Graham Elton

Last updated

Graham Elton
Doctors character
Graham Elton.jpg
Portrayed by Alex Avery
First appearance"A Prescription for Murder: Part Two"
3 June 2024 (2024-06-03)
Last appearance"One Day Like This"
14 November 2024 (2024-11-14)
Classification Former; recurring
Introduced by Mike Hobson
In-universe information
OccupationGeneral practitioner
Surgery partner
Wife Katie Elton (separated)
Sons Jay Elton

Dr. Graham Elton is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors , portrayed by Alex Avery. Avery's casting was revealed by the media on 27 May 2024, with Graham's first appearance airing a week later. He was introduced as a former colleague of Michelle Walton's (Joanna Bending), who suggests that he comes to work at the fictional Mill Health Centre as a doctor and partner due to the surgery's funding issues. Throughout Graham's tenure, he was developed to be an antagonist, holding homophobic, ableist and other bigoted views. He pushes Kirsty Millar (Kiruna Stamell) out of the surgery for being disabled, targets Luca McIntyre (Ross McLaren) for being gay, dismisses Michelle Walton (Joanna Bending) for declining his advances and assaults Scarlett Kiernan (Kia Pegg) since she does not respect him.

Contents

Avery was completely unaware that he was cast as an antagonist until a makeup artist asked him if he was a villain. He wondered if Graham was homophobic due to being closeted, but learned that Graham was just a natural bigot. Despite Doctors being cancelled by the BBC in 2023, the character of Graham was always set to be introduced to attempt a takeover on the Mill. However, the cancellation meant the storyline had to be paced much faster. He appeared until the final episode, when he is fired by Zara. The Spectator described Graham as a "rotten bigot" and called his views "awful and unsound". [1] The Daily Record wrote that as a villain, he had "marked a significant shift" and "caused quite a stir" on Doctors. [2]

Development

Casting and introduction

Avery's casting was revealed by the media on 27 May 2024. [3] He was cast following the cancellation of Doctors by being offered a 32-episode contract. [4] Graham's first appearance aired on 3 June 2024. He made his first appearance in on-location scenes, which Avery found to be unusual for Doctors. [5] Graham is introduced to doctor Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh) as an old colleague of Michelle Walton (Joanna Bending). He explains that the surgery he works at in Warwick is being bought, so he wishes to relocate. Graham is given a tour of the Mill and later joins the team as a general practitioner. Zara also is shown to sought him as a new partner for the surgery, due to financial issues caused by previous partners pulling out of the business. [6]

Avery described his character as a "committed, competent and ambitious GP" and he said he had learned a lot from how Graham deals with certain situations. [5] However, he admitted that he likes "turning Graham off" at the end of filming. [5] It later transpires that Graham and Michelle had both a professional and romantic connection and they soon rekindle their romantic relationship. [7] Michelle is "thrilled" when Graham arrives at the Mill, as well as receptionist Paige Popplewell (Genevieve Lewis) taking a liking to his charm. [8] He also charms Sid Vere (Ashley Rice) by investing in the Minor Surgery Unit, which Sid has fronted on his own for years. [9]

Becoming a bigot

Initially billed as someone that would save the Mill Health Centre from closing down, it "quickly became apparent that he isn't quite the shiny new hero some might have hoped for". [10] Graham takes issue with disabled staff member Kirsty Millar (Kiruna Stamell). He makes offensive comments about Kirsty's dwarfism, which she does not tolerate. Avery has talked about the discomfort he felt in acting ableist to his co-star, including a scene where he had to physically move Stamell by putting his hand on her head. He approached her prior to the take and asked if she was comfortable with it, to which she reassured him that it was okay. [4] Graham apologises to Kirsty for his behaviour and soon tries to charm her by telling her she has potential to be more than a receptionist. This was the start of his plan to "edge Kirsty out" of the Mill by getting her to apply for a job elsewhere, which is successful. [10]

Graham then calls nurse Luca McIntyre (Ross McLaren) queer in a derogatory manner, which Al Haskey (Ian Midlane) reprimands him for. [1] It was then hinted that the "jury could still be out" on Graham's personality. [11] He raises "red flags" at his first partners' meeting with Zara, doctor Suni Bulsara (Rahul Arya) and buainess manager Bear Sylvester (Dex Lee) when he learns there is a staff member with HIV and immediately assumes it is Luca, who is the only gay man within the surgery. [12] Luca tries to banter with Graham, who does not take to it well. [13] He then clashes with Luca over the usage of pronouns for a non-binary patient. Luca gets revenge by getting people to refer to Graham by the wrong pronouns to make him realise how important pronouns are to people. Graham is then signed up to an LGBTQIA+ awareness course led by Michelle. He makes an inappropriate joke about the community and later screws up his training certificate in anger. [14] It was originally believed by Avery and other crew members that Graham had an issue with gay people due to being closeted, but it was later explained that he is just a bigot. [4]

After the course, Graham dumps Michelle, leaving her upset. Both Michelle and Zara are then warned by Kirsty and Luca about Graham's "concerning behaviour and micro-aggressions". [15] In response to Luca's prank, Graham makes an official complaint against Luca. Bear holds a mediation for the pair, but neither are "prepared to back down and apologise". [16] Graham then insults and bullies Luca's friend, Skye Williams (Shane Convery), who is interested in working in healthcare. Graham ensures they never want to work at the Mill. Luca continues playing up to Graham's prejudiced views by wearing a women's nursing uniform, to which Graham corners Luca and shouts threats and insults in his face. [17] Luca later makes an official complaint. [18]

Avery was unaware that he had been cast as a villain but worked out that his character would be involved in the final storylines of the soap. Then, upon arrival, he was made aware of being an antagonist when a makeup artist asked him: "oh, are you the new villain?" [4] When he noticed a subliminally racist line said to Suni, Avery did not want to say it, as he was unaware that Graham would eventually be developed into a bigot. [4]

Family life and attempted takeover

In October 2024, his former home life is explored when the soap introduced his wife, Katie (Emily Joyce) from whom he is separated, as well as his child, Jay (Lottie Webb). [19] Jay, formerly known as Jayne, comes out as a transgender man to Graham and is met with aggressive transphobia. He recounts experience with transgender patients who he has turned away for wanting hormones, to Jay's disgust, who informs Graham that he does not want to see him again. Graham is then shown crying in the car. [19] Viewers wondered if this would be a redemption arc for Graham, however, Graham and Luca's feud was soon heightened. [4] Graham is annoyed when Rosie Colton (Janice Connolly) is rehired without him being informed. It was confirmed by What to Watch that this would be the catalyst for him to "start asserting a little more authority" around the Mill. [20] He is confused when upon Emma Reid's (Dido Miles) return from a sabbatical, she gives him a "frosty reception", until he realises she lives with Luca. [21] Emma becomes the third person to warn Zara about Graham, while Scarlett Kiernan (Kia Pegg) becomes very vocal in supporting Luca. [22]

Writers gave Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, pictured) FND to give Graham the chance to take over the Mill. Elisabeth Dermot Walsh 2023.jpg
Writers gave Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, pictured) FND to give Graham the chance to take over the Mill.

Graham upsets lesbian patient Kerry Bedford (Sally Frith) by making judgemental comments about her lifestyle, as well as refusing her the contraceptive pill for free, claiming she must pay since she is not having heterosexual sex. Scenes once again "get heated" between Luca and Graham when Luca redoes Kerry's prescription for free, leading Kerry to publicly confront and embarrass Graham. [23] Scenes show Graham finding out personal information about Luca, such as his involvement in the death of his boyfriend, Billy Parker (Daniel Cornish). He uses it to aggravate Luca, calling both him and Billy homophobic slurs, until Luca punches him. He then gets Luca sacked. [24] When Zara is diagnosed with functional neurologic disorder (FND) and cannot come into work, Graham manipulates her into making him the acting senior partner. He uses his power to terminate Michelle's contract when she declines his advances to take over the Mill with him. Graham also infuriates Bear when he hires Pamela Hurst (Vanessa Havell) as a replacement for Luca without consultation. [25] Bear realises Graham is "undermining" him, as well as Al being unhappy with the sudden changes Graham has made. [26]

Emma becomes alarmed that Graham has the Mill "on the verge of falling apart". [27] He alienates Jimmi and Al into quitting, as well as making the rest of the staff unhappy. Sid, who was previously in favour of Graham's changes, begins doubting his place at the Mill too. [9] Scarlett, who continues to be vocal and unabashed about her disdain for Graham, is left vulnerable when she is left alone at the Mill with him. He tries to make her wash up his mug, tells her she should smile and have respect for him, and when she tries to exit, he grabs her by the wrist and physically assaults her. He is shocked when Zara, despite her FND, confronts him in the Mill, as well as Bear revealing that the Care Quality Commission have made an error with his partnership paperwork, which Graham realises has been orchestrated by Bear. Zara sacks Graham and orders him to leave the Mill Health Centre forever. He threatens to report Luca's assault to the police, to which Zara threatens that she will report his assault on Scarlett, so he leaves. [28]

Despite Doctors being cancelled by the BBC in 2023, the character of Graham was always set to be introduced to attempt a takeover on the Mill. However, the cancellation meant that writers had to speed up the storyline from an 18-month arc to that of 5 months. Avery remarked on a podcast that the character of Graham was shaped to represent the BBC due to the events that unfolded between them and the Doctors cast and crew. He was still written in to tear the Mill apart, which is how the cast and crew viewed the BBC in the wake of Doctors' cancellation. Walsh, who hosted the podcast, explained that her character was given FND as a way for Zara to be absent sometimes for Graham to be able to take over, but also well enough on occasion that she could help to take him down. [4]

Reception

The Spectator described Graham as a "rotten bigot" and called his views "awful and unsound". [1] They nicknamed him Dr Evil, writing: "Graham is an equal opportunities 'bigot', guilty of every 'ism' going". [1] What to Watch agreed, calling him a "total bigot", [23] with the Radio Times billing him "nefarious". [28] In his short tenure on Doctors, the Daily Record wrote that as a villain, he had "marked a significant shift" and "caused quite a stir". [2]

Related Research Articles

<i>Doctors</i> (2000 TV series) British television soap opera

Doctors is a British medical soap opera, first broadcast on BBC One on 26 March 2000, and concluded on 14 November 2024. Filmed in Birmingham and set in the fictional West Midlands town of Letherbridge, the soap follows the lives of the staff of both an NHS doctor's surgery and a university campus surgery, as well as the lives of their families and friends. Initially, only 41 episodes of the programme were ordered, but due to the positive reception, the BBC ordered it as a continuing soap opera. Doctors was filmed at the Pebble Mill Studios until 2004; production then relocated to the BBC Drama Village, where it filmed until 2024. Episodes are filmed three months prior to transmission. The show was typically broadcast Mondays to Thursdays at 2:00 pm on BBC One, as well as having classic episodes broadcast on Drama. It took three annual transmission breaks across the year: at Easter, during the summer and at Christmas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Haskey</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Dr. Al Haskey is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Ian Midlane. He first appeared during the episode broadcast on 13 November 2012. His storylines in the programme have included being accused of stalking Jas Khella, his friendship with colleague Jimmi Clay, dealing with his mother's dementia, his tumultuous relationships and being attacked by a patient.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bear Sylvester</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Bear Sylvester is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Dex Lee. Lee began filming for the role in June 2019 and Bear made his first appearance on 18 November 2019, in scenes that show him attending an interview to become the practice manager at the fictional Mill Health Centre. Bear's initial scenes show him struggling with the job for unknown reasons, but he is eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. He is also shown to have an issue with colleague Jimmi Clay and it transpires in the years prior to his arrival, Jimmi gave abortion advice to Bear's girlfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sid Vere</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Dr. Sid Vere is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Ashley Rice. Sid made his first appearance on 27 April 2015 as an F2 doctor at the fictional Mill Health Centre. His storylines in the programme have included his relationships with colleagues Ayesha Lee and Zara Carmichael and discovering his brother, Laurence Richards. For his role as Sid, Rice has been nominated for various accolades including Newcomer at the 21st National Television Awards and the British Soap Award for Best Actor in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izzie Torres</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Izzie Torres is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors. Izzie has been played by four actresses since her onscreen arrival; Jasmin and Nicole Parkinson between 2008 and 2011, Maizey Corbett in 2012, and Bethan Moore from 2018 to 2022. Her storylines in the programme have included being left in the Mill Health Centre as a baby, being kidnapped, her feud with Zara Carmichael, becoming an environmental activist, coming out as pansexual and being the victim of online trolling. When Moore was cast in the role, her age meant that Izzie could be given more mature storylines and she later received a nomination for the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luca McIntyre</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Luca McIntyre is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Ross McLaren. Luca is introduced to the series on 24 February 2021 following the departure of nurse Ayesha Lee the year prior. McLaren's acting credits confirmed that he had been contracted as a series regular on the soap. McLaren felt thrilled to be cast on Doctors and has described Luca as a cheeky and lovely character who would "go the extra mile" to help a patient. Luca's introduction sees him feature in a standalone centric episode that explores his background, including experiencing homophobia in his former workplace and suffering a car accident that ends the life of his boyfriend Billy Parker. His background also involves a religious upbringing and a bad relationship with his mother, and later scenes in the series reveal that Luca is HIV-positive, which he initially receives a negative response to from patients of the Mill Health Centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosie Colton</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Rosie Colton is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Janice Connolly. Details surrounding her casting and Rosie's characterisation were announced in February 2022. She was introduced on 24 February 2022 as a receptionist at Sutton Vale Surgery, as part of a storyline that sees the partners at the fictional Mill Health Centre perform a takeover of her surgery. Rosie is initially depicted as a hapless and ill-starred person who cannot perform her job properly, but she later proves herself to be competent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scarlett Kiernan</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Scarlett Kiernan is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Kia Pegg. Details surrounding Pegg's casting and Scarlett's characterisation were announced in March 2022. She was introduced on 7 April 2022 as an applicant for a receptionist position. Scarlett is depicted as a truthful and short-tempered person who shocks the staff at the Mill with her honesty. She is always shown to have a bright and clashing sense of style, something that Pegg was initially shocked by. Eventually, Pegg began liking the clothes which she felt had impacted her real-life wardrobe and she began suggesting clothes and accessories for Scarlett to wear. Scarlett is hired despite her "feisty attitude" and is initially shown to struggle with the job when she gives the staff members attitude and argues with patients. However, as she settles into the Mill, she befriends with her colleagues and show a more likeable side of herself, while also feuding with fellow newcomer Princess Buchanan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princess Buchanan</span> Fictional character from Doctors

Dr. Princess Buchanan is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera Doctors, portrayed by Laura White. Details surrounding her casting and Princess' characterisation were announced in February 2022. She was introduced on 2 March 2022 as a trainee doctor at Sutton Vale Surgery, as part of a storyline that sees the partners at the fictional Mill Health Centre perform a takeover of her surgery. Princess is initially depicted as a hardworking and ambitious doctor who is keen to learn medicine and progress her career, but over her tenure, she was developed into an antagonist on the soap. Her scheming included flirting with various staff members to further her career, manipulating Valerie Pitman and Sid Vere into completing work for her, covering up mistakes with patients and blackmailing Scarlett Kiernan, all of which contribute towards a suspension.

The twenty-fourth and final series of the British medical soap opera Doctors commenced airing on 10 January 2023, and concluded on 14 November 2024. The series comprised 276 episodes. Set in the fictional West Midlands town of Letherbridge, the soap follows the lives of the staff and patients of the Mill Health Centre, a fictional NHS doctor's surgery.

The twenty-third series of the British medical soap opera Doctors commenced airing on 14 February 2022, and concluded on 9 January 2023. The series comprised 148 episodes. Set in the fictional West Midlands town of Letherbridge, the soap follows the lives of the staff and patients of the Mill Health Centre, a fictional NHS doctor's surgery.

One Day Like This (<i>Doctors</i>) 2024 episode of Doctors

"One Day Like This" is the final episode of the British television soap opera Doctors, broadcast on BBC One on 14 November 2024. After the BBC's decision to cancel Doctors a year prior, it was confirmed that the soap opera would transmit its final episode in December 2024, although it was brought forward by a month. It focused on the comeuppance of established villain Graham Elton, as well as the conclusion of a long-running storyline that had seen the fictional Mill Health Centre struggling to find funds to keep running. Despite rumours of the ending being grisly or bleak, the writing team made the decision to have an optimistic end, in the hopes that Doctors may one day be revived.

Alex Avery is an English actor. Beginning his career in 1999, he has appeared in numerous television series, films and stage productions. Alongside appearing in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Avery has had notable stints in Holby City, The Bill and EastEnders, as well as portraying villain Graham Elton in the BBC soap opera Doctors.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Doctors and the trouble with the BBC". The Spectator . Archived from the original on 29 December 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 "BBC viewers 'devastated' as they 'work out' how axed soap Doctors ends after 24 years". Daily Record . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  3. ↑ Timblick, Simon. "Doctors spoilers: Dr Graham Elton joins The Mill!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Chicken Soap for the Soul With Guest Alex Avery (Dr. Graham Elton)". Spotify . Chicken Soap for the Soul. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 "So who is Dr. Graham Elton? Join us as we talk with Alex Avery about his portrayal of Dr. Elton and uncover what lies ahead". Twitter . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  6. ↑ "A Prescription for Murder – Part 2". BBC. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  7. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Scarlett discovers Holly's SECRET!". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 29 December 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  8. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Dr Graham Elton joins The Mill!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  9. 1 2 "Doctors spoilers: A new ROMANCE for Sid?". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  10. 1 2 "BBC Doctors fans 'work out' how soap will end after 24 years - and it's heartbreaking". Leicester Mercury . Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  11. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: WHO is Kirsty ANGRY with?". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  12. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Rob investigates a HIT AND RUN!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  13. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: WHO does Graham apologise to?". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Luca WARNS Michelle about Graham..." What to Watch . Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: The staff CELEBRATE with Kirsty!". What to Watch . Retrieved 8 January 2025.
  16. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Graham makes an OFFICIAL COMPLAINT against Luca!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  17. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Luca and Graham CLASH again..." What to Watch . Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  18. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Graham's surprise REUNION!". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  19. 1 2 "Doctors spoilers: Graham's surprise REUNION!". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  20. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: WHO goes fishing with Rob?". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  21. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Emma is BACK from Australia!". What to Watch . Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  22. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Scarlett DEFENDS Luca!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  23. 1 2 "Doctors spoilers: Graham UPSETS a patient!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  24. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Does Luca have a NEW job?". What to Watch . Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  25. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: WHO is the NEW arrival at The Mill?". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  26. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Rob and Ruhma FINALLY go on a DATE!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  27. ↑ "Doctors spoilers: Maggie tries to KISS Rob!". What to Watch . Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  28. 1 2 "Doctors ends after 24 years with a dramatic, dignified finale - and leaves a gaping hole in the industry". Radio Times . Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
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.