Mary-Claire Carter

Last updated

Mary-Claire Carter
Holby City character
Mary-Claire Carter.jpg
Niamh McGrady as Mary-Claire Carter
First appearance"Spin"
22 September 2009
Last appearance"Go the Distance"
14 April 2015
Portrayed by Niamh McGrady
Introduced by Tony McHale
In-universe information
OccupationAgency Nurse
Staff Nurse
Significant other Greg Douglas
Edward Campbell
Harry Tressler

Mary-Claire Carter is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City , played by actress Niamh McGrady. She first appeared in the eleventh series episode "Spin", broadcast on 22 September 2009. [1] The character was introduced by Tony McHale. Between her arrival and January 2013, [2] Mary Claire appeared on a recurring basis, sometimes with months between appearances, as an agency nurse on Keller and AAU wards. McGrady was promoted to a regular cast member in early 2013 by newly appointed executive producer, Oliver Kent - alongside the introductions of three characters. Her first appearance, as a regular cast member, aired on 23 April when Mary-Claire received a staff nurse job on the AAU ward. [3] She is characterised as a blunt and easily distracted character, yet a brilliant nurse. Her strong point is not diplomacy, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll find a heart of gold. McGrady has described her as "cheeky, flirtatious, and trouble."

Contents

In 2013, whilst a recurring cast member, McGrady filmed the first series of The Fall and the following year, chose to film a second series. [4] In order to film the new series, McGrady temporarily departed Holby City and scenes airing on 22 April 2014 showed Mary-Claire depart to look after her sick mother in Ireland. [5] Just over four months later, on 7 October, Mary-Claire's return scenes aired. [6] Her main storyline following her return was her on-off relationship with Harry Tressler (Jules Knight), which fans took a strong liking to. In the episode airing on 14 April 2015, Mary-Claire and Harry departed from the show for their new life in Chicago, America after being engaged. [7] Knight's exit was announced in February, [8] while McGrady's decision to leave the show was not announced prior to the premiere of the episode, but revealed she had planned to leave. [9]

Casting

McGrady became a fan of Holby City while she was in a relationship with fellow actor Jalaal Hartley, who played Tom O'Dowd in the show from 2008 to 2009. [10] She thought that it would be "a brilliant gig" if she was cast in a role. When the character of Mary-Claire came up, McGrady knew she had to have the part. [10]

Development

Characterisation

Mary-Claire can be blunt, lazy and insensitive. Diplomacy is definitely not her strong point, but scratch at the surface and you’ll find a lonely girl, with a heart of gold, who is desperate to find ‘the one’. She could be a brilliant nurse, if only she could just keep her mind on the job and learn to believe in herself.

A reporter from the Holby City website on Mary-Claire (2013) [11]

Mary-Claire has been described as "cheeky, flirtatious and good fun, yet vulnerable." Her independent side brings out a "determined and strong" nature. [12] Executive producer, Oliver Kent said how Mary-Claire brought "charm, warmth and comedy" to the programme. [13] McGrady has said how she shares some qualities with Mary-Claire, both being "gregarious, social and flirtatious" as well as "cheeky, lazy and naughty" [12] McGrady also said how Mary-Claire needs to learn the true meaning of friendship. [12]

Departure

In February 2015, McGrady's co-star Jules Knight (who plays Mary-Claire's love interest, Harry Tressler) announced his departure from the show. [8] This left fans speculating whether the show planned to end the much-loved Harry and Mary-Claire's relationship. In the build-up to his exit, Mary-Claire had been offered as new job in Chicago by Colette Sheward (Louise Delamere) and Harry had been left facial disfigured following a fall from the hospital building. In scenes airing on 14 April 2015, Harry proposed to Mary-Claire in the back of an ambulance and when she accepted, they left for Chicago together. [7] McGrady had left the series after five and a half years of playing Mary-Claire and to celebrate this a video was released on the Holby City website, reminding fans of the best bits from Harry and Mary-Claire. [14] In an interview with Holby TV, McGrady spoke about her decision to leave the series, stating that she was "ready to go" and that she felt she had done "everything" she could do with the character. [9] McGrady also revealed that show bosses waited until after she had returned from her break to write out both her and Knight's characters, commenting that it was a "good" decision and how "great" it was to see Mary-Claire and Harry develop prior to their exit. [9]

Reception

A reporter for the Daily Mirror stated "'Easily distracted' is a description that could have been invented for Mary-Claire Carter". [15] A columnist for What's on TV commented, "Holby's Harry and Mary-Claire have been on and off more times than a light switch". [16]

Related Research Articles

Niamh McGrady is a film, stage and television actress from Castlewellan, County Down, Northern Ireland. She is best known for her parts as Mary-Claire Carter in Holby City and PC Danielle Ferrington in the psychological thriller The Fall.

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 eighteenth series of the British medical drama television series Casualty began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 13 September 2003, and concluded on 28 August 2004. The series consists of 46 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. Foz Allen serves as the series producer, while Mal Young and Mervyn Watson act as the executive producers of the series. Twelve regular cast members reprised their roles from the previous series and six actors joined the cast during the series. Original cast member Julia Watson, who portrays Baz Wilder, also returned.

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.

The fourteenth series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 18 October 2011 and concluded on 9 October 2012. The series ran for 52 episodes.

The fifteen series of the British medical drama television series Holby City began airing in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 16 October 2012. The series ran for 52 episodes, concluding on 8 October 2013. Many characters departed and arrived during the series.

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

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">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.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serena Campbell</span> Fictional surgeon in BBC drama Holby City

Serena Campbell is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Catherine Russell. She first appeared in the fourteenth series episode "Coercion", broadcast on 1 May 2012. Serena is a consultant general surgeon and formerly Holby General Hospital's deputy CEO. She was introduced along with two other regular characters by the show's then executive producer Johnathan Young, who wanted more "truthful and complicated" characters in the series. Serena was originally Frankie Renard, but the name was changed as the producers thought it was "terrible". Russell auditioned for the role and attended a second call back where she was made up in Serena's costume and make-up. After being cast, the actress was given advice about Serena's profession from a female surgeon to help her prepare for the part. Aspects of Russell's personality traits were incorporated into the character of Serena after she was cast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amy Teo</span> Fictional character

Amy Teo is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Wendy Kweh. She first appeared in the series fifteen episode "Green Ink", broadcast on 25 March 2014. Amy arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a Consultant pharmacist in the AAU department. She is also married to fellow character specialist registrar Raf di Lucca.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harry Tressler</span> Fictional character

Harry Tressler is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Jules Knight. He first appeared in the fifteenth series episode "The More Deceived", broadcast on 14 May 2013. Harry was introduced as a CT1, later progressing to CT3. Knight's casting was announced in January 2013. He auditioned four times, with the producers taking two and a half months to choose him for the part. To help prepare for the role, Knight shadowed a surgeon and watched a laparotomy. In February 2015, it was announced that Knight had quit the show in order to concentrate on the release of his first solo record. Harry departed during the seventeenth series on 14 April 2015.

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">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.

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

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

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.

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.

References

  1. Director: Mark Walker; Producer: Jane Wallbank; Writer: Al Smith (22 September 2009). "Spin". Holby City. Series 11. Episode 49. BBC. BBC One.
  2. Director: Richard Platt; Producer: Anne Edyvean (2 January 2013). "Blood Ties". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 12. BBC. BBC One.
  3. Director: Rob Evans; Producer: Emma Stuart; Writer: Paul Matthew Thompson (23 April 2013). "Second Life". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 28. BBC. BBC One.
  4. Jeffery, Morgan (16 January 2014). "The Fall series 2 to shoot six episodes in Belfast". Digital Spy . Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  5. Director: Jo Johnson; Producer: Darren Guthrie; Writer: Julia Gilbert (22 April 2014). "Battle Lines". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 28. BBC. BBC One.
  6. Director: Jan Bauer; Producer: Simon Harper; Writer: Jon Sen (7 October 2014). "True Colours". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 52. BBC. BBC One.
  7. 1 2 Director: Griff Rowland; Producer: Jane Wallbank; Writer: Alex Child and Andy Bayliss (14 April 2015). "Go the Distance". Holby City. Series 17. Episode 27. BBC. BBC One.
  8. 1 2 Rigby, Sam (20 February 2015). "Jules Knight quits 'Holby City' to relaunch music career". Digital Spy . Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 "Niamh McGrady Interview". Holby.tv. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  10. 1 2 Quigley, Maeve (29 November 2014). "The Fall: Actress Niamh McGrady backs female violence message in crime drama". Irish Mirror . Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  11. "Mary-Claire Carter (Niamh McGrady)". Holby City. BBC Online . Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 "Niamh McGrady Interview". Holby.tv. 23 May 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  13. Kilkelly, Daniel (27 November 2013). "Exclusive: 'Holby City' gossip and teasers from producer Simon Harper". Digital Spy . Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  14. "Harry and Mary-Claire's best bits". BBC. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  15. "3 to see; February 3 Tuesday". Daily Mirror . 31 January 2015. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016.(subscription required)
  16. "Holby's Jules Knight: 'Viewers will be wondering if Harry lives or dies!'". What's on TV . 27 February 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2016.