Kath Fox

Last updated

Kath Fox
Holby City character
Kath Fox.jpg
Jan Pearson as Kath Fox
First appearance"Knife Edge"
23 December 1999
Last appearance"Pastures New"
30 March 2004
Portrayed by Jan Pearson
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Ward sister
Family Danny Shaughnessy (son)
Lisa Fox (step-daughter)
Spouse Simon Shaughnessy
Terry Fox
Significant otherFather Michael
Larry Phillips
ReligionCatholic

Kath Fox (also Kath Shaughnessy) is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City , played by actress Jan Pearson. She first appeared in the series two episode "Knife Edge", broadcast on 23 December 1999. Kath arrives at Holby City hospital as a Ward Sister. She is characterised as a devout Catholic with high moral values and the over-protective mother of Danny Shaughnessy (Jeremy Edwards). Writers played off her strong faith, often making it centric to various dramatic plots they conjured up for her. Over a four-year period she became a tortured character who had been domestically abused by her husband Simon Shaughnessy (Andrew Dunn). The stigma of a divorce in her religion makes her feel unable to leave him.

Contents

She befriends and later falls in love with a priest, Father Michael (Martin Ledwith). Following a near fatal beating from Simon she moved on to a romance with moneyed Terry Fox (Miles Anderson), but their happiness is short-lived because of Terry's terminal cancer. Writers featured her in a euthanasia story, when she agrees to assist him in committing suicide. A feud with her step-daughter Lisa Fox (Luisa Bradshaw-White) was created and Kath found herself standing trial for assisted suicide. Kath was then a regular feature in a controversial serial killer plot, in which patients are murdered by staff nurse Kelly Yorke (Rachel Leskovac). She tries to frame Kath, who lays blame to Kelly's brother Nic Yorke (Liam Garrigan), which results in Kelly stabbing Kath in a near fatal clash.

Following the succession of bleak stories for her character, Pearson decided to leave Holby City. She had made her intentions clear to producers in 2003 and they convinced her to stay for an extra year. The actress requested her unlucky character leave the show amidst a happy ending. Writers introduced Larry Phillips (Dominic Mafham) as Kath's love interest and they move away together. Pearson has stated that Kath became one of the show's best loved characters. Critics of the genre have praised her portrayal of Kath, though Jim Shelley from the Daily Mirror criticised Kath, whom he believed often went against her own faith and morals.

Development

Characterisation

Kath was a respected and excellent Ward Sister. She was resolute in the face of anything life threw at her. She had a calm nature which made people warm to her. A devout Catholic, she had her faith tested many times. After a number of traumas, she left Holby for pastures new with Architect Larry. [1]

— An excerpt from Kath's profile on the official Holby City website.

The character first appeared in the series two episode "Knife Edge", which was broadcast on 23 December 1999. [2] Kath is characterised as a "devout Catholic" and her strong faith causes her issues with a series of relationships writers created for her. She has an "easy-going and calm nature" which makes her well liked with colleagues and patients. [3] Her Catholicism is referenced in the show. She uses her beliefs to help other characters, such as those who question their faith. [4] Pearson described her character as "rather saintly by nature". [5] She is a "very protective" mother to Danny Shaughnessy (Jeremy Edwards), but her attitude towards him constantly leaves him embarrassed. [3] Kath struggled to come to terms with Danny growing up and becoming independent. She interferes in his work life and he becomes irritated with her. Following an "emotional confrontation" he decides to move out. [6] When Danny leaves home Kath begins to suffer from 'empty nest' syndrome and seeks solace through her working life. [3] Throughout her tenure writers have maintained a troubled personal life for Kath, through various doomed romances and dramatic storylines. [3] Pearson has also described her on-screen counterpart as having "a hard life". [7]

Pearson found challenging to play a character as "resolutely nice" as Kath is. She said that she is completely different to more "edgy" roles she has played previously. While Pearson states she is completely unlike Kath, she uses her own experiences to play her. She was once a teacher at a Sunday school and used this when portraying Kath's religious aspects. [8]

Domestic abuse

One of Kath's early issue lead stories was becoming the victim of domestic abuse from her husband Simon Shaughnessy (Andrew Dunn). [3] Initially Kath develops feelings for her colleague, the consultant general surgeon Mike Barratt (Clive Mantle). When they attend a course together they almost share a kiss. This tests Kath's faith and she decides to distance herself from him. [3] Kath briefly break up with Simon, but he convinces her to return with the promise of counselling sessions. [9] Simon tries to change his ways but his aggression towards Kath heightens the following month. She then bonds with a patient named Linda (Sonia Beinroth) whose husband has attacked her. [10] Simon had long been aggressive towards Kath but it was only when she was admitted to the hospital following a "severe beating", would her colleagues discover the abuse. [3] It happens after she becomes close with the on-site priest Father Michael (Martin Ledwith), which makes Simon jealous. When Father Michael drops Kath off at home following a church service, Simon beats Kath up and she is rushed into the hospital for emergency surgery. [11] Danny becomes desperate to protect Kath from his father. He and Father Michael secure and decorate a new flat for Kath to live in when she is discharged. [12] Father Michael gives Kath the courage to leave Simon for good. But their relationship cannot progress because both of their commitments to religion. Father Michael offers to leave the church but Kath believes it is wrong and ends their relationship. [3]

The story was "very exciting" and a "challenge" to play for Pearson. To prepare for the plot, she researched the issue with social works who had experience working with domestic abuse victims. They helped her create the background details for the story. She wanted to talk to victims directly, but later decided it could be too intrusive. [13] She also had to understand why Kath would stay with an abusive husband. Pearson told Andrew Davies from the Birmingham Post that "in Kath's case, the character has been married for 30 years and she's Catholic. That's very important to her - it's more about not wanting to break her vows which she made before God." [13] The actress was happy to be given the storyline because it helped her to explore Kath's homelife. She believed writers had only ever shown Kath to be "strong, kind and centred". Exploring domestic abuse helped viewers understand the character better. Pearson added "to be able to explore what makes her marriage the way it is, what makes her tick, has been great." [13]

Kath's relationship with Father Michael was her favourite storyline. She told a BBC Online reporter that "I liked the idea of her having a saucy relationship with a young man and a priest to boot." [5] Writers devised an ending to the story in October 2002, when Kath files for divorce. When Simon receives the divorce papers he arrives at the hospital and angrily pins Kath up against a wall. She is scared by the encounter but after encouragement from Chrissie Williams (Tina Hobley) she decides to stand up to him. [14]

Euthanasia

Luisa Bradshaw-White portrays Lisa Fox, Kath's step-daughter and enemy. Luisa Bradshaw-White 2016.jpg
Luisa Bradshaw-White portrays Lisa Fox, Kath's step-daughter and enemy.

Producers created a story for Kath dealing with the controversial topic of euthanasia. Terry Fox (Miles Anderson) was introduced as the wealthy father of midwife Lisa Fox (Luisa Bradshaw-White). He is diagnosed with cancer and decides to divorce his wife. As Kath is also going through a divorce the pair agree to go on a date. A Daily Record journalist revealed that Kath would be cautious because of Terry's health but is "swayed by his infectious attitude to life." Lisa also becomes suspicious of their new romance. [15]

Kath and Terry decide to get married when he finds out his cancer is terminal. They travel to a coastal holiday home for their honeymoon. Terry convinces Kath to help him commit suicide before spending their final hours together. When he is ready, Kath administers a lethal dose of morphine via a hypodermic needle. But Kath's act of euthanasia is suspected by an interfering neighbour. [16] Lisa suspects that Kath killed her father and reports her to the police. [3] Pearson and Anderson filmed the honeymoon and death scenes in one day. The actress recalled that she had cried that much on set that she barely had clear vision. [5] She later revealed that she found the amount of crying Kath did "exhausting" and added they were her "hardest episodes" to film. [7] Pearson called the storyline a "very serious subject" and found it challenging to portray it correctly. [5]

The police decide to open an investigation into Terry's death and exhume his body for examination. A writer from Inside Soap said the development causes tension on the wards and leaves Kath "distraught". [17] She knows they will discover that she helped Terry to die and Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) decides to support Kath. He is shocked when evidence mounts that could also implicate him in the investigation. When a needle mark is identified on Terry's body, Kath is arrested on suspicion of murder. [17] Kath is relieved when the murder charge is reduced to assisted suicide. She decides to plead not guilty which angers Lisa. Other staff do not believe that Kath is innocent and Danny rushes to her defense. Lisa confronts him and during an argument he almost hits her which makes Kath's situation worse. [18] At the trial the prosecution begin to bring up aspects of Kath's past to use against her. Chrissie and Danny also testify, and the latter's temper is used to discredit Kath. The jury find Kath not guilty of all charges and she is released. [19]

Serial killer

Writers placed Kath at the center of the show's long-running serial killer storyline, in which Kelly Yorke (Rachel Leskovac) begins killing numerous patients. Kath's role in the story was originally supposed to be played out by Laura Sadler's character Sandy Harper. [20] The actress died before filming her part and producers decided to rewrite the story to feature Kath. Pearson told Claire Brand from Inside Soap that "I felt like I took it over and I was very ambivalent about those scenes." [20] The story culminated in Kelly killing her mother Nina Yorke (Ellie Haddington), brother Nic Yorke (Liam Garrigan) and stabbing Kath. [21] Following a number of patients dying on Keller, a Commission For Health report is published with a scathing review accusing the hospital of gross negligence. Helen Grant (Susannah York) decides to interview staff and find out who is responsible. [22] Kelly is annoyed by the investigation and plots to frame Kath. When she is interviewed Kelly tells Helen that she thinks Kath is at fault. This leads Helen to focus her attention of Kath and they argue. [22] The police and DI Jane Archer (Christine Entwisle) also begin to suspect that Kath is responsible. [23] Following the death of another patient DI Archer returns again. A Liverpool Echo writer revealed that "Kath is particularly worried, having been at the centre of two cases in less than a year." [24]

It is soon discovered that the patients have been killed via an overdose administered via their drips. [25] When Nic finds an unresponsive patient he changes their drip, but Kath catches him. Garrigan told a reporter from Inside Soap that "Kath finds Nic with a syringe in his hand and a dead patient in front of him." Kath raises the alarm they try to revive the patient but are unsuccessful. Kath then reports Nic to DI Archer to clear her name and Nic is arrested for the murders. [25] When Nic is charged with murder Kelly turns her attentions to Kath and begins to take her "frustrations" out on her. [26]

When Kath discovers the truth, Kelly stabs her and leaves her to bleed to death. Zubin Khan (Art Malik) finds Kath and she is rushed to theatre for an operation. They manage to repair the damage and she survives. [27] [23] Writers originally planned to have Kath and Kelly involved in a significant fight scene. But it had to be rewritten because the show had previously received complaints about the stabbing of another character previously. [28] Pearson told Brand that "I think the whole killer storyline went on for an awfully long time, it was a good ending." [20]

Departure

Dominic Mafham plays Kath's final love interest Larry Phillips. Dominic Mafham February 2016.jpg
Dominic Mafham plays Kath's final love interest Larry Phillips.

In December 2003, it was announced that Pearson had decided to leave Holby City to pursue other acting projects. [27] Pearson had originally decided to leave one year prior. She felt that the story with Terry was great end to her character. The show's producers did not want the actress to leave and persuaded her to sign another year long contract. [29] Pearson later publicised her reasons for leaving the show, citing too many "ridiculous" stories written for Kath. [29] She told Emma Cox from the Sunday Mirror that "it got to the point where the writers had to keep out-doing themselves. [29] What the hell are you going to do to top the last big storyline with the serial killer? [29] It was in danger of getting silly." [29]

As Kath had long been used in traumatic stories and Pearson asked producers to create a positive departure story for her character. Viewers were still convinced that Kath would be killed off because of her past stories. [27] Pearson told Roz Laws from the Sunday Mercury that "poor Kath, I don't think she's got any insides left after all her operations." At the time of her departure Kath had become one of the show's most popular characters. Pearson observed that "Kath does have a lot of fans, she seems to be everyone's favourite nurse." She added that viewers would be "glad to hear" about the "happy departure" because Kath "deserves it". [27]

In the build up to her final episodes Kath has a "miserable" Christmas spent inside the hospital. Pearson said that Kath would reminisce about her previous festive season shared with Terry and his subsequent suicide. She added that she would be "sad and lonely" and "terrified" of Kelly being placed in the hospital while she recovers from her injuries received from the explosion. [27] Writers then gifted Kath with a new lover named Larry Phillips (Dominic Mafham), a request made by the actress herself. [29] She wanted Kath to leave with an uncomplicated man who was not abusive, dying or unavailable like her ex-partners. However producers did not want Kath to leave the show because of a romance and they reached a compromise. [29] When Mafham joined the cast he believed that Larry would be another "terrible thing" in Kath's life. He told Laws that Larry seemed "too good to be true" and he expected him to "turn and be really horrible and something nasty happen". But the actor stressed "Larry is so nice" and they have a "happy ending as he and Kath go off together." [30]

Kath's final episode saw her receive a job promotion, only for her to decline the offer and begin a new life elsewhere with Larry. [31] Pearson told Claire Brand from Inside Soap that Kath was happy she got the job because "it's a huge promotion and a massive endorsement of her nursing ability." [20] Kath's decision is made final when she treats a patient in an unorthodox way. Pearson believed dealing with the repercussions and her feeling that she wants to leave the progression become too much. [20] Before she departs Kath decides to make amends with Lisa. Pearson explained that "Kath resolves everything with Lisa and, as a Catholic, it is something that has been bothering her for a long time. She did take Terry's life, and she lied about it, so this is a huge weight lifted for her." [20]

Reception

"What about poor old Kath? Free from her abusive husband, and having escaped from a disastrous affair with the medical chaplain, it looked as though she had at last found happiness with Terry. But his cancer has returned and he is too ill to leave hospital to get married. If this story line doesn't have you sniffling, nothing ever will."

A passage about Kath's bad luck published in the Nursing Standard . [32]

Pearson topped a magazine poll to find out who "the most snoggable woman" in Holby City was. [33] The character's uniform also attracted "saucy fan mail" being sent to Pearson. [34] The Sunday Mirror's Cox said that a series of "barmy plots" drove her out of the show. [29] Laws (Sunday Mercury) said "Holby City's Sister Kath Fox deserves a happy ending after everything she's gone through." [30] In reference to all of Kath's dramatic plots Laws said "Jan was certainly put through the wringer in Holby." [35]

A writer from the Liverpool Echo branded the character "long-suffering Kath" and that her court case was a story that brought the show's credibility into question. [36] A Liverpool Echo journalist said that "however outrageous the storylines may be, at least the cast manage to carry off even the most ridiculous with flair." They noted it was Pearson's turn during the Terry's cancer story. [37] Another opined that Kath and Father Michael's relationship was a story that kept viewers invested in the show. [38] A Daily Mirror columnist chose Kath's return to work following her trial in their "pick of the day" feature. [39] Rupert Smith from The Guardian said that jury only found Kath innocent because of her "noble mien and smart tailoring." [40] Stephen McGinty from The Scotsman likened Kath to "resilient but unhappy nurse" Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney), a character from the US medical drama ER . He also named her his favourite character, adding she had "concern for patients and strength of character to go beyond restrictive rules." [31]

Claire Stoker from the Liverpool Echo praised Kath's domestic abuse story. She believed the show created "the most moving scenes" with Kath connecting with a fellow battered wife. Stoker added "Jan Pearson's portrayal of Kath is superb." [41] Eddie McIlwaine from the Belfast Telegraph said that Kath is "that nice nurse". [42] A Western Mail reporter branded the character "a lovable nurse" and said viewers always knew she would get away with committing euthanasia. [43]

Television critic Jim Shelley (Daily Mirror) criticised the character over her life choices. He branded Kath a "serial shagger" for her many relationships and quipped that she is "supposedly the morally correct one in the Holby harem." He then questioned her status as a practicing Catholic stating she "admittedly may need more practice". [44] Shelley later profiled the character again, describing her as "a fervent Catholic and ostensibly the most sensible, moral member of Holby's staff." He quipped that "Kath's faith and rectitude" did not prevent her from divorcing, committing adulatory, euthanasia and lying under oath. He was also confused why she did not express her morals in court and was shocked that she was found innocent. [45] He also branded her a murderer thought the scenes which Kelly stabbed "Kath 'The Terminator' Fox" were "fantastic". [46] [47] A writer from the Daily Record opined that Kath and Terry's storyline was depressing Christmas viewing. [48] A colleague believed that Kath was "a tower of strength" for Terry. [49] Rachel Mainwaring (Wales on Sunday) said of Kath and Terry's wedding that "it wasn't quite Kleenex at the ready but it certainly caused a few sniffs." [50] Penny Fray from the Liverpool Daily Post said that viewers could witness "heated scenes" when Kath questions her faith and has an argument with Father Sankar (Patrick Miller). [51] While their colleague chose Kath returning to work following Simon's attack in their "TV highlights" feature. [52]

Related Research Articles

<i>Casualty@Holby City</i> British television series

Casualty@Holby City (styled as CASUAL+Y @ HOLBY CI+Y) is a series of special crossover episodes of BBC medical dramas Casualty and Holby City. While Casualty was launched on 6 September 1986, and its spin-off Holby City was first aired on 12 January 1999, the first full crossover episode between the two programmes was not broadcast until 26 December 2004. As of 27 December 2005, four crossover specials have been aired, comprising nine episodes total. Although further crossovers of storylines and characters have since occurred, they have not been broadcast under the Casualty@Holby City title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faye Morton</span> Fictional nurse in BBC TV medical drama

Faye Morton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Patsy Kensit. The character first appeared on-screen on 30 January 2007 in the series nine episode "Into the Dark". Kensit had made a former unrelated guest appearance on Holby City's sister show, Casualty, in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lola Griffin</span> Fictional character

Lola Griffin is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Sharon D. Clarke. She first appeared in the series seven episode "Patience", broadcast on 7 June 2005. Lola is characterised as a "tough" female and "wisecracking earth mother". She was introduced into the series as the ex-wife of established character Ric Griffin. Clarke has praised the character's inclusion because she is a black woman with power, which she believed was a diverse and positive depiction. When the actress left the show in 2008, writers produced a standalone episode built around her exit. When Lola learns she is being made redundant, she takes a job at another hospital. Lola left in the episode titled "Mad World", which was broadcast on 14 October 2008. In December 2018, it was announced that Clarke had agreed to reprise the role and Lola appears for one episode in January 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donna Jackson</span> Fictional character in Holby City

Donna Jackson is a fictional character from BBC medical dramas Holby City and Casualty, played by actress Jaye Jacobs. Donna entered Holby City in its sixth series as a staff nurse, characterised as a wild-child with a chaotic personal life. During her tenure, she grew to take her work more seriously, becoming a ward sister and accepting more personal responsibilities by adopting her half-niece Mia. A tart with a heart character, Donna had many romantic liaisons with her colleagues, including a one-night stand with midwife Mickie Hendrie. She ultimately fell in love with agency nurse Kieran Callaghan, and departed to be with him after he was injured in Afghanistan as part of the Territorial Army.

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

Linden Cullen is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Duncan Pow. He made his first appearance in the series ten episode "Stolen", broadcast on 15 January 2008. The character was the head of Holby City Hospital's surgical admissions ward. He was killed off at the end of the twelfth series on 12 October 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daisha Anderson</span> Fictional character

Daisha Anderson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Rebecca Grant. She first appeared in the series ten episode "Twelve Hour Nightmare", broadcast on 18 March 2008. Grant received the role after the show's producer watched her in a professional play and was impressed by her performance. The character is originally from the Philippines and has strong Filipino values. She is characterised as having a strong moral code and maintaining a forthright, assertive and straight-talking attitude. Daisha progresses from her role as staff nurse to ward sister and also becomes an ambassador for The Byrne Foundation. One of the characters first stories saw her dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. Having no home or money, Daisha feels unable to support a child. She tries to abort the baby with painkillers but is unsuccessful, gives birth in a lift and later gives up her child.

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.

The thirteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 October 2010, and ran for 52 episodes, concluding on 11 October 2011.

<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">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">Colette Sheward</span> Fictional character

Colette Sheward is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Louise Delamere. She first appeared in the series sixteen episode "Fait Accompli", broadcast on 3 December 2013. Colette serves as the Director of Nursing Services at Holby City. Delamere was approached for the role and not required to audition. Colette is characterised as a "headstrong" and "compassionate" career woman who fiercely defends her team of nursing staff. Delamere decided that Colette should not have children to represent independent woman. But her solitary trait often leaves her isolated. Colette was introduced as an old friend of CEO Guy Self. He offers the job without interviewing her which attracts internal scrutiny. Colette's role at the hospital demands respect from those in nursing roles. While she also maintains influence to reprimand doctors and consultants operating mistreating nurses. Jane Simon of the Daily Mirror predicted viewer popularity for Colette. She liked her brash persona and reporters from Inside Soap and What's on TV called her a "no-nonsense" character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gemma Wilde</span> Fictional character

Gemma Wilde is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Ty Glaser. She first appeared in the fifteenth series episode "Push the Button ", broadcast on 22 January 2013. Gemma was introduced as an F1 doctor, but she eventually progressed to an F2 during her time in the show. Gemma was introduced along with fellow F1 Arthur Digby. Glaser's casting was announced in October 2012. To help her prepare for the role of Gemma, Glaser visited Whipps Cross University Hospital where she shadowed a surgical team and worked with F1s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diane Lloyd</span> Fictional character

Diane Lloyd is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Patricia Potter. She first appeared in the series four episode "High Risk", broadcast on 2 July 2002. Diane arrives at the hospital to work as a surgical registrar. She is characterised as an "ambitious" female determined to succeed in a "male-dominated world". She is portrayed as unlucky-in-love and has numerous failed relationships during her time on the show.

Greg Douglas (<i>Holby City</i>) Fictional character

Greg Douglas is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Edward MacLiam. He first appeared in the series ten episode "Together Alone", broadcast on 17 February 2010. Greg was introduced as a new Cardiothoracic surgical registrar working at the hospital's Darwin ward. Producers created an affiliation with long-standing character Connie Beauchamp and played a short romance. Greg is characterised as an ambitious, abrasive, rebellious medical professional. He has "Irish charm" and will often use it to his advantage. Greg's fictional backstory detailed him growing up in Dublin, Ireland. MacLiam has said producers wanted a "North Side Dubliner" with a more aggressive persona than other characters to feature in the series. One of the character's initial stories featured him mentoring F2 junior doctor Oliver Valentine. The show developed a "bromance" between the two and they were depicted either arguing or joking their way through scenes.

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

Ellen Zitek is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, played by actress Georgina Bouzova. She first appeared in the series nineteen episode "Out With a Bang", broadcast on 18 September 2004. Bouzova was originally signed to appear in the show for four months. The character proved popular with viewers and her contract was renewed. Ellen is characterised as a charming and intelligent woman who has a manipulative side. She can be nasty and scheming, traits which initially worried Bouzova who presumed the public would dislike her. Ellen is originally from Ukraine and arrives in Holby City to work as a nurse. She was introduced as the step-sister of Nina Farr.

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

John "Abs" Denham is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, played by actor James Redmond. He first appeared in the series eighteen episode "Flash in the Pan", broadcast on 4 October 2003. Abs was introduced at a time producer Mervyn Watson had revamped the show's cast. Redmond was offered the role of Abs which he was happy to accept because he was "fascinated" with the psychology of the character. Abs is characterised as being a "charming but eccentric loner". He is also portrayed as very "gullible", which writers took advantage of during his first relationship stories. They paired him with paramedic Nina Farr, but soon added her scheming step-sister Ellen Zitek into the story. Ellen realises that Abs is gullible and concocts lies to convince him to marry her so that she can obtain a visa to remain in the UK. He risked prison when he realised the marriage was a sham and ended it.

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

Stuart McElroy is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Conor Mullen. He first appeared in the series ten episode "The Apprentice", broadcast on 6 November 2007. Producers approached Mullen with the offer to play Stuart. The character arrives at Holby City hospital as a locum cardiothoracic consultant to look after the Darwin ward in the absence of Connie Beauchamp. He soon begins a feud with registrar Sam Strachan and a romance with ward sister Chrissie Williams. Stuart is characterised as a charming surgeon but one who has a possessive side. He is an alcoholic whose wife Amelia left him prior to his arrival. His jealousy becomes an issue when he tries to control Chrissie and she ends their relationship. He begins drinking more heavily resulting in him holding Chrissie hostage and slashing her across the face with a scalpel. Stuart made his final appearance in series ten, episode 18, "The Extra Mile".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zubin Khan</span> Fictional character

Zubin Khan is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Art Malik. He first appeared in the series five episode "Private Lives", broadcast on 17 June 2003. Zubin arrives at Holby City hospital as a consultant anaesthetist. The BBC's drama controller Mal Young approached Malik with the offer of joining the show. He let Malik have control over Zubin's characterisation and as a result Zubin became a Muslim man with an "honourable" persona. The actor also accepted the role because he believed that Holby City positively featured many multiracial characters. To prepare for the role Malik consulted with his real-life family of surgeons and took work experience in a hospital.

Alex Adams (<i>Holby City</i>) Fictional character

Alex Adams is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Jeremy Sheffield. He first appeared in the series three episode "The Deep End", broadcast on 5 October 2000. Alex arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a Cardiothoracic registrar. He is introduced as a protégé of cardiothoracic lead Anton Meyer and they forge a strong working relationship. Alex is characterised as a loyal, enthusiastic and honest man. He finds it difficult to commit to a relationship because he prefers to concentrate on his work. Writers made him very passionate about his role within the show, often to the point it overrides logic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Keating</span> Fictional character on BBC

Ed Keating is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor Rocky Marshall. He first appeared in the series four episode "New Hearts, Old Scores", broadcast on 13 August 2002. Ed arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a cardiothoracic registrar. Ed is characterised as an ambitious "working class" man who learns how to survive hospital politics. He is "extremely loyal" but his aggressive tempter sometimes leads him into trouble. Producers introduced him alongside Tom Campbell-Gore and Ed becomes his protégé. Writers concocted various surgical dilemmas involving organ transplants, which the duo solve in unorthodox ways. Their continued rule breaking sets them both on a journey to disgrace. They forge test results, lie to patients, carry out organ transplants without any consent and Ed lets Tom operate under the influence of alcohol.

References

  1. ↑ "BBC - Holby City - Characters". BBC Online . Archived from the original on 14 February 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  2. ↑ Michael Owen Morris (director), Joe Turner (writer) (25 November 1999). "Second Life". Holby City. Series 2. Episode 1. BBC. BBC One.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "BBC - Holby City Staff Room - Kath Shaughnessy". BBC Online . 22 March 2005. Archived from the original on 22 March 2005. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  4. ↑ "Pick of the box; Nick Gets the Big Kiss Off". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 10 February 2000. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  5. 1 2 3 4 "BBC - Holby City - Ask the Actors". BBC Online . 27 September 2004. Archived from the original on 27 September 2004. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  6. ↑ "Critic's choice - Tuesday TV; Muscling in on the Essex Boys". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 31 March 2001. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  7. 1 2 "BBC - Holby City - Ask the Actors". BBC Online . 26 September 2004. Archived from the original on 26 September 2004. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  8. ↑ Mulclair, Amy; Frost, Barbara (31 August 2001). "Holby City - series IV" (Press release). Elstree: BBC. (BBC Drama Publicity).
  9. ↑ "Kyle's on the Bawl; Footballers' Wives ITV, 10.30pm". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 2 February 2002. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  10. ↑ MacCaskill, Julie (2 March 2002). "Television your essential tv & satellite guide for the week ahead; Life's Lottery Is the Only One That Matters to Jackpot Winner Peter Davison, Says Julie MacCaskill Peter Strikes It Rich". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  11. ↑ "David's Dad Lucky; at Home with the Braithwaites ITV, 9.00pm". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 9 March 2002. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  12. ↑ "Holby City". Inside Soap (201). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 53. 16–29 March 2002.
  13. 1 2 3 Davies, Andrew (23 March 2002). "On the Box: City Life Is the Perfect Prescription for Jan; Stourbridge Actress Jan Pearson Tells Andrew Davies Why Life in Holby City Is So Rewarding". Birmingham Post . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  14. ↑ "Sofa So Good for Des and Mel; pick of the box". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 1 October 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  15. ↑ "Terry Cheques out; Holby City BBC1, 8.30pm". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 21 September 2002. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  16. ↑ Smith, Rupert (1 January 2003). "A ward night". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  17. 1 2 "Holby City". Inside Soap (224). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 54. 1–14 February 2003.
  18. ↑ "Highlights: The Week Ahead; comedy; Posh Nosh, Tuesday, BBC2, 9.50pm". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 8 February 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  19. ↑ MacCaskill, Julie (12 April 2003). "What's on : Loving What Katy Did Next; Corrie Tearaway Lucy-Jo Hudson Loves Playing a Foul-Tempered Teen Temptress, as Julie MacCaskill Discovers". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brand, Claire (27 March – 2 April 2004). "Checking out!". Inside Soap (13). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 24, 25.
  21. ↑ Cox, Emma (14 December 2003). "It's Murder Being Holby's Serial Killer. but I Love It; Exclusive: Rachel on fame, love and Laura". Sunday Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  22. 1 2 "Tuesday Tv: Critic's choice; Bully Boy Tactics". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 30 August 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  23. 1 2 Donaghey, Shane (21 December 2003). "Shane on screen: Clear..! Holby Kath goes under the knife.(Features)". The People . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  24. ↑ "Time off: Nothing runs smoothly at Holby City hospital.(Features)". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. 7 October 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  25. 1 2 "Arrested for murder!". Inside Soap (42). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 8. 18–24 October 2003.
  26. ↑ "Caught out!". Inside Soap (43). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 39. 25–31 October 2003.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 Laws, Roz (21 December 2003). "The Box: Jan's Fond Farewell to Holby Pals". Sunday Mercury . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  28. ↑ "BBC - Holby City - Ask the Actors". BBC Online . 17 September 2004. Archived from the original on 17 September 2004. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cox, Emma (29 February 2004). "Holby Quity; ooh matron! Jan's leaving hospital soap I found BBC storylines just too ridiculous". Sunday Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  30. 1 2 Laws, Roz (28 March 2004). "The box: close up: He'll Make Poor Kath Smile Again". Sunday Mercury . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  31. 1 2 McGinty, Stephen (1 April 2004). "TV Review:Don't forget that the 'phoney pharaoh' is also a grieving father". The Scotsman . Johnston Press. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  32. ↑ "Medical mayhem in the Christmas soaps. (Perspectives: reviews)". Nursing Standard . RCNi. 18 December 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  33. ↑ "Celeb CV: Jan Pearson (44): Holby City.(Features)". Daily Mirror . (Trinity Mirror. 8 February 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  34. ↑ "'I'm Enjoying a Quieter Life' the Big Interview". Sunday Mercury . Trinity Mirror. 22 November 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  35. ↑ Laws, Roz (22 November 2009). "Doctors star Jan Pearson on Black Country accents and bondage gear". Birmingham Mail . (Reach plc). Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  36. ↑ "Telly: Holby credibility is stretched again.(Features)". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. 11 February 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  37. ↑ "Telly: Another famous face graces Holby City ward.(Sport)". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. 10 December 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  38. ↑ "Telly: Why fans find Holby City is the perfect tonic.(Features)". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. 7 May 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  39. ↑ "Pick of the day..: Staff tensions hit fever pitch in Holby; Holby City, 8pm, BBC1.(Features)". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. 29 April 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  40. ↑ Smith, Rupert (16 April 2003). "Recorded deliverance". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  41. ↑ Stoker, Claire (6 March 2002). "TV Review". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  42. ↑ McIlwaine, Eddie (1 February 2003). "What's on TV? Unravelling the past". Belfast Telegraph . Independent News & Media. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  43. ↑ "Preview: Telly to Kill Your Social Life; Whatever the Caveman Homo Heidelbergensis Sank His Teeth into It Wouldn't Have Been a Dentist, Unlike Poor Emma Jesson Who Had to Remortgage Her House towards the Pounds 55,000 Bill of Putting Right Damage She Suffered under a Dentist from Hell. You'll Never Sit Easy in That Chair Again after Watching This Expos. Open Wide Now. Wider!". Western Mail . Trinity Mirror. 12 April 2003. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  44. ↑ Shelley, Jim (18 December 2002). "Shelley on the telly: God Help Them All in City of Sin". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  45. ↑ Shelley, Jim (16 April 2003). "Shelley on the telly: Medics Sicker Than Patients". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  46. ↑ Shelley, Jim (16 December 2003). "Shelleyvision: Bitches rule the serial thrillers; Jim Shelley is having a laugh.(Features)". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  47. ↑ Shelley, Jim (30 April 2003). "Shelley on the telly: City's United in Its Misery". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  48. ↑ "Jamie's Recipe for Disaster?; pick of the box". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 3 December 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  49. ↑ "Tuesday TV ; Critic's choice; Caught on the Hop". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror. 7 December 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  50. ↑ Mainwaring, Rachel (29 December 2002). "Rachel on the telly: Surgical spirits.(Features)". Wales on Sunday . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.(subscription required)
  51. ↑ Fray, Penny (14 December 2002). "What to watch.(Features)". Liverpool Daily Post . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
  52. ↑ "Highlights.(Media)". Liverpool Daily Post . Trinity Mirror. 19 March 2002. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.(subscription required)
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.