fact
33540-477: The worst offender at the time was the Channel 4 medical drama No Angels , which she described as: "so inaccurate that it makes Holby City look like a factual documentary." No Angels creator Toby Whithouse defended his series, stating that Holby City presents an unfair representation of nursing, deceiving viewers into believing that nursing "is a nice, clean job full of handsome doctors." Whithouse observed that
33735-405: Was "pleased it's a positive ending for [Lisa] as she's been so miserable", and explained that her motivation for leaving Holby City was "Purely because I've been in it four years. I've loved every second here and I probably stayed a year longer than I wanted to, just because I loved it so much." Jan Pearson plays ward sister Kath Fox between series two episode one and series six episode 26. Kath
33930-483: Was afraid to let her hair down. She had a determined nature and while she could cause friction, she was genuine and honest." Her major storylines revolve around her advancing career, an on-off relationship with colleague Mubbs Hussein, and her father's death by assisted suicide . Lisa also appears in the Casualty@Holby City interactive episode "Something We Can Do". Upon announcing her forthcoming departure from
34125-435: Was allowed to visit the Holby City set, but did not appear on-screen as a result of the policy change. Reflecting Holby City 's origins as a spin-off from Casualty and the closely related premises of the two programmes, the BBC has screened occasional crossover mini-dramas entitled Casualty@Holby City , featuring a number of characters from each of the two casts. Prior to the commissioning of Casualty@Holby City ,
34320-400: Was an alcoholic and had been having an affair with nurse Mary-Claire Carter ( Niamh McGrady ). A Daily Record reporter observed that Serena was "not at all happy to see him". While a Liverpool Echo reporter observed: "new doctor Edward is a figure from Serena's past, which threatens to compromise her personal and professional lives". Serena Campbell , played by Catherine Russell ,
34515-409: Was an executive producer for the duration of Holby 's first series, before joining Channel 4 in 1999. Kathleen Hutchison served alongside Mal Young as co-executive producer from 2003 to 2004, when she left the series to become executive producer of EastEnders . Hutchison was succeeded by former series producer Stokes, who remained working on Holby City until 2006, when McHale returned to
34710-463: Was announced as the winning bidder and was to continue to produce the show through to 2020. It was announced on 18 March 2020 that production had been suspended on Holby City and other BBC Studios continuing dramas in light of new government guidelines following the COVID-19 pandemic . A BBC Studios statement said there would be no impact on the immediate broadcast of episodes, but that the "long-term ramifications are still unclear". Despite this, it
34905-506: Was announced on 9 April 2020 that the drama would be going on an extended hiatus on 14 April. It was later confirmed that the show would return in July 2020. Holby City was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the BBC medical drama Casualty , which is set in the emergency department of the fictional Holby City Hospital. Young wanted to explore what happened to patients treated in Casualty once they were taken away to
35100-519: Was as a writer, the joy I take from surprising an audience, by subverting expectation – and HolbyBlue was born." Holby City was moved to Thursdays for the duration of HolbyBlue 's first series, with the spin-off broadcast on Tuesday nights at 8 pm. A two-part crossover episode with Holby City was developed for the beginning of the show's second series, broadcast in 2008. The episodes were written by McHale and Jordan, and saw Holby City registrar Jac Naylor accused of murder. Yorke compared
35295-588: Was cast in the recurring role of Lady Byrne in 2007, Inside Soap magazine asked Kyle whether the production team intentionally sought out "well-known-names". She responded: "It's lovely when we have a new member of the cast come in and bring an audience with them. But we want the best actors, and the star names we cast are always the best – which is why we go for them." There is a casting department at Elstree Studios which casts actors for Holby City as well as Casualty , EastEnders and Doctors . The programme also has two dedicated casting directors who bring in
35490-463: Was enough for him to be called in for the part of Joseph, while in contrast, Dhillon does not believe that his role contributed to his casting as Michael, but instead worried that it would work against him. Holby City has featured a number of famous guest stars. Emma Samms , Antonio Fargas , Ronald Pickup and Leslie Phillips made appearances within the show's first few series, and Anita Dobson , Peter Bowles and Susannah York all appeared in
35685-471: Was first popularised by the US medical drama Grey's Anatomy , however McHale stated he was unaware of this until Holby City had already adopted the technique. Music was generally selected by each episode's scriptwriter. If the writer was not specific about which songs should be used, the producers and director would select the music in post-production. Actors also have some input: Hugh Quarshie personally selected
35880-437: Was in four episodes as an injury prone footballer, Denise Welch had a recurring role as risk manager Pam McGrath, mother of nurse Keri , Clarke Peters appeared for five episodes in 2009 as the father of nurse Donna Jackson, and Graeme Garden had a recurring role from 2003 to 2007 as cardiothoracic consultant Edward Loftwood. Cascade Brown played Sophie Hindmarsh in 2004, Antonio Fargas appeared in 2003 as Victor Garrison,
36075-410: Was introduced in 2020, marking the introduction of the show's first regular transgender character. Following the show's production break, three new characters were introduced: Josh Hudson (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), Jeong-Soo Han (Chan Woo Lim), and Lucky Simpson ( Vineeta Rishi ). Amy Murphy joined the show's cast as Kylie Maddon in February 2021. Three regular characters were introduced in
36270-491: Was invented in a period when the elite decided what the population should know. If that has gone, then the licence fee should go too." At the 2003 Edinburgh International Television Festival , BSkyB chief executive Tony Ball called for stricter restrictions on how the BBC spent licence payers' money, suggesting that Holby City be sold to the channel's commercial rivals, with the proceeds used to develop more original programming. The BBC refused Ball's suggestion, responding in
36465-589: Was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the Black International Film Festival and Music. Adrian Lewis Morgan plays nurse Liam Evans, who appears from series three, episode 15 until series four, episode 35 . Liam originally works on Keller ward as an agency nurse. He plans to leave the hospital to get married and move to Australia, but when he is jilted on his wedding day, he applies for a permanent position. When Liam overhears his neighbours arguing, he intervenes in an instance of domestic violence and
36660-439: Was one of the headlining shows of the season, allowing viewers to vote by phone to determine the outcome of a fictional organ donation. The third Casualty@Holby City crossover aired in October 2005. The four-part storyline tackled the issue of youth violence, following the events of a turbulent A&E demonstration at an inner-city school. Based on the success of the 2004 Casualty@Holby City Christmas special, another crossover
36855-415: Was ordered for Christmas 2005. Rather than dividing the episodes between the two series' crews as had previously been standard, this crossover operated as an entirely separate production, with Kyle producing and Paul Harrison directing. In February 2010, another crossover occurred when Casualty 's Charlie Fairhead ( Derek Thompson ) was operated on by Holby City 's Elliot Hope after suffering
37050-528: Was part of a bid by Controller of BBC Drama Production John Yorke to "put writers back at the heart of the process". Yorke called McHale's promotion "fantastic", explaining: "It means that for the first time you've got a writer running one of our big powerhouse BBC1 shows." Following McHale's resignation, his replacement as lead writer was Justin Young, who intends to introduce a more writer-led commissioning process from series 13 onwards, with writers creating more of
37245-488: Was praised by campaigners for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) in October 2003, when an episode which coincided with "Learn To Sign Week" used deaf actors, and featured characters communicating through British Sign Language . RNID chief executive John Low stated: "Too often individuals have to rely on family members or friends to communicate complicated personal information to professionals. This
37440-504: Was probably invented by actors who couldn't get other work. From day one I knew I wanted to put on screen people that viewers want to watch. There's no downside to that." This propensity for hiring established actors continued as the soap progressed, with later roles being awarded to comedian Adrian Edmondson , Patsy Kensit and veteran actor Robert Powell . When Jane Asher was cast in the recurring role of Lady Byrne in 2007, Inside Soap magazine asked series producer Diane Kyle whether
37635-546: Was promoted to Head of Continuing Drama Series for BBC Studios in December 2016, and series producer Simon Harper was appointed the serial's acting executive producer. In June 2017, it was announced that Harper would take the job on a permanent basis. Kate Oates was hired as the show's senior executive producer in October 2018, working alongside Harper. She was promoted, succeeding Kent in his position, in April 2019. Harper remained in
37830-410: Was the show's lead writer for several years, and was the first British writer ever to become the showrunner of a major prime-time drama. Under his tenure as executive producer, attempts were made at modernising the programme and appealing to a younger audience by taking on the filmizing technique and introducing musical montage segments into each episode. Twenty-three series of Holby City aired, with
38025-473: Was too messed up to be good for anyone and he knew it." Wingfield describes Dan as "decisive, quick-thinking and pragmatic", explaining that "he doesn't allow emotion to control his choices". He says of his reception: "People really responded to the character. He had such a roguishness and a wildness and you never quite knew what he might do or say next and I think that was exciting for people." Dan leaves Holby in series ten episode two "The Last Throw" to accept
#122877