Ben Sherwood (Holby City)

Last updated

Ben Sherwood
Holby City character
Ben Sherwood.jpg
Charlie Condou as Ben Sherwood
First appearance"Be True, Be Brave, Be Kind"
19 December 2019
Last appearance Episode 1019
24 March 2020
Portrayed by Charlie Condou
In-universe information
OccupationLocum consultant general surgeon
Significant other Essie Di Lucca

Ben Sherwood is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City , played by actor Charlie Condou. He first appears in the series twenty-one episode "Be True, Be Brave, Be Kind", originally broadcast on 19 December 2019. Ben is a locum consultant general surgeon. Condou's casting was announced on 3 September 2019 and he began filming at the show's studios that same month. Condou had been in contact with the show's casting team about a part on the drama for years prior to securing the role and he was offered the part without an audition.

Contents

Ben is characterised as pleasant, sensitive, sweet and wealthy. He likes to consider himself a "ladies' man" when he often appears foolish. Writers originally devised the character as a villain, but changed his personality following Condou's casting. Ben's introductory storyline focuses on a relationship with nurse Essie Di Lucca (Kaye Wragg), which was challenged by Sacha Levy's (Bob Barrett) feelings for her and rumours about Ben's previous relationships during his last job. The story ends when Essie rejects Ben's proposal of marriage in favour of a relationship with Sacha.

The character's sexuality is explored after he kisses registrar Dominic Copeland (David Ames). Ben's story was likened to the coming out of television personality Phillip Schofield and Condou felt it was realistic for Ben to be in a relationship with Essie but also feel conflicted about his sexuality. Condou was contracted to Holby City for three months and his sexuality story leads to his exit in episode 11 of series twenty-two, originally broadcast on 24 March 2020. Critics have demonstrated a mixed response to the character and his stories: Lorraine Kelly liked the character and hoped he would return, while Sue Haasler of the Metro called Ben "cocky".

Casting

On 3 September 2019, it was announced that actor Charlie Condou had joined the cast as Ben Sherwood, a locum consultant on the general surgical ward, Keller. [1] Condou expressed his delight at joining the cast and teased that Ben would "definitely be ruffling a few feathers". [1] Simon Harper, the show's executive producer, praised Condou and said that the drama was "lucky" to hire him. He added that he was looking forward to seeing Ben "causing a stir and getting under the skin of his colleagues on Keller!" [1] Condou began filming in September 2019 and posted an image of him in costume to his Instagram account. [2]

Condou had contacted the Holby City casting team for multiple years before his casting and sent the executive producer a letter asking him to consider him for any role they thought he would suit. [3] When they created the character of Ben, they remembered Condou and offered him the part. [3] The actor felt pressured to prove himself because he did not audition for the role and did not want the producers to regret their decision. [4] Condou was only contracted to Holby City for a three-month stint and the story team had the character's story arc planned. When Condou visited the filming schedule office on his first day, he noticed that they had already scheduled his exit. [5] The actor confirmed that he would portray a "really big story", [6] but he was unsure whether Ben would be reintroduced for a longer stint in the future. [6]

Ben's position as a consultant required Condou to learn medical terminology and a doctor's examination routine, something which he struggled to do as well as the general dialogue and acting. [4] Condou utilised the show's on-set medical advisors to explain to him what the terminology meant, so he could better his performance. [7] He also enjoyed seeing the prosthetic makeup and praised the work of the prosthetics team. [4] The actor admitted that he is "squeamish" and has a fear of needles. [8] He found that working on Holby City helped him create a healthy work-life balance as he only lives 45 minutes away from the set. [3] He told Calli Kitson of the Metro that he has enjoyed working on the drama and felt accepted into the cast. [4] Condou was highly publicised for playing Marcus Dent in the British soap opera Coronation Street and compared working there to working on Holby City, explaining that he preferred the smaller cast featured on Holby City. He commented, "You do feel like you're going to work with your family, really." [4]

Development

Characterisation

Ben is billed as "a charming, alpha consultant who will be stirring up the dynamics in the hospital". [1] Condou described Ben as "suave", "a good guy", [1] and a "genuinely lovely bloke". [4] Ben considers himself to be a romancer and "ladies' man", but he is not actually; Condou opined that Ben is actually "quite nervous and awkward", something which is demonstrated in his first episodes. [3] He added that Ben often tries impressing people, but struggles and normally "puts his foot in it" and looks foolish. [4] [6] Speaking on daytime talkshow Loose Women , Condou dubbed Ben "a clumsy Casanova". [9] The actor characterised Ben as "very sensitive, quite sweet, and very genuine", but also with the ability to be funny and troublesome. [6] Ben also dislikes confrontation and arguing with people. [10] Condou hoped that the audience would warm to the character because they will be able to understand his struggle. [6]

Writers originally decided Ben would be a villainous character, but when Condou was cast, they decided to change his personality and make the character a good person. [4] Condou hoped that the audience would not see any "malice" with the character. [4] The backstory created for Ben states that he has spent time working in the private sector of medicine, which has made him wealthy and "a bit flash with his money". [3] Condou did not believe that this was reflected in Ben's characterisation and instead, he believed that Ben is "at a bit of a loss in his life". [4] Ben has also spent time working for the National Health Service (NHS) in a position at neighbouring St James Hospital. [4] [11]

Introduction and relationship with Essie Di Lucca

When the character was announced, it was confirmed that Ben would have a love interest. [1] His introduction was teased in a show trailer released on 4 December 2019 and scenes from the trailer made Kitson (Metro) think that the love interest could be staff nurse Essie Di Lucca (Kaye Wragg), [12] which is later confirmed through advanced spoilers. Condou liked the pairing of Ben and Essie and predicted that Essie would "fall for Ben". [4] Ben and Essie's relationship develops fast and Ben hopes that it will become a long-term relationship. Condou explained that Ben "definitely falls for Essie in a big way", but he also predicted that the relationship would have its complications. [10] The story also features Essie's former partner and friend, Sacha Levy (Bob Barrett), when the relationship creates tension between Essie and Sacha. [10] Condou thought that the situation with Sacha would be "awkward" because Ben and Sacha are similar people but are also "competitors in a sense". [10] Barrett enjoyed filming the story with Condou, calling it "marvellous" to portray love rivals. [13]

Ben makes his first appearance in the series twenty-one episode "Be True, Be Brave, Be Kind", originally broadcast on 19 December 2019. [14] Ben joins Keller ward as a locum doctor. He is excitable and nervous as he arrives and searches for lead consultant Sacha, who he believes is a woman. [4] He soon makes a bad first impression with Essie, who is having a terrible day, when he bumps into her and flirts and jokes with her. Condou explained that Ben arrives and is "a little bit smarmy", but Essie views his actions as "being a little bit of a twat". [4] Essie soon realises that Ben is only trying to fit in and gives him a second chance. Condou told Kitson (Metro) that Ben wants to be accepted by his new colleagues and pointed out that Ben finds Essie attractive, which leads to them sharing a kiss. [4] The kiss between Ben and Essie was the first scene that Condou filmed, which he found "difficult" because he had never met her before. Despite this, he found it "simple" to film due to how welcomed he felt within the cast. [4] Condou told Digital Spy 's Sophie Dainty that he found his first day on-set "nerve-wracking". [6]

After a successful few weeks with Ben, Essie decides that she wants to tell him about her illegal adoption of Isla, a relative's newborn daughter. [15] Registrar Dominic Copeland (David Ames) learns through gossip that Ben is a "nurse in every ward kind of guy" and has impregnated a nurse after a one-night stand at his previous job. [11] [15] He warns Essie, who decides to end their relationship and not tell Ben her secret. [11] Essie soon changes her mind after patient Maria Edelman (Susan Engel) encourages her to follow love. [16] Ben and Essie then rekindle their romance, which devastates Sacha. [17] Ben later plans a romantic Valentine's Day for him and Essie. [18]

Ben arranges a romantic holiday to Rome for him, Essie and Isla. When they return, Essie seems "happier than ever" to be with Ben, however, she becomes confused with her feelings upon seeing Sacha again. [19] She begins to consider whether she is "in fact with the wrong man". [20] Ben then decides to propose to Essie, forcing her to choose between Ben and Sacha. [20] Sacha finds out about the proposal and races to tell Essie about his feelings, but fears he is too late when he spots Essie and Ben hugging. However, Essie then reveals to Sacha that she has declined Ben's proposal because she wants to be with him instead. [21] In the aftermath, Ben feels "scorned" about being rejected and when he discovers that Essie ended their relationship to pursue one with Sacha, Ben tells Dom about Essie's secret regarding Isla. [22] Condou explained that Ben feels "awkward and difficult" about Essie leaving him for Sacha. [23]

Sexuality and departure

Condou compared Ben's story to the coming out of television personality Phillip Schofield (pictured). Philip Schofield (2013).jpg
Condou compared Ben's story to the coming out of television personality Phillip Schofield (pictured).

It was reported on 12 February 2020 that Ben would kiss Dom after he experiences a challenging shift. [24] When surgeon Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) experiences complications operating on Dom's mother, Carole Copeland (Julia Deakin), he asks for Ben's assistance. Having not been informed about the complications, Dom is annoyed and confronts Ben about this. [25] Ben supports him and acts as a "knight in shining armour" figure to Dom. [24] When Dom breaks down following the shift, Ben comforts him and suddenly kisses him, leaving Dom surprised and confused. [26] Condou was surprised by the plot twist and thought it would create an "awkward" situation for Ben, Dom and Essie. [7] Condou thought it was realistic for Ben to be in a relationship with Essie, but also feel conflicted about his sexuality, comparing it to the story of television personality Phillip Schofield, who came out in February 2020. [8] The actor discussed Ben's feelings for Essie with Harper and they agreed that Ben is not lying about his feelings for Essie and that being the "life he wanted", a similar situation to Schofield. [27] He subsequently questioned whether Ben could be bisexual. [8]

When Ben returns from his holiday with Essie, Dom confronts him about their kiss. Ben dismisses his concerns and promises that he and Essie are strong together. [19] Consequently, Dom decides not to tell Essie about the kiss. [19] Condou explained that Ben does want a long-term relationship with Essie, but it is a "very complicated" situation. [27] However, when Dom confronts Essie over her secret, he also admits that Ben kissed him. [22] Ben becomes paranoid as a result of Dom outing him to Essie and when he spots her laughing with other nurses, he reminds her about her secrets. [28]

Holby City introduced the use of NHS rainbow badges in their costumes to coincide with Ben's story. The suggestion was made by This Morning 's resident doctor, Ranj Singh, who asked Harper if the drama could feature them as a reflection on the NHS, who use the badges as a message of inclusion. Harper liked the idea and incorporated the badges into Ben's story. [29] Harper explained that they would be "at the heart of the big story where Ben (Charlie Condou) struggles to accept his sexuality and come out of the closet". [29]

Following the release of Holby City's spring trailer, Dainty (Digital Spy) confirmed that Ben's sexuality story would lead to his exit from the drama. The reporter also revealed that actor Paul Clayton had reprised his guest role as Roger Ffolkes for the story. [30] Clayton features in Ben's final episode as his character encourages Ben to "be true to himself". [27] Condou explained that as a "no-nonsense" gay man, Roger immediately recognises that Ben is hiding something and eventually realises that Ben is struggling with his sexuality. [27] On how Roger feels towards Ben's situation, Condou commented, "I think for a lot of gay men who come out, they can feel quite angry at those who aren't being true to themselves because they think that lifestyle is difficult and they don't want to do it." [27] Roger then encourages Ben to come out, but Ben admits that he has struggled to confront his sexuality since witnessing the 1999 London nail bombings, a terrorist attack which targeted gay people. [5] Condou liked the scenes, describing them as "lovely", [27] and told Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap that he actually witnessed the attacks at the time so he was pleased when writers mentioned them in the script. [5]

Following his conversations with Roger, Ben decides that he should leave the hospital and "spend a bit of time trying to figure out who he is". [27] Before leaving, he reconciles with Essie and Sacha, which Condou was pleased with because he thought that the trio "all care very much for each other". [27] Ben's exit features in episode 11 of series twenty-two, originally broadcast on 24 March 2020. [31] Condou expressed his interest in returning to the role and hoped that producers would like him to return. [8] He told Tyler that should a story for Ben arise, he would "go back in a heartbeat". [5] He also confirmed that the "door is left open" for Ben to return and the character would be working in his private medical practice in a neighbouring hospital. [7] [8]

Reception

Television presenter Lorraine Kelly (pictured) praised the character. LorraineKellywiki.jpg
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly (pictured) praised the character.

Lidia Molina-Whyte of the Radio Times dubbed Ben the "swanky new consultant", [32] while Sue Haasler, writing for the Metro, described Ben as the "cocky new Keller doctor". [33] Television presenter Lorraine Kelly spoke on her daytime television show, Lorraine about how she enjoyed the character and how she felt Condou was "a perfect fit" for Holby City, hoping he would return after his initial stint. [7] Condou received response from fans who wanted to see Essie with Sacha rather than Ben. [7] An Inside Soap columnist called Ben's proposal to Essie a "romantic curveball". [20] Haasler (Metro) was pleased when Essie chose Sacha in favour of Ben. [34] The critic wrote that in the aftermath of his rejected proposal to Essie, Ben "sulks", but found the character to be "deeply hurt and affronted" when Essie suggests he would share her secret. [35] She also disliked the behaviour of Ben, Essie and Dom, deeming it "a bit playground-ish and immature". [35] Ailbhe MacMahon of the Daily Star opined that Ben's behaviour portrayed him as "bitter". [36]

The character's sexuality story was met with mixed critical response. Joe Anderton from Digital Spy predicted that not "everyone would be too thrilled" about Ben's interest in Dom, [24] while Haasler (Metro) and Kelly (Lorraine) both found the twist where Ben kisses Dom surprising, [7] [37] with Kelly calling it "an interesting development". [7] A reporter for Entertainment Daily opined that should Ben and Dom begin a relationship, it would be "problematic". [26] They also thought that Ben's motives to help Dom were "more 'opportunist' than 'knight in shining armour'." [26] Viewers took to Twitter to express how they were shocked by the twist. [26] Charlie Milward of the Daily Express called the aftermath of Ben and Dom's kiss "explosive", [38] and Doug Lambert from ATV Today included the aftermath of Ben and Essie's secrets being revealed as a highlight of the day's television. [39] At the conclusion of Ben's story, Haasler (Metro) wrote, "This was a different take on why someone might choose to be in the closet and for anyone who might mutter that shows like Holby have too many gay characters it was a powerful reminder why these stories have to be told." [40]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jac Naylor</span> Fictional consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in BBC TV medical drama Holby City

Jac Naylor is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by Rosie Marcel. She made her first screen appearance during the series eight episode "Bird on a Wire", which was originally broadcast on 22 November 2005. The character is introduced alongside Luke Roberts and Tom Chambers as Joseph Byrne and Sam Strachan, respectively. Jac is characterised as a highly ambitious, forthright surgeon who is career-oriented. Her backstory states that her mother placed her in foster care aged twelve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sacha Levy</span> Fictional character

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher</span> Fictional character from the BBC medical dramas Casualty and Holby City

Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher is a fictional character from the BBC medical dramas Casualty and Holby City, portrayed by Alex Walkinshaw. He appears in Casualty from its twenty-sixth series in 2012 until its twenty-eighth in 2014, before joining Holby City in its sixteenth series. Fletch is characterised as a fun, likeable and charming Jack the lad who considers his family very important. The character is introduced as a staff nurse in Holby City Hospital's emergency department (ED) and progresses in his career to the hospital's Director of Nursing. Fletch's personable characterisation has helped establish friendship with many characters, notably with Lloyd Asike and Raf di Lucca. Fletch's main story in Casualty is his affair with senior nurse Tess Bateman, which leads to the breakdown of his marriage to Natalie Fletcher. The plot was explored in the online episode "Mistletoe and Rum" and contributed to his exit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominic Copeland</span> Fictional general surgeon in BBC TV medical drama Holby City

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Essie Harrison</span> Fictional character

Estelle "Essie" Harrison is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Kaye Wragg. She first appeared in the series sixteen episode "My Name Is Joe", broadcast on 6 May 2014. Essie arrives at Holby City employed as an agency nurse working on the hospital's AAU and Keller wards. She is characterised as an opinionated nurse who is not afraid to challenge the healthcare system. She is also played as a warm person who makes a good friend for fellow characters and strives to provide excellent patient care. Her introduction to the show was controversial and featured the discovery that her grandfather Joe Goodridge was an escaped Nazi war criminal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavier Duval</span> Fictional character

Xavier "Zav" Duval is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Marcus Griffiths. He first appeared in the series twenty episode "Hard Day's Night", broadcast on 20 February 2018. Xavier arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a doctor and surgeon on the Acute assessment unit (AAU). Xavier is characterised as a "very confident and charming" doctor who sometimes lacks empathy. He is the show's "alpha male" and upon his arrival, this attitude irritates other characters. Xavier has a "flash" sense of style and Griffiths likened him to a "Milan catwalk model" rather than a doctor.

"Man Down" is the thirty-fifth episode of the twentieth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City, and the 938th episode of the overall series. The episode was written by Michelle Lipton and directed by Tracey Rooney, and premiered on BBC One on 28 August 2018. The plot sees Sacha Levy, who has depression, contemplate suicide on the roof of Holby City Hospital after the death of long-term patient Connor Barrat, with who he has bonded with. The episode features flashbacks to scenes set at key moments within the previous year, which are portrayed from Sacha's perspective. Lipton reread scripts from the past year when developing the flashbacks.

<i>Holby City</i> series 21 Season of television series

The twenty-first series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began Airing on BBC One on 2 January 2019 in the United Kingdom. The series consists of 53 episodes. Kate Hall acts as the series producer for episode one and was replaced by Jane Wallbank from the following episode; Simon Harper is the executive producer. The series is billed as an anniversary year for the drama as it celebrates twenty years since its launch. The series also features a crossover episode with sister show Casualty, an episode written by the show's co-creator Tony McHale and the show's 1000th episode, due to be broadcast in November 2019. Thirteen actors reprise their roles from the previous series and former cast members return for guest stints throughout the series. Three new regular characters were also introduced, while Nic Jackman was promoted to the main cast in his role as foundation doctor Cameron Dunn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicky McKendrick</span> Fictional character from the television series Holby City

Nicky McKendrick is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Belinda Owusu. She first appeared in the series nineteen episode "We Need to Talk About Fredrik", broadcast on 12 December 2017. Nicky arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a trainee doctor (F1). Fifty five female actresses attended auditions to play Nicky and Meena Chowdhury. The series producer Kate Hall workshopped the characters during August 2017 and in September it was announced that Owusu and Salma Haque had been chosen to play Nicky and Meena.

"A Simple Lie" is a two-part episode of the British medical drama Holby City that served as the 11th and 12th episodes of the show's twenty-first series, and the 966th and 967th episodes overall. The BBC rescheduled the planned broadcasts of the episodes due to a breaking news bulletin about the UK's Brexit negotiations, which aired 90 minutes before part one was due to air. The first part aired on 19 March 2019, and the second on 20 March 2019 on BBC One in the United Kingdom. Both parts were written by Patrick Homes and Julie Edwards directed the first episode and Nimer Rashed the second.

The twenty-second series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began on BBC One on 7 January 2020 in the United Kingdom. The series consists of 44 episodes. Jane Wallbank is the series producer, and Simon Harper is the executive producer. The series features an episode dedicated to Holocaust Memorial Day, a topical last-minute insert about the COVID-19 pandemic and a COVID-19-themed episode. Production for the drama was suspended between March and July 2020 due to the pandemic, which led to two transmission hiatuses during the series. Fifteen regular cast members reprised their roles from the previous series, four of which depart during the series, including long-serving cast members Hugh Quarshie and Rosie Marcel. Guy Self returns for a short stint and Raf di Lucca appears in a single episode, having been previously killed-off. The series also features the introduction of the show's first regular transgender character, Louis McGerry, and a guest appearance for actor and television personality John Barrowman as Drew Nicholson-Heath.

"CasualtyXHolby" is a two-part crossover of the British medical dramas Casualty and Holby City. The first part aired on 2 March 2019, and the second on 5 March 2019 on BBC One. Both episodes were written by Michelle Lipton and directed by Steve Brett. The plot sees Holby City Hospital experience a loss of power due to a cyberattack. Consultants Connie Beauchamp and Jac Naylor also come into conflict when they learn there is only one theatre available while treating two of their colleagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ange Godard</span> Fictional character

Ange Godard is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Dawn Steele. She first appeared in the series twenty-one episode "China Crisis", broadcast on 8 January 2019. Ange arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a consultant general surgeon on the Young Adult Unit (YAU), a ward she helps to create. Steele was cast in the role following a meeting with the show's production team. She was "delighted" to join the show's cast and it was soon publicised that Ange would have a number of "explosive" secrets, which would then drive Holby City stories forward. Ange is characterised as "ballsy", "tenacious" and "stubborn". Steele has stated that Ange is portrayed as the most emotional surgeon imaginable. Her empathy for patients is often displayed in scenes, which Steele believed was a result of Ange's past experiences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marty Kirkby</span> Fictional character from Casualty

Marty Kirkby is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, portrayed by actor Shaheen Jafargholi. He first appears in the thirteenth episode of the thirty-fourth series, first broadcast on 17 November 2018. Jafargholi's casting was announced on 1 August 2018 and he was invited to read for the role shortly after finishing filming on EastEnders. Marty is characterised as a young and fashionable student nurse with a "razor sharp wit". He is a confident nurse who has a blunt bedside manner and excellent clinical skills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jade Lovall</span> Fictional character

Jade Lovall is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, portrayed by actress Gabriella Leon. She first appears in the twelfth episode of the thirty-third series, first broadcast on 3 November 2018. Leon was cast in June 2018 alongside Shaheen Jafargholi, who portrays Marty Kirkby. The role marks the actress' television debut. Initially portrayed as lazy and idle, Jade's characterisation develops as she is shown to be an independent, caring and compassionate young woman. Jade is the drama's first disabled, and deaf, regular character; Leon is also deaf and used her personal experiences to develop her character's story. The character uses a combition of Sign Supported English (SSE) and lip reading to communicate. Producers and Leon were keen to not make her disability a defining feature of the character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Spark</span> Fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty

Ruby Spark is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, played by Maddy Hill. She first appears in the forty-first episode of series thirty-two, originally broadcast on 14 July 2018. The character and Hill's casting details were announced on 18 January 2018 and she began filming during the following month. For the role, the actress qualified as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver. Ruby is a paramedic and is characterised as a smart, caring and opinionated perfectionist who lacks social skills. Her near-photographic memory of procedures and medication serves as an important character point as she struggles to deviate from the rules. The character's backstory states that she has just graduated from university, adding to her over-emphasis on rules. Ruby is introduced as part of the show's increased focus on paramedics and producers wanted to explore the profession through the character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucky Simpson</span> Fictional character

Lucky Simpson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Vineeta Rishi. She first appeared in Episode 28 of the show's twenty-second series, broadcast on 24 November 2020. Lucky arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a mental health nurse. To aid her introduction into the series, writers created a backstory with established character Max McGerry. BBC publicity also released an advance spoiler trailer showcasing the character's debut. Lucky is characterised as a "warm, empathetic and unnervingly intelligent" nurse. She has a tendency to always think she is right and dislikes being proven wrong. Lucky's main stories included her involvement with Kian Madani's drug addiction story, in which she behaves unethically and micro-doses him. Lucky also helps Kian hide Andrei Tarpov in the UK illegally. When Karimloo left the series, producers killed Kian off and writers used this to portray Lucky having a breakdown at work. Other stories include a feud with Jeni Sinclair and breaking patient confidentiality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hudson</span> Fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City

Josh Hudson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge. He first appears in the twenty-sixth episode of series twenty-two, originally broadcast on 10 November 2020. The character and Blackwood-Cambridge's casting details were announced on 29 October 2020. He began filming in July 2020 following a production break enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore had to film under strict safety protocol. Josh is characterised as a charming, confident, energetic, horny and cheeky foundation doctor (F1). He starts his rotation at Holby City Hospital alongside F1s Jeong-Soo Han and Skylar Bryce ; they often feature together in their early stories.

"Episode 1101" is the forty-ninth episode of the twenty-third series of the British medical drama television series Holby City, and the 1101st episode of the overall series. It is also Holby City's penultimate episode after the show was cancelled by the BBC in 2021. The episode was written by Andy Bayliss and directed by David Innes Edwards, and it premiered on BBC One on 22 March 2022. As with the other final episodes of the series, Episode 1101 features the storylines that writers had developed to create the series finale that followed. Filming the stories for the final episodes of Holby City was an emotional experience for the cast.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Charlie Condou joins BBC One's Holby City as Ben" (Press release). BBC Media Centre. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  2. ↑ Warner, Sam (19 September 2019). "Former Corrie star Charlie Condou offers first look at Holby City role as he begins filming". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Crawford, Sue (30 November 2019). "Holby City star Charlie Condou worked as waiter after leaving Coronation Street". Daily Mirror . Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Kitson, Calli (19 December 2019). "Holby City spoilers: Coronation Street star Charlie Condou reveals what's in store for Dr Ben Sherwood". Metro . Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Tyler, Laura-Jayne (14–20 March 2020). "'I'll go back in a heartbeat!'". Inside Soap . No. 11. pp. 42–43.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dainty, Sophie (19 December 2019). "Former Coronation Street star Charlie Condou confirms big Holby City story for newcomer Ben Sherwood". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Condou, Charlie (25 February 2020). "Holby City's Ben: actor Charlie Condou". Lorraine (Interview). Interviewed by Kelly, Lorraine. Television Centre, London . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Crawford, Sue (12 March 2020). "Sixty Seconds with Charlie Condou". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  9. ↑ Condou, Charlie (8 January 2020). "Former Corrie star Charlie Condou". Loose Women (Interview). Interviewed by Langsford, Ruth; Edwards, Brenda; Solomon, Stacey; Moore, Jane. Television Centre, London . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Dainty, Sophie (19 December 2019). "Holby City star Charlie Condou promises Ben and Essie romance twists". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 Haasler, Sue (21 January 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Serena Campbell's last stand". Metro . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  12. ↑ Kitson, Calli (4 December 2019). "10 huge spoilers from the Holby City winter trailer". Metro . Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  13. ↑ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (25–31 January 2020). "I was over the moon to be part of such a special episode". Inside Soap . No. 4. pp. 48–49.
  14. ↑ Writer: Ed Sellek; Director: Steve Brett; Producer: Sandra MacIver (19 December 2019). "Be True, Be Brave, Be Kind". Holby City. BBC. BBC One.
  15. 1 2 Dainty, Sophie (15 January 2020). "7 huge Holby City spoilers reveal Serena Campbell's dramatic exit story". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  16. ↑ Haasler, Sue (28 January 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Poignant message from history for Holocaust Memorial Day". Metro . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  17. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (22 January 2020). "9 huge Holby City spoilers for next week". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  18. ↑ Haasler, Sue (11 February 2020). "Holby City spoilers: Nicky risks everything to pay the money she owes". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  19. 1 2 3 Dainty, Sophie (19 February 2020). "7 huge Holby City spoilers for next week". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  20. 1 2 3 "Back together?". Inside Soap . No. 8. 22–28 February 2020. p. 32.
  21. ↑ Wilson, Victoria (19 February 2020). "Holby City: Sacha and Essie to reunite in shock love twist?". What's on TV . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  22. 1 2 Dainty, Sophie (26 February 2020). "Holby City to air two major Essie Di Lucca twists after Sacha reunion". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  23. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (24 March 2020). "Holby City star Charlie Condou speaks out on Ben's exit – and a possible return". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  24. 1 2 3 Anderton, Joe (12 February 2020). "Holby City hints at surprise new romance for Dom Copeland after Lofty exit". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  25. ↑ Wetherill, Jack (18 February 2020). "Holby City fans terrified Carole dies after funeral chat with Dom". Daily Star . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  26. 1 2 3 4 "Holby City shock as Essie's man Ben kisses her best friend Dom". Entertainment Daily. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Dainty, Sophie (13 March 2020). "Holby City star Charlie Condou speaks out on Ben's poignant exit story". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  28. ↑ Haasler, Sue (10 March 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Showdown as Xavier finds out what happened in the lift". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  29. 1 2 Warner, Sam (10 March 2020). "Holby City and Casualty to embrace diversity initiative after inspiring suggestion from Strictly Come Dancing star". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  30. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (6 March 2020). "11 huge new Holby City spoilers from the show's spring trailer". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  31. ↑ Writer: Ed Sellek; Director: Jamie Annett; Producer: Chris Clenshaw (24 March 2020). "Episode 11". Holby City. BBC. BBC One.
  32. ↑ Molina-Whyte, Lidia (17 December 2019). "There's a treat in store for Holby City fans this week..." Radio Times . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  33. ↑ Haasler, Sue (19 December 2019). "7 Holby City spoilers: Kian risks everything as Bea deteriorates, and Keller welcomes new doctor Ben Sherwood". Metro . Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  34. ↑ Haasler, Sue (25 February 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Sacha and Essie reunite, while Hanssen plots against Max". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  35. 1 2 Haasler, Sue (26 February 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Max is snappy, Ben sulks and Jac and Kian decide to share Darwin". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  36. ↑ MacMahon, Ailbhe (3 March 2020). "Holby City fans outraged as soap cancelled in BBC schedule change". Daily Star . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  37. ↑ Haasler, Sue (18 February 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Hanssen returns and Cameron makes enemies". Metro . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  38. ↑ Milward, Charlie (3 March 2020). "Holby City cancelled as BBC medical drama taken off air this week - here's why". Daily Express . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  39. ↑ Lambert, Doug (10 March 2020). "Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon continue their Greek journey". ATV Today . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  40. ↑ Haasler, Sue (25 March 2020). "Holby City review with spoilers: Zav vows to discover the truth about Cameron". Metro . Retrieved 25 March 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.