Holby City | |
---|---|
Series 23 | |
No. of episodes | 50 |
Release | |
Original network | BBC One BBC One HD |
Original release | 6 April 2021 – 29 March 2022 |
Series chronology | |
The twenty-third and final series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2021. The series consists of 50 episodes, which focus on the professional and personal lives of medical and ancillary staff at the fictional Holby City Hospital. Seán Gleeson serves as the series producer. A new theme tune was introduced in the series, but was negatively received from viewers. As the series was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it had to comply with safety protocols, including social distancing and reduced people on-set. Early in the series, actors Dawn Steele and Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge isolated and became a work bubble for two episodes to film close proximity scenes. The series was promoted through multiple trailers and behind-the-scenes videos.
The show's cancellation was announced in June 2021 as part of plans from the BBC to make more nationwide programming. Holby City concludes with this series and the finale first airs on 29 March 2022. There was a wide backlash to the news from critics, fans and past and present cast members. A petition was launched to save the show, reaching over 43,700 signatures. Filming for the show concluded in December 2021 and pays homage to the National Health Service (NHS) and the show's cast and crew.
Fifteen actors continued their roles from the previous series with three regular characters departing during this series. Multiple former cast members reprised their roles, including some for the show's final episodes. Rosie Marcel (Jac Naylor) and Belinda Owusu (Nicky McKendrick) returned following breaks, while 14 actors returned for guest stints of varying lengths. Four new regular characters were introduced in series 23. Additionally, several recurring characters and multiple guest stars feature in the series.
No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Viewers (millions) [1] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1053 | 1 | "Episode 1" [2] | Dean Byfield | Patrick Homes | 6 April 2021 | N/A (<4.14) [lower-alpha 1] |
1054 | 2 | "Episode 2" [3] | Dean Byfield | Lucia Haynes | 13 April 2021 | N/A (<4.27) [lower-alpha 1] |
1055 | 3 | "Episode 3" [4] | David Innes Edwards | Rebekah Harrison | 20 April 2021 | N/A (<4.13) [lower-alpha 1] |
1056 | 4 | "Episode 4" [5] | David Innes Edwards | Joe Ainsworth | 27 April 2021 | N/A (<4.24) [lower-alpha 1] |
1057 | 5 | "Episode 5" [6] | Daikin Marsh | Ciara Conway | 4 May 2021 | N/A (<4.08) [lower-alpha 1] |
1058 | 6 | "Episode 6" [7] | Daikin Marsh | Tom Powell | 11 May 2021 | N/A (<4.40) [lower-alpha 1] |
1059 | 7 | "Episode 7" [8] | Suri Krishnamma | Davey Jones | 18 May 2021 | N/A (<4.12) [lower-alpha 1] |
1060 | 8 | "Episode 8" [9] | Suri Krishnamma | Isla Gray | 25 May 2021 | N/A (<4.00) [lower-alpha 1] |
1061 | 9 | "Episode 9" [10] | Jamie Annett | Joe Ainsworth | 1 June 2021 | N/A (<3.58) [lower-alpha 1] |
1062 | 10 | "Episode 10" [11] | Jamie Annett | Michelle Lipton | 8 June 2021 | N/A (<3.76) [lower-alpha 1] |
1063 | 11 | "Episode 11" [12] | Steve Brett | Phil Mulryne | 15 June 2021 | N/A (<3.87) [lower-alpha 1] |
1064 | 12 | "Episode 12" [13] | Steve Brett | Andy Bayliss | 22 June 2021 | N/A (<3.65) [lower-alpha 1] |
1065 | 13 | "Episode 13" [14] | Dean Byfield | Katie Douglas | 28 June 2021 | N/A (<3.55) [lower-alpha 1] |
1066 | 14 | "Episode 14" [15] | Dean Byfield | Jenny Davis | 7 July 2021 | N/A (<3.46) [lower-alpha 1] |
1067 | 15 | "Episode 15" [16] | Christopher McGill | Patrick Homes | 13 July 2021 | N/A (<3.41) [lower-alpha 1] |
1068 | 16 | "Episode 16" [17] | Christopher McGill | Becky Prestwich | 20 July 2021 | N/A (<3.32) [lower-alpha 1] |
1069 | 17 | "Episode 17" [18] | David Innes Edwards | Joe Ainsworth | 27 July 2021 | N/A (<3.41) [lower-alpha 1] |
1070 | 18 | "Episode 18" [19] | David Innes Edwards | Johnny McKnight | 3 August 2021 | N/A (<3.61) [lower-alpha 1] |
1071 | 19 | "Episode 19" [20] | Katherine Churcher | Ciara Conway | 10 August 2021 | N/A (<3.52) [lower-alpha 1] |
1072 | 20 | "Episode 20" [21] | Katherine Churcher | Katerina Watson | 17 August 2021 | N/A (<3.70) [lower-alpha 1] |
1073 | 21 | "Episode 21" [22] | Karl Neilson | Saneh Ali and Matt Naylor | 24 August 2021 | N/A (<3.59) [lower-alpha 1] |
1074 | 22 | "Episode 22" [23] | Karl Neilson | Davey Jones | 31 August 2021 | N/A (<3.67) [lower-alpha 1] |
1075 | 23 | "Episode 23" [24] | Dean Byfield | Andy Bayliss | 7 September 2021 | N/A (<3.74) [lower-alpha 1] |
1076 | 24 | "Episode 24" [25] | Dean Byfield | Isla Gray | 14 September 2021 | N/A (<3.92) [lower-alpha 1] |
1077 | 25 | "Episode 25" [26] | Steve Brett | Katie Douglas | 21 September 2021 | N/A (<3.72) [lower-alpha 1] |
1078 | 26 | "Episode 26" [27] | Steve Brett | Kellie Smith | 28 September 2021 | N/A (<3.97) [lower-alpha 1] |
1079 | 27 | "Episode 27" [28] | Jean Stewart | Jess Green | 5 October 2021 | N/A (<3.89) [lower-alpha 1] |
1080 | 28 | "Episode 28" [29] | Jean Stewart | Patrick Homes | 12 October 2021 | N/A (<3.61) [lower-alpha 1] |
1081 | 29 | "Episode 29" [30] | Martin Smith | Rebekah Harrison | 19 October 2021 | N/A (<4.03) [lower-alpha 1] |
1082 | 30 | "Episode 30" [31] | Martin Smith | Ed Sellek | 26 October 2021 | N/A (<4.14) [lower-alpha 1] |
1083 | 31 | "Episode 31" [32] | Tania Diez | Rebecca Wojciechowski | 2 November 2021 | N/A (<4.02) [lower-alpha 1] |
1084 | 32 | "Episode 32" [33] | Tania Diez | Emma Dennis-Edwards | 9 November 2021 | N/A (<4.12) [lower-alpha 1] |
1085 | 33 | "Episode 33" [34] | David Innes Edwards | Emily Groves | 16 November 2021 | N/A (<4.10) [lower-alpha 1] |
1086 | 34 | "Episode 34" [35] | David Innes Edwards | Ciara Conway | 23 November 2021 | N/A (<4.45) [lower-alpha 1] |
1087 | 35 | "Episode 35" [36] | Emma Lindley | Philip Lawrence | 30 November 2021 | N/A (<4.35) [lower-alpha 1] |
1088 | 36 | "Episode 36" [37] | Emma Lindley | Joe Ainsworth | 7 December 2021 | N/A (<4.13) [lower-alpha 1] |
1089 | 37 | "Episode 37" [38] | Christopher McGill | Kat Rose-Martin | 14 December 2021 | N/A (<4.21) [lower-alpha 1] |
1090 | 38 | "Episode 38" [39] | Christopher McGill | Isla Gray | 4 January 2022 | N/A (<4.73) [lower-alpha 1] |
1091 | 39 | "Episode 39" [40] | Jamie Annett | Davey Jones | 11 January 2022 | N/A (<4.35) [lower-alpha 1] |
1092 | 40 | "Episode 40" [41] | Jamie Annett | Andy Bayliss | 18 January 2022 | N/A (<4.04) [lower-alpha 1] |
1093 | 41 | "Episode 41" [42] | Miranda Howard-Williams | Rebecca Harrison | 25 January 2022 | N/A (<4.31) [lower-alpha 1] |
1094 | 42 | "Episode 42" [43] | Miranda Howard-Williams | Ed Sellek and Jayshree Patel | 1 February 2022 | N/A |
1095 | 43 | "Episode 43" [44] | Michael Lacey | Michelle Lipton | 8 February 2022 | N/A |
1096 | 44 | "Episode 44" [45] | Michael Lacey | Isla Gray | 15 February 2022 | N/A |
1097 | 45 | "Episode 45" [46] | Karl Neilson | Ciara Conway | 22 February 2022 | N/A |
1098 | 46 | "Episode 46" [47] | Karl Neilson | Sophia Leonie | 28 February 2022 | N/A |
1099 | 47 | "Episode 47" [48] | Jamie Annett | Patrick Homes | 8 March 2022 | N/A |
1100 | 48 | "Episode 48" [49] | Jamie Annett | Katie Douglas | 15 March 2022 | N/A |
1101 | 49 | "Episode 49" [50] | David Innes Edwards | Andy Bayliss | 22 March 2022 | N/A |
1102 | 50 | "Episode 50" [51] | David Innes Edwards | Joe Ainsworth | 29 March 2022 | 3.11 |
The series commenced in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2021 on BBC One. [52] Whilst it normally airs on Tuesday nights, [53] the 2020 UEFA European Championship created some scheduling conflicts. As a result, episode 13 was broadcast on a Monday night, [54] and episode 14 was broadcast on a Wednesday night. [55] As a result of the 2021–22 FA Cup, episode 46 was broadcast on a Monday night. [56] It was produced by BBC Studios, [53] and is filmed at the BBC Elstree Centre. [57] Seán Gleeson serves as the series producer for the twenty-third series, replacing Jane Wallbank; his appointment was announced on 11 March 2021. [53] Gleeson has previous experience working for the BBC as an actor, director and producer. He expressed his excitement at joining the drama and revealed that he wanted to focus on "consolidating and reinvigorating this firm favourite for an even wider audience". [53] Gleeson's appointment was welcomed by Kate Oates, the head of continuing drama at BBC Studios, who commented, "Seán has a unique and holistic approach to creativity and storytelling, that makes him a great company leader, and an exceptional dramatist." [53] Oates and Deborah Sathe, the senior head of content production at BBC Studios, both oversee the production of the series. [58] The series consists of 50 episodes. [59] Episodes run for approximately 40 minutes, shortened by 20 minutes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [60] This series introduced a new theme tune for the show, which first features in episode eleven. Simon Duke from the Chronicle Live observed that viewers disliked the change and branded it "pointless". [61]
Filming for the series takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, so strict safety protocols, including social distancing, were enforced to protect the cast and crew. [60] To reduce the number of additional people on-set, mannequin dummies were used on-set. [62] Cast had to apply their own makeup with verbal support from the makeup artists. Smaller makeup injuries, such as cuts and bruises, were not used as a result of this. Larger makeup injuries, such as surgery closeups, were still able to be replicated using prosthetics. [62] As part of their costumes, characters often use personal protective equipment (PPE). However, show bosses were keen to avoid using NHS resources so sourced their PPE from an alternative supplier. The PPE was still effective, allowing cast members to sometimes breach social distancing measures. [62]
To allow close proximity filming, cast members sometimes isolated together and became a work "bubble". [63] As part of a story featuring an intimate relationship between their characters, Ange Godard and Josh Hudson, respectively, actors Dawn Steele and Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge isolated for a week and became a bubble for the filming of episodes nine and ten. [63] Steele enjoyed working in close contact with another actor again and said that she had missed it. [63]
The series was promoted through multiple trailers and each episode received a preview clip before broadcast. [59] A promotional trailer for upcoming episodes of the series was released on 29 April 2021. It features footage of new and continuing storylines. [64] A trailer promoting episode eleven was released on 9 June 2021. Lidia Molina-Whyte from the Radio Times thought the trailer looked exciting and said Holby City "shows no signs of slowing down on the drama front". [65] On 16 July 2021, a promotional trailer was released for the second quarter of the series. The trailer begins with a recap of recent plot lines, before teasing new stories. Calli Kitson from the Metro thought there was "a lot to talk about" from the trailer. [66]
Three different trailers were released to promote episodes 21 to 24, which features the story arc of Cameron Dunn's (Nic Jackman) revenge and the hospital explosion. Kitson opined that fans were "being treated to plenty of teaser trailers" as part of the plot. [67] The first trailer, described as "explosive" by Digital Spy's Stephanie Chase, was released on 24 August 2021. [68] The second, "The Clock is Ticking", was issued on 31 August 2021, [69] and the third, "Stay With Me", a week later, on 7 September 2021. [70] In addition to the trailers, the show's media team documented the filming of the explosion across two behind-the-scenes videos. [71] [72]
Two further behind-the-scenes videos were created in October and December 2021 for the return of Oliver Valentine (James Anderson) and the exit of Carole Copeland (Julia Deakin), respectively. [73] [74] On 29 December 2021, a trailer was released to promote the show's final episodes. Kitson opined that the trailer highlighted "drama of a different kind". [75] The returns of Serena Campbell (Catherine Russell) and Bernie Wolfe (Jemma Redgrave) were documented in a behind-the-scenes video, released on 8 February 2022. [76] The show's penultimate episode was promoted through a trailer which was released via Instagram on 18 March 2022. [77] A promotional trailer for the show's final episode was released on 25 March 2022, featuring clips from the episode as well as archive footage. Sam Warner (Digital Spy) called the trailer "emotional" and prompted him to comment, "it's fair to say you should bring some tissues along". [78]
On 2 June 2021, it was announced that Holby City had been cancelled and would conclude with the twenty-third series. The final episode will be broadcast in March 2022. [79] The decision was made as part of plans from the BBC to make more programmes across the country with the intention to better reflect it. An official press release statement thanked the entire cast and crew for their work on the serial and promised that it would "[go] out on a high". [79] Gleeson explained that his team wanted to make the rest of the series "months are the most entertaining Holby yet". [80] Hugh Quarshie, the show's longest-serving cast member, told Sarah Marsh of The Guardian that the cast and production team were informed about the cancellation one hour before its announcement. [81]
The show's cancellation received a backlash from critics, fans and past and present cast members. Kitson (Metro) branded the decision "a huge mistake" and summarised, "Put simply, storylines in Holby City have saved people's lives." [82] Borehamwood and Elstree Times writer and Elstree Studios historian Paul Welsh was disappointed by the news and felt sorry for the cast "whose fame rests of being in Holby City" and may struggle with typecasting. [57] Quarshie, Joe McFadden (Raf di Lucca), Davood Ghadami (Eli Ebrahimi) and Luisa Bradshaw-White (Lisa Fox) were among the cast who expressed their sadness with the show's cancellation. [81] [83] Leslie Ash, who portrayed Vanessa Lytton, shared her disappointment at the serial's cancellation, but predicted that it could lead to Holby City characters making future appearances in sister show Casualty . [84] Jac Naylor actress Rosie Marcel compared dealing with the show's cancellation to the five stages of grief, adding that she will be sad to leave her character behind. [85] Fans of the show launched a Change.org petition to save Holby City, with it reaching over 30,000 signatures in a matter of days, [86] and 43,700 by December 2021. [87]
Filming for Holby City concluded on 17 December 2021. Multiple cast members documented their final days on set and expressed how emotional they all found the experience. [87] [88] The show's final story features the hospital's surgical wards facing closure. Dainty (Digital Spy) pointed out that such an ending would be work well as it allows Casualty to continue without disruption. [89] Marcel teased that the final episode would be "amazing" and "really spectacular". [89] She added that it would pay homage to the National Health Service (NHS) and the show's cast and crew. [89] The actress also confirmed that multiple former cast members would reprise their roles for the finale. [89] Six actors reprised their roles in the episode. [90] David Ames, who plays Dominic Copeland in the drama, described the final episode as "really gorgeous" which viewers would enjoy. He also promised "lots of little mini surprises along the way". [89] It was confirmed on 2 March 2022 that the final episode would be premiere on 29 March 2022. [91]
The final series of Holby City features a cast of characters working for the National Health Service (NHS) on the surgical wards of Holby City Hospital. [58] David Ames appears as Dominic Copeland, a registrar on the general surgery ward, Keller. Bob Barrett portrays the ward's clinical lead, Sacha Levy, a consultant general surgeon. [92] Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge stars as Josh Hudson, a first year foundation doctor (F1) working on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU), and Tyler Luke Cunningham features as Louis McGerry, an AAU staff nurse. Guy Henry plays Henrik Hanssen, a consultant general surgeon, while Jaye Jacobs appears as Donna Jackson, a senior staff nurse on Keller. Ramin Karimloo portrays Kian Madani, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon on Darwin, the cardiothoracic surgery ward. Amy Lennox stars as Chloe Godard, a cardiothoracic registrar, and Jo Martin features as Max McGerry, the hospital's chief executive officer (CEO) and a consultant neurosurgeon. Amy Murphy plays Kylie Madden, an AAU staff nurse, while Vineeta Rishi portrays Lucky Simpson, a mental health nurse. Dawn Steele stars as Ange Godard, a consultant general surgeon and the clinical lead of the AAU. Alex Walkinshaw plays Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher, the director of nursing services, who is later promoted to acting CEO. Chan Woo Lim appears as AAU F1 doctor Jeong-Soo Han. [93] Additionally, appearing in a recurring capacity are Jules Robertson and Laila Rouass who play porter Jason Haynes and Sahira Shah, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and the clinical lead of Darwin ward, respectively. [93]
Rouass's three-month guest stint concludes in episode five. The actress confirmed her exit in an interview on Loose Women , on 30 April 2021. [94] Sahira's exit story features her being arrested after confessing to a crime that her son committed. [95] After two years in the role, Karimloo decided to leave Holby City during this series. The actor had only intended to stay for a single series, but decided to extend his contract due to how much he enjoyed the role. Kian is killed-off in the twelfth episode at the conclusion of his drug addiction story. [96] On 7 September 2021, it was revealed that Lennox had left her role as Chloe and would be depart in episode 24. The character was listed as a potential death following an explosion at the hospital. [97] Chloe was not killed off and instead left for a job in Switzerland. In a goodbye post on social media, Lennox joked that Chloe is enjoying a luxurious life in Switzerland and "lived happily ever after". [98] Rishi departed her role as Lucky in episode 33 after a year on the serial. Her exit was confirmed following the episode's broadcast. [99]
In July 2021, it was confirmed that episode 17 would feature the return of a former character. Their identity was concealed to maintain a surprise for the audience. [100] In the episode, Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel) was revealed as the returnee, following her departure in the previous series. The character returns as the new Director of Improvement for the hospital. Digital Spy's Dainty confirmed that the return was permanent. [101] Robbie Nichols of the Eastern Daily Press reported in August 2021 that Nic Jackman had reprised his role as junior doctor Cameron Dunn. The character returns in episode 21 after being released from prison to take part in an experimental trial. [102] As part of the story, Bernie Wolfe, portrayed by Jemma Redgrave, was reintroduced in the next episode. Redgrave left the serial in series 20 and the character was killed-off in the following series, making her return a surprise for the audience. [103] Jackman was excited about Redgrave's return since Cameron's "darker path" began with Bernie's death. [104] Both Jackman and Redgrave departed the series in episode 24; Cameron was killed-off as part of his exit. [105]
To celebrate the show's history, producers invited former cast members to reprise their roles for the show's final episodes. [89] Marcel confirmed that the finale would also feature appearances from former characters. [85] James Anderson's decision to reprise his role as Oliver Valentine, four years following his departure, was announced on 5 October 2021. [106] He made his return during episode 28, [107] and departed at the conclusion of his return stint in episode 37. [108] As part of his exit scenes, Camilla Arfwedson filmed a cameo appearance as Zosia Self. [108] Episode 37 also featured the return of Nicky McKendrick (Belinda Owusu) following Owusu's maternity leave. [108] Redgrave reprised her role again in episode 43, this time alongside Catherine Russell as Serena Campbell, who appeared in the drama for eight years. [109] Their return provided an update on their relationship as they become engaged and also explored the longstanding repercussions of Cameron's actions. [109] [110] In February 2022, the return of Michael Spence, portrayed by Hari Dhillon, was confirmed. He appears in episode 46, eight years after his last appearance. [111] John Michie reprised his role as Guy Self, a character he played on-off between 2013 and 2020, in episode 47 for an "extended cameo" appearance. [112] Three characters who were previously killed-off in the show returned for a guest appearance in episode 48: Essie di Lucca (Kaye Wragg), Arthur Digby (Rob Ostlere) and Jasmine Burrows (Lucinda Dryzek). They appear as part of a "ghostly dream sequence" as a terminally ill Jac considers her own mortality. [113] The episode also features the return of actor Paul Bradley as cardiothoracic consultant Elliot Hope, who appears in the show's final three episodes. His return was kept under embargo until transmission. [113] On 16 March 2022, it was announced that the show's final episode would feature the return of five former cast members: Russell (Serena Campbell), Redgrave (Bernie Wolfe), Chizzy Akudolu (Mo Effanga), longest-serving cast member Hugh Quarshie (Ric Griffin), and Luke Roberts (Joseph Byrne). [90]
Actor Davood Ghadami's casting as Eli Ebrahimi was announced on 16 April 2021. Eli is billed as a "talented, if slightly idiosyncratic" consultant cardiothoracic surgeon who is hired as the new clinical lead of Darwin ward. [114] Ghadami expressed his joy at joining Holby City, which he praised for its "quality storytelling". [114] Gleeson stated that he was excited about Ghadami's casting and predicted he would be "a fantastic addition to [the] cast". [114] Eli makes his first appearance in episode 17. [115] The show's official Twitter account confirmed on 23 April 2021 that actress Debra Stephenson had joined the cast as Jeni Sinclair, the hospital's new director of funding. The tweet includes a clip of Jeni's introduction, which features in episode four. [116] Stephenson described her character as a "bubbly, vivacious, generous, warm person" on appearance, but with a "whole other dark side to her". [117] Writers used the character of Jeni to explore the topic of sexual exploitation. [117] On 16 July 2021, it was confirmed that Clare Burt had been cast as Madge Britton, a "straight talking, no-nonsense" nurse practitioner working on the AAU. [66] She first appears in episode 17. [115] Simon Slater made his first appearance as consultant general surgeon Russell "Russ" Faber in episode 28. He is introduced as an old friend of Hanssen and supports Oliver's return. [107]
The series features several recurring characters and multiple guest stars. Raad Rawi guest stars as Reyhan Shah, the father of Sahira. Having joined the show in the previous series, Reyhan features in a historical abuse story with Hanssen. Henry described Reyhan as "a devious, manipulative, nasty piece of work". [118] The character makes his final appearance in episode five after being killed-off. [95] Sahira's son, Abs Raza (Ali Hadji-Heshmati), also appears in the opening episode, having appeared twice in the previous series. [93] He makes subsequent appearances in episodes four, where it is revealed that he is being abused by Reyhan too, [119] five, [95] and fifteen. [93] As part of a new story exploring Louis' backstory, Vicky Turner (Juno Dawson) was introduced at the end of series 22, [120] continuing the role into this series. [121] Actress Doña Croll was cast as Sanya Morrison, the mother of Max and grandmother of Louis, and first appears in the opening episode. [121] Her agency confirmed that she would appear in multiple episodes, [122] and she departs in the third episode when the character is killed off. [123] Sonny Poon Tip also joined the recurring cast in episode one, portraying "troubled" cardiothoracic patient Andrei Tarpov. Writers incorporated the character into Kian's drug addiction story. [124] He appears across multiple episodes, [125] departing in episode twelve. [13] Philippa Stanton guest stars in episode two as Flo Gallagher, a patient who helps Dom with his stoma bag diagnosis. [126] She appears again in episode 40. [127]
The appearances of Phoebe French and Karl Collins, in the roles of Evie Fletcher and Treve Harding, were publicised on 29 April 2021. [64] Evie is the daughter of Fletch and has appeared in the drama on-off since series 17. [64] She returns in episode seven; in the narrative, she is hired as a barista at Pulses, the hospital café. She soon develops a relationship with Andrei which Walkinshaw explained would create problems. [128] Collins' character is introduced as part of Max's story exploring the BRCA1 gene. Treve is a locum consultant oncologist whose backstory states that he trained with Max. He appears in episodes eight and nine. [129] Actor Mark Jordon joined the guest cast in episode ten as Connor Coleman, a social worker. Jordon confirmed that he would only appear in a "few episodes", but dubbed it "one of [his] favourite gigs". [130] Julia Deakin reprised her role as Carole Copeland, the mother of Dom, in the fifteenth episode; she has appeared in multiple episode arcs since series 17. [131] The story team used the character to explore the issue of vascular dementia over multiple episodes. [131] As part of the sexual exploitation story involving Jeni, Richard Pepper was introduced as Rich Peterson. He first appears in episode 14. [117] Pepper's agency confirmed it was a recurring role. [132] The story also leads to the reintroduction of Donna's adoptive daughter, Mia Barron (Briana Shann), in episode 18. [66] [19]
Karen Ascoe guest stars as Regina Marriot, an inspector who appears as part of the show's final story. She features in episode 14, before reappearing from episodes 38. [75] Delroy Atkinson was cast in the guest role of Delroy Jones, a terminally ill patient on the AAU who makes a connection with Kylie. He appears from episode 15, [66] until episode 18, when he is killed-off. [19] Episode 24 includes appearances from Casualty characters Ethan Hardy (George Rainsford) and Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson). [70] In July, Ghadami revealed that Lucy Briggs-Owens had been cast as his character's wife, Amelia Ebrahimi. [133] She made her first appearance in episode 26. [134] Delainey Hayles appeared as Russ' daughter Billie Faber in episode 31. [135] She then returned from episode 41. [136] Juliet, the daughter of Nicky and Cameron, was introduced in episode 37 following the former's reintroduction. She was portrayed by Owusu's newborn daughter; the actress explained that she was pleased with the decision as she got to spend extra time with her daughter between takes. [137] The character was central to a story about Nicky's maternal struggles. [137] Jenny Howe reprised her recurring guest role as reverend Lexy Morrell from episode 47. She last appeared in series 20. [138] Hamish Clark reprised his guest role as patient Ken Davies for the show's final two episodes. [139]
Main characters
| Recurring characters
| Guest characters
|
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.
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.
The twenty-eighth series of Casualty began airing on BBC One on 3 August 2013, one week after the end of the previous series. This series consisted of 48 episodes, the highest episode order since series 24. The series concluded on 23 August 2014.
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.
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.
The thirty-second series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2017, and concluded on 4 August 2018. The series consisted of 44 episodes. Erika Hossington continued her role as series producer, however, following her resignation in August 2017, was replaced by Lucy Raffety. Simon Harper began his role as the show's executive producer. Twenty cast members reprised their roles from the previous series. Lloyd Everitt, Crystal Yu, Jamie Davis left their respective roles during the series, while Charlotte Salt reprised her role as Sam Nicholls from episode five onwards. Four new cast members also joined the drama in series 32. The series opened with a two-parter special set in northern France, which was followed by an extended 70-minute special episode. It is the first series in the history of the show to omit episode titles.
The thirty-third series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2018, one week after the end of the previous series. The series consisted of 46 episodes. Lucy Raffety continues her role as series producer, while Simon Harper continues his role as the show's executive producer. Sixteen regular cast members reprised their roles from the previous series. The series, which is billed as "The Year of the Paramedic", begins with a motorway collision stunt sequence, and features a crossover episode with spin-off series, Holby City. This series featured the departures of six cast members, including Amanda Mealing as Connie Beauchamp, Azuka Oforka as Louise Tyler and Chelsea Halfpenny as Alicia Munroe. Four new regular cast members also joined the series, while two actors began appearing in a recurring capacity.
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.
The thirty-fourth series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2019, one week after the end of the previous series. The series consists of 43 episodes. Lucy Raffety continues her role as series producer, while Simon Harper continues his role as the show's executive producer; this is Raffety's final series as producer, and she was replaced by Loretta Preece. Production on the series was postponed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also resulted in multiple transmission breaks. A single episode was also pulled due to comparisons between its content and the pandemic; the episode was broadcast as the final episode of the series at a later date. The theme of the series is reflecting how the National Health Service (NHS) is "under pressure", with elements focusing on "the hierarchy of pressure on the doctors". The series is also promoted through multiple trailers.
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.
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.
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.
The thirty-fifth series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2021. The series consists of 30 episodes, which focus on the professional and personal lives of medical and ancillary staff at the emergency department (ED) of the fictional Holby City Hospital. Loretta Preece continues her role as series producer. Sixteen regular cast members reprised their roles from the previous series and actor Michael Stevenson returned to the serial in episode fourteen as Iain Dean, a paramedic.
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.
The thirty-sixth series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 14 August 2021, a week after the conclusion of the previous series. The series focuses on the professional and personal lives of medical and ancillary staff at the emergency department (ED) of the fictional Holby City Hospital. Loretta Preece continues her role as series producer and Deborah Sathe is the senior executive producer. It also marked the return of episode titles after a four-year absence.
"Episode 1102" is the fiftieth episode of the twenty-third series of the British medical drama television series Holby City, and the 1102nd episode of the overall series. It is also Holby City's final ever episode after the show was cancelled by the BBC. The episode was written by Joe Ainsworth and directed by David Innes Edwards, and premiered on BBC One on 29 March 2022. The show's production team promised fans they would create an ending "it deserves" and began rewriting stories. The writers were used to scripting the show as a continuing drama but the show's end meant they could create closure for all featured characters. Producers were loath to introduce dramatic stunts or explosions in the finale. They favoured an emotional approach with stories that paid homage to the NHS, which they believed were Holby City's "roots".
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.
The thirty-seventh series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2022. The series focuses on the professional and personal lives of medical and ancillary staff at the emergency department (ED) of the fictional Holby City Hospital. Jon Sen continues his role as the executive producer and Liza Mellody begins her position as series producer. Series 37 marks the return to regular filming protocols after the COVID-19 pandemic. The series has been marred by scheduling conflicts, with one episode premiering on BBC Two.