Group Animal

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"Group Animal"
Holby City episodes
Group Animal.jpg
A promotional image for the episodes
Episode nos.Series 19
Episodes 61 & 62
Directed by Paulette Randall
Written byAndy Bayliss
Original air dates5 December 2017 (2017-12-05)(Part 1)
7 December 2017 (2017-12-07)(Part 2)
Running time58 minutes (Part 1)
56 minutes (Part 2)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"We Need to Talk About Fredrik"
Holby City series 19
List of episodes

"Group Animal" is a two-part episode of the British medical drama Holby City that served as the 61st and 62nd episodes of the show's nineteenth series, and the 900th and 901st episodes overall. The first part aired on 5 December 2017, and the second on 7 December 2017 on BBC One in the United Kingdom. Both parts were written by Andy Bayliss and directed by Paulette Randall. The plot sees the arrival of Professor John Gaskell (Paul McGann) at Holby City Hospital, shortly before Fredrik Johanssen (Billy Postlethwaite) goes on a shooting spree, which results in the death of Raf di Lucca (Joe McFadden).

Contents

Holby City executive producer Simon Harper first teased the two-part storyline in November 2017, saying the characters would face the "hospital's greatest peril yet" and their lives would be changed forever. Details of the plot were withheld, but it was confirmed that McGann would make his debut during the first part. The actor said "Group Animal" was a departure from the show's regular plots. McFadden's departure was also kept a secret by producers, so it would have "maximum impact" on viewers. McFadden filmed his final scenes two months prior to them being broadcast.

The episodes were promoted with a trailer titled "When Darkness Falls Look to the Light". "Group Animal – Part One" was seen by 4.92 million viewers and "Group Animal – Part Two" was watched by 5.19 million. The episodes received mostly positive attention from critics, with one calling the plot "nail-biting, edge-of-seat stuff". Some viewers hoped that Holby City would win awards for the episodes. However, the Motor Neurone Disease Association criticised the show for misleading viewers about a cure for motor neuron disease. The episodes won Best Drama Storyline at the 2018 Inside Soap Awards.

Plot

Part one

The staff of Holby City Hospital prepare for the arrival of renowned surgeon Professor John Gaskell (Paul McGann), who has used stem cell treatment to reverse motor neuron disease (MND) in a patient. Gaskell brings in a patient with a spindle cell lipoma and he asks Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel) to join him in surgery. Feeling under pressure to prove herself, Jac removes Oliver Valentine (James Anderson) from his scheduled operation so she can perform it herself, using the opportunity as practice. On AAU, Essie Harrison (Kaye Wragg) expresses her fears to her husband Raf di Lucca (Joe McFadden) that something bad is going to happen when she notices that she has lost her wedding ring. Raf treats a pregnant woman who fell into a lake and discovers that superfetation has occurred during her pregnancy. He safely delivers her triplets and saves her life.

Nurse Donna Jackson (Jaye Jacobs) shows Raf some threatening text messages from Jeremy Warren (Nick Rhys), who blames the hospital for his mother's death. Halfway through the surgery with Gaskell, Jac leaves the theatre as her nerves get the better of her. John encourages her to return and finish the surgery. Afterwards, Jac breaks down in Adrian Fletcher's (Alex Walkinshaw) arms, as her grief over her sister's death and other recent events catch up with her. In the wet lab, Gaskell introduces his MND patient, László Furz, to Essie, Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) and Sacha Levy (Bob Barrett). Jac apologises to Ollie and tells Raf that she has decided to leave Holby for good. She gives him her resignation letter to hand to Hanssen, but as she makes her way down the stairs, she is greeted by an anonymous figure, who shoots her and leaves her to die.

Part two

The power goes off on AAU, plunging the ward into darkness. Raf takes his patient to ITU and another gunshot rings out as the gunman proceeds through the hospital. After being informed of the shooting, Hanssen instigates the major incident procedure and the hospital is sent into lockdown. Sacha finds Jac and brings her into the wet lab, where he, Gaskell, Hanssen and Essie try to save her life. Paramedic Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson) is handed Raf's patient, who is found with a gunshot wound to her leg, and he treats her in an ambulance outside. The gunman reaches AAU and Donna protects a young boy, as he walks through the ward. She calls Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) when a patient suffers a haemorrhage, and he manages to smuggle himself into the hospital to help. Donna tells him that she saw the gunman's face, while Hanssen is also informed of his identity. Sergeant Taylor (Victor Gardener) receives an image of the gunman and is informed that he is specifically targeting hospital staff.

The gunman goes to Darwin, where Ollie, Morven Digby (Eleanor Fanyinka) and Roxanna MacMillan (Hermione Gulliford) are operating on Roxanna's husband David (Fraser James). The gunman shoots Ollie in the head and Roxanna operates to save him. David suffers a cerebral haemorrhage and dies. The gunman is revealed to be Hanssen's son Fredrik Johanssen (Billy Postlethwaite). He makes it onto Keller ward, where he intends to shoot Dominic Copeland (David Ames), but Hanssen interrupts and tries to talk with his son. Fredrik tells Hanssen that he knows he is not part of the family Hanssen has created at the hospital. Hanssen urges Fredrik to put down the gun, but armed police shoot Fredrik and he dies. Essie recognises Raf's patient and Fletch explains that she actually has a shrapnel wound. Essie listens to a voicemail message from Raf, who explains that he has been shot in the jugular and knows he will not make it. Sacha finds Raf's body in the lift, and races to comfort Essie along with Fletch. Ollie and Jac are taken to the ITU, and Sacha gives a statement to the press.

Production

Paul McGann made his debut as John Gaskell in the first part of "Group Animal". Paul McGann 2015.jpg
Paul McGann made his debut as John Gaskell in the first part of "Group Animal".

On 21 November 2017, it was announced that Holby City would be airing a two-part episode the following month, that would result in the hospital being "changed forever". [1] Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy confirmed that Paul McGann's character Professor John Gaskell would be introduced, while series regulars Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel), Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) and Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) would feature prominently. [1] The show's executive producer, Simon Harper, stated "You'll see our NHS heroes instinctively rush towards the hospital's greatest peril yet in a story that changes lives forever – and the fact that the episodes introduce Paul, one of our country's most internationally renowned screen talents, is the icing on the cake." [1] Harper praised the cast and crew for their work on the episodes, which he branded "stunningly dramatic and moving". [1] Both episodes were written by Andy Bayliss, [1] directed by Paulette Randall and produced by Sarah Creasey. [2] [3] Details of the storyline were kept secret and did not immediately reveal what peril the hospital and its staff would face. [4]

McGann's casting was announced in April 2017, and Dainty (Digital Spy) reported that his character would be "the saviour of the hour" when he made his debut in December amid a crisis at the hospital. [5] McGann filmed his first scenes during August. [5] His character, Professor Gaskell, is introduced as the pioneer of a new stem cell treatment for motor neuron disease in the first episode. [6] During an interview with Allison Jones of Inside Soap , McGann pointed out that "Group Animal" was a departure from the show's regular plots, and it was something the producers had thought long and hard about beforehand. [4] He found the episodes "thrilling" to film, and said his character has to prove himself immediately. [4] The episodes also feature an appearance from Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson), a paramedic from Holby City's sister show Casualty . [3]

During the first half of "Group Animal", Jac Naylor is seen dealing with her grief at her sister's death and deciding to leave the hospital. [7] However, at the end of the episode, the power goes out and Jac is shot by an unseen assailant, who leaves her to die in a corridor. [8] The cliffhanger led viewers to voice their concern that Marcel was leaving the show, and she later thanked them for their support of her character. [9] At the start of the second episode, Jac is found bleeding from a gunshot wound and Gaskell is forced to perform surgery on her. [6] Shortly after, it is revealed that Hanssen's son Fredrik Johanssen (Billy Postlethwaite) is going on a rampage through the hospital with a rifle. [10] Fredrik shoots Oliver Valentine (James Anderson) in the head, before he is confronted by Hanssen. Fredrik is killed off after explaining that he feels resentment towards his father. [10] [11]

The second episode concluded with the revelation that Raf di Lucca (Joe McFadden) had also been shot and killed. [10] The character's exit was kept out of spoiler articles by producers for "maximum impact". [12] McFadden found Raf's exit to be "quite unexpected" and dramatic. He was pleased that the producers trusted him with the story and thought it would also begin new storylines for the other characters, as they react to Raf's death. [12] He also said, "It is a shocking episode but it's a drama; there's supposed to be drama and conflict. It is probably one of the darkest episodes that I've read but I like that they're pushing boundaries and challenging people and I think it's been done really well." [13] McFadden chose to leave the show after four years, as he believed he had done everything he could with the character. [12] McFadden was appearing on Strictly Come Dancing at the time the episodes aired and he admitted that he found it hard to keep his departure a secret while he was on the show, as he had shot his final scenes two months before they aired. [14] He called his last day on set "a surreal experience". [12] McFadden explained that he had been excited to work with McGann, but in their only scene together he had to lie on the floor and pretend to be dead. [12]

Promotion and broadcast

"Group Animal" was first teased in a September 2017 trailer called "The Reel Before The Storm", which showcased the upcoming Autumn storylines. [15] The episodes were later publicised by a trailer titled "When Darkness Falls Look to the Light", which was released on 21 November 2017. [16] BBC Creative conceived and created the trailer, which was intended to give the show "a shot of adrenaline". A radio campaign and promotional photos were also released. [17] The trailer shows Jac running from "an unknown threat" through a hospital corridor and hiding with Ric and Sacha, while Hanssen cowers from the threat alone. John Gaskell then throws open some doors, which brings light into the corridor, and gestures for them to follow him. [16]

Duncan Lindsay of the Metro thought that this showed John would be Holby's saviour during the event. [16] Lindsay also branded the trailer "spooky", [16] while Huw Fullerton of Radio Times dubbed it "exciting". [18] Viewers noticed various references and comparisons to Doctor Who , in which McGann starred. [18] Fullerton joked, "Five quid says he whips out the sonic screwdriver during surgery..." [18]

"Group Animal – Part One" was broadcast on BBC One on 5 December 2017, with "Part Two" airing two days later on 7 December. [16]

Reception

In its original broadcast, "Group Animal – Part One" was watched by an audience of 4.92 million. "Group Animal – Part Two" saw a small increase in viewership, with 5.19 million tuning in. This was the highest rated episode of Holby City since "The Price We Pay", which aired on 28 February 2017 and attracted 5.34 million viewers. [19]

A reporter for Western Mail chose the first part as one of their "Picks of the Week". They thought McGann's Professor Gaskell had an "irrepressible charm", and wondered how he would fit in as "the team is pushed to its limits". [20] Rianne Houghton of Digital Spy found the first episode to be "a slow-burner", yet it "wasn't short on the drama". [7] What's on TV's David Hollingsworth included the episodes in his "Pick of the Best Shows" feature. [21] He gave them four out of five stars, and called it "a dramatic week for Holby fans". [21] He added, "But as medical history is made, lives saved and new beginnings created, there's also a terrible darkness about to engulf the hospital..." [21]

Jack Wetherill of the Daily Star branded the second episode "nail-biting, edge-of-seat stuff". [22] Sara Wallis from the Daily Mirror observed that the episodes were full of action and thought the sound of gun shots and the hospital lockdown were some of the "most dramatic scenes". [23] She concluded, "It's the greatest threat the hospital has ever experienced, and of course, someone will be left fighting for their life. No spoilers, but expect lots of running, shouting and the usual spattering of blood as our Holby heroes try to save the day." [23] David Brown of the Radio Times thought there was far too much build-up to the shooting. He thought Gaskell was "thrown in at the deep end" during his first day when he had to operate on Jac. [2]

Writing for BT Group, Alex Fletcher, called "Group Animal – Part Two" a "powerful and emotional episode", and added that Raf departed in "heartbreaking fashion." [11] Some viewers thought the premise of the second part was similar to a 2010 episode of American medical drama Grey's Anatomy , in which a gunman shoots several hospital staff members, [22] while others expressed their hope that Holby City would win awards for the episodes. [24] The Motor Neurone Disease Association criticised the show for misleading viewers about a cure for motor neuron disease. [25] The charity was contacted by several people who were upset about the storyline, and they requested a response from the BBC. [25]

The "Group Animal" storyline contributed to Holby City's nomination in the Soap and Continuing Drama category at the Royal Television Society Awards in March 2018. [26] The episodes won the Best Drama Storyline category at the 2018 Inside Soap Awards, under the title "The hospital shooting". [27]

Related Research Articles

Characters of <i>Holby City</i>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henrik Hanssen</span> Fictional character

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frieda Petrenko</span> Fictional character

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.

<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">Sahira Shah</span> Fictional character

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oliver Valentine</span> Fictional character from Holby City

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.

<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.

The seventeenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City commenced airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 14 October 2014 and ran for 52 episodes, ending on 6 October 2015. The series saw the returns of Oliver Valentine, Henrik Hanssen, and Essie Harrison. Former series regular Hari Dhillon returned as Michael Spence for a six-episode guest arc. Former cast member Olga Fedori reprised her role as Frieda Petrenko for a guest appearance.

The eighteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City commenced airing in the United Kingdom on 13 October 2015, and concluded on 4 October 2016. The series consists of 52 episodes. Oliver Kent continues his position as the show's executive producer, while Simon Harper serves as the series producer. Sixteen cast members reprised their roles from the previous series, while several recurring characters, and numerous guest stars feature in the series. Four actors depart during the series and two cast members reprise their roles after taking breaks in the previous series. Jemma Redgrave appeared in the series between February and September 2016 as general surgeon Bernie Wolfe. Jason Robertson joined the semi-regular cast in February 2016 as Jason Haynes, and two new cast members joined the serial in summer 2016: Marc Elliott as registrar Isaac Mayfield and Lucinda Dryzek as F1 doctor Jasmine Burrows.

<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">Raf di Lucca</span> Fictional character

Raffaello "Raf" di Lucca is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Joe McFadden. He first appeared in the sixteenth series episode "Prince Among Men", broadcast on 28 January 2014. Raf is a Registrar General Surgeon, who joined the Acute Assessment Unit staff. He was introduced along with two other regular characters by the show's executive producer Oliver Kent in a bid to "shake things up". McFadden's casting was announced in September 2013, and he began filming the following month. He initially received a one-year contract with the show. To help him prepare for the role, McFadden watched open-heart surgery. McFadden departed in the nineteenth series episode "Group Animal, Part Two", broadcast on 7 December 2017, and returns for a single episode in the twenty-second series, broadcast on 21 July 2020.

The nineteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City commenced airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 11 October 2016 and concluded airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 December 2017. The series consists of 64 episodes; an increase from the previous series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jasmine Burrows</span> Fictional character

Jasmine Burrows is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City. She made her first appearance in the twelfth series episode "What Goes Around", broadcast on 25 April 2010. She was played by Sophia La Porta. Jasmine was introduced as the younger half-sister of established regular Jac Naylor. The character was reintroduced with Lucinda Dryzek in the role during the eighteenth series episode "A Perfect Life", broadcast on 19 July 2016. Jasmine is an F1 initially assigned to Darwin ward within Holby City Hospital. Jasmine is portrayed as being energetic, confident and fun. Jac does not recognise Jasmine and initially sees her as a potential protégé, until Jasmine reveals that she is Jac's half-sister. She tries to bond with Jac, who wants her removed from the ward. Jasmine has a brief relationship with Oliver "Ollie" Valentine.

<i>Holby City</i> series 20 Season of television series

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Gaskell</span> Fictional character

Professor John Gaskell is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Paul McGann. He first appeared in the nineteenth series episode "Group Animal − Part One", broadcast on 5 December 2017. John is a consultant neurosurgeon who joins the staff at Holby City Hospital as the director of surgical innovations. The character and McGann's casting was announced on 4 April 2017 and the actor began filming in August. Producers approached McGann about the role while he was appearing in a theatre production and when he liked the character, he signed a twelve-month contract.

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

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<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.

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.

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References

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  6. 1 2 Wilson, Victoria (28 November 2017). "Holby City newcomer Paul McGann: 'We'll see how good John is in a crisis'". What's on TV . Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  7. 1 2 Houghton, Rianne (5 December 2017). "Holby City fans fear for Jac Naylor's life after shock cliffhanger". Digital Spy . Retrieved 15 March 2018.
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  9. ↑ Chapman, Tom (7 December 2017). "Holby City star Rosie Marcel speaks out after the shock Jac Naylor cliffhanger". Digital Spy . Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 Lindsay, Duncan (7 December 2017). "Holby City spoilers: Raf di Lucca dies in shooting horror as Joe McFadden leaves for good". Metro . Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  11. 1 2 Fletcher, Alex (8 December 2017). "Holby City heartbreak as TV viewers' favourite is killed off". BT Group . Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Kilkelly, Daniel (7 December 2017). "Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing star Joe McFadden reacts to Raf di Lucca's exit". Digital Spy . Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  13. ↑ Wilson, Victoria (7 December 2016). "Holby City star Joe McFadden on shock exit of Raf – 'Fans will see me dancing on Strictly on Saturday night, so they'll know I'm not actually dead!'". What's on TV . Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  14. ↑ Methven, Nicola (8 December 2017). "Murder off the Dancefloor; Strictly Favourite Joe Killed off in Holby Doc Role Two Months Ago". Daily Mirror .
  15. ↑ "The Reel Before The Storm". BBC Online. 5 September 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Lindsay, Duncan (21 November 2017). "Holby City spoilers: Special episode trailer reveals huge disaster and teases death twist". Metro . Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  17. ↑ "BBC One – Holby City". BBC Creative . Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  18. 1 2 3 Fullerton, Huw (22 November 2017). "Fans think they spotted some cool Doctor Who references in Paul McGann's Holby City trailer debut". Radio Times . Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  19. ↑ "BBC1 (SD+HD) w/e 17 May 2015". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board . Retrieved 13 January 2018. (User must select "BBC1" in the Channel field and then select the appropriate year, month and week to retrieve the figure for each episode)
  20. ↑ "Picks of the week Your can't-miss TV shows for the next seven days". Western Mail . 3 December 2017.
  21. 1 2 3 Hollingsworth, David (5 December 2017). "What's On TV Tonight? Our Pick Of The Best Shows: Tuesday 5th December including a new David Jason show!". What's on TV . Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  22. 1 2 Wetherill, Jack (7 December 2017). "Holby City fans accuse show of 'copying' another huge show's storyline". Daily Star . Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  23. 1 2 Wallis, Sara (5 December 2017). "Today's TV". Daily Mirror .
  24. ↑ "Fans call for Holby City to win awards after shock episode". Belfast Telegraph . 7 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  25. 1 2 "Holby City storyline on MND". MND Association. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  26. ↑ Chase, Stephanie (7 March 2018). "Emmerdale misses out on an RTS soap award nomination... despite winning for the past two years". Digital Spy . Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  27. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (22 October 2018). "Coronation Street triumphs at Inside Soap Awards 2018 with Best Soap prize". Digital Spy . Retrieved 22 October 2018.
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