Antoine Malick | |
---|---|
Holby City character | |
First appearance | "Running the Gauntlet" 4 January 2011 |
Last appearance | "I'll Walk You Home" 7 June 2016 |
Portrayed by | Jimmy Akingbola |
In-universe information | |
Alias | The Malick |
Occupation | Consultant General Surgeon |
Children | Jake Patterson (son) Unnamed child |
Antoine Malick is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City . He is portrayed by Jimmy Akingbola, and has appeared since the series thirteen episode "Running the Gauntlet", first broadcast on 4 January 2011. A maverick registrar with a volatile temper, Malick was created to compensate for the departures of many regular characters during the thirteenth series. Akingbola had twice appeared in the programme in guest roles, and was invited to audition for Malick on the strength of his performances. Before joining Holby City, he had previously played a regular role in its short-lived police spin-off, HolbyBlue . Akingbola left the series in 2013, with Malick departing on 26 November 2013. He returned for the exit of Arthur Digby (Rob Ostlere) on 7 June 2016.
Holby City follows the professional and personal lives of medics at the fictional Holby City Hospital. Malick was introduced as a new member of the hospital's Acute Assessment Unit staff, after almost being fired for assaulting his boss. Conflict with his colleagues, anger management and a desire for career advancement formed a focal point of his early story-lines. The character gradually softened, and Akingbola portrays him as being fundamentally good-hearted. Malick is gay; he develops a rivalry with orthopaedic surgeon Dan Hamilton (Adam Astill), who later kisses him during a fight. His alpha male characterisation has attracted critical praise, while his pairing with Dan received a more mixed response, including viewer complaints about the kiss.
Malick is introduced on the verge of being fired from Holby City Hospital, after assaulting his boss on the Day Care Surgical ward. He explains to Director of Surgery Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) that it was necessary to save a patient: resuscitation had been abandoned, but after forcefully taking control of the situation, Malick was able to revive them. On the proviso that he attends anger management counselling, Hanssen gives Malick a final chance and attaches him to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU). There, he soon clashes with the unit's staff: consultant Michael Spence (Hari Dhillon), Foundation doctor Penny Valentine (Emma Catherwood), and ward sister Frieda Petrenko (Olga Fedori). [1] Relations begin to improve when Malick is left in charge of the unit for the day. Although he initially dismisses Penny's diagnoses and advice, ultimately he is forced to call on Michael for help and realises that she was right all along. He also becomes Frieda's mentor when she is accepted onto the Foundation programme. [2] A racist patient makes a complaint about Malick; when her condition rapidly deteriorates in theatre, he walks out, causing the junior AAU staff to believe he has abandoned them. Malick soon returns with a crash team and saves the patient's life. Penny develops a crush on him, but Frieda informs her he is gay. [3]
A domestic abuse case tests Malick's temper. Suspecting an injured husband of beating his wife, Malick switches his pain-relieving morphine for saline to increase his suffering. [4] When Penny is killed in a train crash, her brother Oliver (James Anderson) confides in Malick that he is not a qualified doctor, as he switched his own exam paper with Penny's while they were at university. Malick dissuades Oliver from confessing to Hanssen, and agrees to keep his secret. [5] Hanssen transfers Malick from the AAU to Keller, the hospital's general surgery ward. There, he attempts to ingratiate himself with consultant Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie), but discord arises between the two when Ric insinuates that Malick performed a hysterectomy on a drug-addicted mother out of spite rather than medical necessity. [6] Malick also comes into conflict with orthopaedic surgeon Dan Hamilton (Adam Astill) over treatment of a patient, [7] which intensifies when he discovers that Dan has been illegally providing an old friend with steroids. A physical altercation ensues, which results in Dan kissing Malick, before running off to be with his girlfriend, ward sister Chrissie Williams (Tina Hobley). [8]
2013 proves to be a challenging year for Malick, both personally and professionally. He is forced to re-evaluate his situation and decides that he needs to take some time out.
In October 2013, Malick is severely injured following an accident also involving his colleagues, Chantelle, Arthur and Hanssen, Malick saves Chantelle from disaster but his right hand is severed beyond the wrist after a bale of hay falls on top of the car jamming his wrist in the process. Michael and Serena were able to re-attach the hand but while the operation appeared to be successful, there is uncertainty regarding Malick's future as a surgeon as only partial use of his hand is expected to return with physiotherapy.
Malick was one of several characters introduced during Holby City's thirteenth series, at a time when the programme was undergoing the loss of many established characters. He, along with director of surgery Henrik Hanssen and cardiothoracic surgeon Sahira Shah (Laila Rouass), was created to compensate for the departures. Series producer Myar Craig-Brown hoped the new group would become "equally iconic" as their predecessors. [9]
Prior to being cast as Malick, Akingbola had multiple roles in Holby –branded programmes. He played main character Constable Neil Parker in Holby City's police-procedural spin-off HolbyBlue , [10] and twice appeared in Holby City itself in guest roles. [11] During series twelve, the actor had a two-episode arc as injured boxer Tommy King. [11] [12] His performance so impressed the producers that they agreed to bring him back as a main character. [13] Contacted about the possibility of a permanent role whilst filming his guest-spot in March 2010, Akingbola was initially sceptical of his chances, as he would be recognisable to viewers. Around five months later, he was invited to audition for Malick. [12]
The audition process proved difficult, as some of Akingbola's close friends were also considered for the part. He was dually motivated by the prospect of financial security, and the role itself. [14] Enthused by the character outline, he tailored his performance to the detailed breakdown he was given, and attended his audition dressed in the style he believed Malick would wear. Akingbola recalls, "They were very open with me, encouraging me to push it further and make him more aggressive." [12] The producers were flexible when it came to his interpretation of the character, and Akingbola believes it was his intense portrayal which secured him the role. He explained: "They were looking for someone to put the flesh on the character, and that's what I did. I even wondered whether I was pushing it too much, as people might have wondered how such an extreme person could be a doctor. But I think that's what got me the part in the end – they were looking for a character who would be in people's faces, be a bit dangerous and speak his mind!" [12] Following his successful audition, Akingbola began filming in September 2010. [12] It took several months for him to become accustomed to the job security; initially he took extra roles before arriving to film Holby City. [14] His first episode as Malick aired in January 2011. [12]
Chippy and ambitious, Antoine Malick or "The Malick" as he calls himself, doesn't suffer fools gladly. He's proud of who he is and passionate about what he believes in. A hard grafter, he's ready to take the role of Consultant. But his strong opinions and instinctive moral compass often get the better of him, landing him in more trouble than he feels he deserves.
Malick's forthcoming arrival was announced by the BBC on 26 November 2010. Described as "a complex character who completely divides opinion amongst his Holby colleagues", executive producer Belinda Campbell expanded: "He absolutely refuses to play the political game and his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired. However, there is no doubt he excels at his job and what would overwhelm other medics is like nectar to Malick." [16] Akingbola deemed his character "an alpha male who doesn't suffer fools gladly", someone who would cause ructions amongst staff and patients alike. [16] Despite his abrasive personality, Malick is a talented doctor. Akingbola likened him to footballer Eric Cantona, in that he is "highly skilled, but his temper, his attitude and his confidence get in the way." [12] As a result of his refusal to engage in hospital politics, he is introduced as a registrar who has not achieved his "main ambition" of being promoted to consultant level, although he is close to it, and feels he should be one already. Confident in his ability, Malick exudes arrogance. [12] The actor suggested that Malick's drive stemmed from having been told he would never amount to anything, and a desire to prove his detractors wrong. [14]
"He's such a beautiful, complex person – sometimes you love him, sometimes you hate him. He's a breath of fresh air and I think it's good Holby's got a young, dynamic black doctor that's ready to take on his colleagues. He's just like, 'Why not? Obama's President, why can't I run Holby City?" [...] He's a maverick who believes in himself. But he's also a teddy bear, a nice guy. Yes, he's a bit short-tempered but it all comes from the heart. He feels people at Holby put their heads in the sand. He's going to tell it like it is."
—Akingbola on Malick's characterisation. [14]
"Dark layers", and a nuanced personality of "many different levels and shades" attracted Akingbola to the role. Malick has a violent streak, and is introduced after hitting his former boss, though he becomes calmer with time. [12] A February 2011 episode saw his composure threatened by a racist patient. [17] Akingbola appreciated the storyline for highlighting the continuation of racism and prejudice: "In this country, we can feel like there's no racism and it's like a lovely Benetton advert but it's still there – that's the truth." [14] He characterised Malick as "not all bad", capable of becoming "a nice guy", and expanded: "I think the thing with Malick is that he's young, confident and he speaks from the heart. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and I don't think there's many people like that on the ward! He doesn't care if what he says offends people, because that's what he believes. But he becomes a bit more sensitive." [12] Akingbola anticipated many "twists and turns" in Malick's storylines. [16] He described him as having many secrets, and being a closed off person who "keeps his cards very close to his chest." [12] Using the simile of an onion, he asserted that Malick's layers would be peeled back slowly, to reveal his "wonderful heart". [14]
The character's temperament and masculinity have been a focal point of critical commentary. Teddy Jamieson of The Herald observed, "He's big, he's black and he's all man", and predicted that Malick's tenure would be "testosterone-tastic." [18] A Sunday Mercury review deemed him "a force to be reckoned with", [19] and What's on TV described him as a "misunderstood macho man" with "a dark, volatile side". [20] Anthony D. Langford of gay media website AfterElton.com characterised Malick as an arrogant and egotistical "bad boy", who nevertheless is an excellent physician. [21] Praised for his "veritable mix of attitude, arrogance and cheekiness", Malick was lauded as "a man who refused to shy away from the truth, delivering razor-sharp one-liners as well as any stand-up comic" by the Liverpool Echo 's Susan Griffin. Malick often uses illeism, referring to himself in the third person as "The Malick". In an examination of his dialogue in his introductory episode, the Daily Mirror 's Jane Simon likened him to a candidate on the reality television series The Apprentice , citing his claims, "When you come to Malick you get 150% every time," and "You do not want to lose The Malick!" [22]
Although Malick has an antagonistic relationship with many of his colleagues, soon after his introduction he developed a friendship with ward sister Chrissie Williams. Akingbola assessed, "Chrissie likes him – they become quite friendly and he never seems to have any problems with her at all. I think they're quite close friends." [12] His early storylines focussed on his professional, rather than love life. In his third episode, Penny developed a crush on him, and was disappointed to learn from Frieda that Malick is gay. [21] [23] Though viewers approached Akingbola to ask if he and Frieda would become an item, Malick's sexuality was later confirmed when he described himself as a "big poof". The actor commented that, "rather than make him a stereotype, Holby is pushing the boundaries as the story progresses." [23]
A rivalry developed between Malick and consultant Dan Hamilton, which AfterElton.com's Langford felt intensified once Dan learned of Malick's sexual orientation. [21] The BBC intended to lead subtly into a storyline between the two, with Malick's sexuality "wrong-foot[ing]" Dan, and a "love/hate relationship" developing between them. [24] Concurrent to their conflict, Dan was in a burgeoning relationship with Chrissie. [21] Matters came to a head between them when Malick discovered that Dan had been negligent in treating a friend. [23] A physical altercation ensued, and culminated with Dan kissing Malick. [8] Akingbola said that "Malick sees a side to Dan that completely throws him. It's a real shock." [23] Langford wrote about "the self-satisfied smug look on Malick's face" once Dan left, and interpreted that "he knew that eventually it would come to that and he enjoyed finally pushing Dan until he broke". [21] Following complaints about the storyline, the BBC assured viewers that it would be told "with sensitivity and integrity" as Dan struggled to accept his orientation. [24]
Akingbola has received a positive response from Holby City viewers regarding his character. In May 2011, he commented: "A lot of people have never seen a character like Malick on TV before. People of my parents' age tell me they're loving Malick – the older Nigerian guys love how he bosses people around! I’ve also had younger viewers tell me that they're glad they have a character they can relate to." [23] Critical response has also been generally positive. Malick's introductory episode was selected as recommended viewing by the Sunday Mercury. [19] Inside Soap 's Katy Moon described him as having made a "big impact from day one", with the observation: "His arrogance, combined with his boundless determination to do the right thing by his patients, means that no one could have missed his arrival on the wards – be it the medics in the show or Holby viewers." [23] Simon of the Daily Mirror quipped that Malick was "just what the doctor ordered" to counterbalance the programme's weaker males. [22] She positively contrasted Malick—alongside Hanssen and Michael—with former "spineless male doctors". [25] Simon later deemed Malick "lovely", and found it interesting that he was gay. [17]
Prior to Malick's first kiss with Dan, Moon stated that there was "one hell of a shock" coming up, which was "certainly worth waiting for". [26] Later, she wrote that their showdown had "astonishing repercussions". [23] Simon similarly wrote that there was "a rather massive surprise in store and even if you've seen it coming a mile off, it's got OMG stamped all over it." [27] In reference to Malick's clash with Dan, she opined, "You can practically hear their antlers locking, as the tension between them is unbearable." [27] Though What's on TV recommended the episode, the accompanying review criticised the "seriously irritating banter between the pair," and ensuing "macho posturing between the orthopaedic surgeon and mouthy Malick." [28] Simon's Mirror colleague Jim Shelley described the kiss as "Not exactly Oliver Reed & Alan Bates". [29]
The BBC discussion programme Points of View received some complaints about the kiss, from viewers dismayed that Holby City was "following the trend" of depicting gay relationships. [30] [31] Frances Ryan of The Guardian responded, "Whether said complainers thought that the on-screen depiction of straight people or indeed the interaction of humans generally was similarly a compliance to fantastical trends remains unseen". [30] The BBC did not reveal the number of complaints made, [32] but released a statement explaining that, "Holby City aims to reflect real life in the setting of a medical drama and this means telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities. We approach our portrayal of same-sex relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships and aim to ensure depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing." [24]
Langford of AfterElton.com was conflicted by the storyline's beginning. He deemed himself a fan of the "compelling" Malick, and approved of him for providing black representation. Langford opined that Akingbola and Astill had chemistry, that the characters' scenes were "intense and combustible," and that the fight and following kiss were "terrifically done, full of passion and heat and rage". However, he expressed concern that the same type of storyline had been attempted in soap operas on multiple occasions. Langford concluded: "If the usual template is followed from here there will be weeks of denials and more fighting. I suspect that Malick and Dan will eventually embark on a secret affair, Chrissie will find out, there will be more denials and fighting and at some point Dan will accept who he is. Still, despite the tired storyline, the characters are complex and appealing and the writing is solid enough to make me overlook that." [21] A writer from TV Buzz said that "Malick has already got an ego the size of the UK, but with his new role as Clinical Skills tutor and one of his pupils treating him like a hero, it's about to go global." [33]
Zoe Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Ryan. She made her first appearance on 18 September 2000. Zoe arrives in Walford along with her father, Charlie, sisters Kat, Lynne, Little Mo, and grandmother Big Mo.
Daisha Anderson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Rebecca Grant. She first appeared in the series ten episode "Twelve Hour Nightmare", broadcast on 18 March 2008. Grant received the role after the show's producer watched her in a professional play and was impressed by her performance. The character is originally from the Philippines and has strong Filipino values. She is characterised as having a strong moral code and maintaining a forthright, assertive and straight-talking attitude. Daisha progresses from her role as staff nurse to ward sister and also becomes an ambassador for The Byrne Foundation. One of the characters first stories saw her dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. Having no home or money, Daisha feels unable to support a child. She tries to abort the baby with painkillers but is unsuccessful, gives birth in a lift and later gives up her child.
The twelfth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City commenced airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 20 October 2009. The series deals with the repercussions of the death of ward sister Faye Byrne's son Archie, including the resignation of consultant Connie Beauchamp and the return of former registrar Thandie Abebe-Griffin. It also focuses on staff members' romantic and family lives. F1 Oliver Valentine becomes romantically involved with registrar Jac Naylor and ward sister Daisha Anderson, and his sister Penny embarks on a secret romance with a heart transplant patient. Consultant Linden Cullen is reunited with his estranged daughter Holly, nurse Donna Jackson decides to adopt her half-niece Mia, sister Chrissie Williams gives birth to a son, Daniel, and Faye becomes pregnant by her estranged husband Joseph. The series includes a crossover episode with sister show Casualty and it also has the highest number of episodes to date, as the series contains a small number of episodes which air during the same week.
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 and the show's 2007 police procedural spin-off HolbyBlue.
Persephone "Penny" Valentine is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama television series Holby City, portrayed by actress Emma Catherwood. She appeared from 2009–2011, in the programme's eleventh to thirteenth series. Penny was introduced alongside her younger brother, Oliver, as a Foundation House Officer 1 (F1) on surgical rotation at Holby City Hospital. She eventually progressed to F2 level, before being killed off in the aftermath of a train crash; her death occurring off-screen.
The thirteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 October 2010, and ran for 52 episodes, concluding on 11 October 2011.
Henrik Hanssen is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Guy Henry. He made his first appearance in the thirteenth series episode "Shifts", broadcast on 19 October 2010. Hanssen is initially a consultant general surgeon and the joint Director of Surgery of Holby City Hospital. He later becomes the sole Director of Surgery and the chief executive officer of the hospital trust. Henry has also appeared in Holby City's sister show, Casualty, as Hanssen on multiple occasions.
Frieda Petrenko is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Olga Fedori. She first appears during the twelfth series episode "Together Alone", originally broadcast on 17 February 2010. Frieda was introduced as a nurse, before retraining as a foundation doctor. She departs during the fourteenth series episode "Wolf's Clothing", originally broadcast on 15 May 2012. Frieda guest stars in a series 17 episode, originally broadcast on 22 September 2015, as a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis. Fedori reprised the role again in 2017 and returns in the nineteenth series episode "We Need to Talk About Fredrik", originally broadcast on 12 December 2017. The actress quit the role a year later and Frieda departs in the twenty-first series episode "Running", originally broadcast on 26 March 2019. The character received critical acclaim and Fedori earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 16th National Television Awards.
Sacha Levy is a fictional character from the BBC One medical drama Holby City, played by Bob Barrett. He made his first appearance in the twelfth series episode "Talk to Me", broadcast on 5 January 2010. Sacha joined the Keller ward staff as a specialist registrar in general surgery. Sacha is the father of long-serving character Chrissie Williams's infant son, Daniel, as a result of a one-night stand, and has since held unreciprocated feelings for her. Since Chrissie's departure in 2013, Sacha's storylines have seen a relationship with Essie Harrison and a battle with depression. Barrett has reprised the role of Sacha in sister show Casualty in 2019 and 2023.
Sahira Shah is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Laila Rouass. She makes her first appearance in the series thirteen episode "Blue Valentine", first broadcast on 15 February 2011. The character was one of multiple characters introduced following a spate of cast exits. Sahira is employed at Holby City Hospital as a Cardiothoracic surgical registrar. She is an old acquaintance of Henrik Hanssen who is the CEO and Director of Surgery at the hospital. She has been portrayed as an honest character with a "warm heart". She approaches her career with perfectionist tendencies which is compromised by her emotional vulnerability.
Dan Hamilton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Adam Astill. He first appeared in the series thirteen episode "Blue Valentine", broadcast on 15 February 2011. Dan is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who works in the general surgery ward, Keller. He was created in 2010 and Astill successfully auditioned for the role three months prior to beginning filming in November. Dan has been characterised through his boyish and impulsive nature. He portrayed as a wannabe "ladies' man". New to his role as a consultant, Dan plays up to the stereotype associated with public schooled orthopaedic surgeons. His storylines have developed through a relationship with ward sister Chrissie Williams and a rivalry with registrar Antoine Malick, whom he later kisses. The latter has attracted a mixed reaction from critics of the series, who felt it was a repetition of gay story-lines featuring in other serial dramas. In May 2012, it was announced that Astill had decided to leave the series.
Oliver "Ollie" Valentine is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor James Anderson. He first appeared in the eleventh series episode "Proceed With Caution", broadcast on 9 June 2009. Oliver was introduced alongside his older sister, Penny, as a Foundation House Officer 1 (F1) on rotation at Holby City Hospital. Series producer Diana Kyle intended their inclusion to have an "instant impact on the wards." Anderson was selected to play Oliver; he spent time with a real F1 doctor and trained with the programme's medical advisors to prepare for the part. It took him around six months to ease into the role, and a further six to feel comfortable in it.
The fourteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 18 October 2011 and concluded on 9 October 2012. The series ran for 52 episodes.
Dominic "Dom" Copeland is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor David Ames. He first appeared in the series fifteen episode "Second Life", broadcast on 23 April 2013. Dom arrives at Holby City hospital as an F1 on Keller Ward being mentored by Antoine Malick and later Sacha Levy. The character was originally introduced for several episodes and featured in a storyline with Malick. Producers later decided to reintroduce the character on a permanent basis with Dom returning in January 2014.
Diane Lloyd is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Patricia Potter. She first appeared in the series four episode "High Risk", broadcast on 2 July 2002. Diane arrives at the hospital to work as a surgical registrar. She is characterised as an "ambitious" female determined to succeed in a "male-dominated world". She is portrayed as unlucky-in-love and has numerous failed relationships during her time on the show.
Serena Campbell is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Catherine Russell. She first appeared in the fourteenth series episode "Coercion", broadcast on 1 May 2012. Serena is a consultant general surgeon and formerly Holby General Hospital's deputy CEO. She was introduced along with two other regular characters by the show's then executive producer Johnathan Young, who wanted more "truthful and complicated" characters in the series. Serena was originally Frankie Renard, but the name was changed as the producers thought it was "terrible". Russell auditioned for the role and attended a second call back where she was made up in Serena's costume and make-up. After being cast, the actress was given advice about Serena's profession from a female surgeon to help her prepare for the part. Aspects of Russell's personality traits were incorporated into the character of Serena after she was cast.
"I'll Walk You Home" is the thirty-fifth episode of the eighteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City. The episode was written by Andy Bayliss and directed by Paulette Randall, and premiered on BBC One on 7 June 2016. The episode features the death of established character Arthur Digby, a CT2 doctor who had worked on the show's fictitious Keller and AAU wards. Writers worked alongside a consultant oncologist for medical advice to provide an accurate depiction of terminal cancer. The episode also features the return of two former regular characters and includes an appearance of a character from Holby City's sister-show Casualty.
Stuart McElroy is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Conor Mullen. He first appeared in the series ten episode "The Apprentice", broadcast on 6 November 2007. Producers approached Mullen with the offer to play Stuart. The character arrives at Holby City hospital as a locum cardiothoracic consultant to look after the Darwin ward in the absence of Connie Beauchamp. He soon begins a feud with registrar Sam Strachan and a romance with ward sister Chrissie Williams. Stuart is characterised as a charming surgeon but one who has a possessive side. He is an alcoholic whose wife Amelia left him prior to his arrival. His jealousy becomes an issue when he tries to control Chrissie and she ends their relationship. He begins drinking more heavily resulting in him holding Chrissie hostage and slashing her across the face with a scalpel. Stuart made his final appearance in series ten, episode 18, "The Extra Mile".
Zubin Khan is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Art Malik. He first appeared in the series five episode "Private Lives", broadcast on 17 June 2003. Zubin arrives at Holby City hospital as a consultant anaesthetist. The BBC's drama controller Mal Young approached Malik with the offer of joining the show. He let Malik have control over Zubin's characterisation and as a result Zubin became a Muslim man with an "honourable" persona. The actor also accepted the role because he believed that Holby City positively featured many multiracial characters. To prepare for the role Malik consulted with his real-life family of surgeons and took work experience in a hospital.
Ed Keating is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Rocky Marshall. He first appeared in the series four episode "New Hearts, Old Scores", broadcast on 13 August 2002. Ed arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a cardiothoracic registrar. Ed is characterised as an ambitious "working class" man who learns how to survive hospital politics. He is "extremely loyal" but his aggressive tempter sometimes leads him into trouble. Producers introduced him alongside Tom Campbell-Gore and Ed becomes his protégé. Writers concocted various surgical dilemmas involving organ transplants, which the duo solve in unorthodox ways. Their continued rule breaking sets them both on a journey to disgrace. They forge test results, lie to patients, carry out organ transplants without any consent and Ed lets Tom operate under the influence of alcohol.