Patricia Potter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 3 March 1975 England |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Spouse | Jim Down |
| Children | 2 |
Patricia Caroline Potter (born 3 March 1975) is an English actress, known for her role as Diane Lloyd in the BBC medical drama series Holby City . From 2016 to 2017, she appeared in the BBC soap opera Doctors as Jane Fairweather.
Potter grew up on a farm in Kent with her father, David, her mother, Viv, and her sister, Kate. She refers to her parents as "the most hard-working, generous and genuine people I know." Discussing her decision to become an actress, she has stated that "It was the only thing I was ever any good at school and I was lucky enough to have a very encouraging teacher." [1] A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Potter married her partner Jim Down, an intensive care consultant and anaesthetist, [2] on 19 May 2007. [3] In 2006, Potter ran the Flora London Marathon for the Anthony Nolan Trust in 4:53:54, raising over £3,000 for the charity. [4] She said of the experience: "That was my first and my last marathon, I admire anyone who does these runs on a regular basis. It's been very difficult to train with the work schedule at Holby and so again, I do appreciate the hard work that goes in to the marathon." [5] She sang "Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine" and "The Way You Look Tonight" at co-star Tina Hobley's wedding in December 2006.
In early October 2009, Potter gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. [2] [6]
On stage, Potter has appeared in theatrical versions of The Duchess of Malfi , Much Ado About Nothing , and Happy End. Her first television role came in 1997, when she played a florist in the third series of ITV drama Soldier Soldier . Potter has also appeared in The Bill , Brookside and the Scarlet Pimpernel , as well as the film Shakespeare in Love . She played herself in Ricky Gervais's comedy Extras as an ex-girlfriend of Gervais' character Andy Millman. She said of the role: "It was quite frightening leaving the security of the Holby environment which I know so well and going onto a new set but it was a fantastic experience which I thoroughly enjoyed." [7]
Potter's most notable role to date was that of Diane Lloyd in BBC medical drama series Holby City . While researching for the Casualty spin off, she witnessed open heart surgery to enhance her role as a medical employee, deeming the experience "fascinating", and stating: "I think I'd have made a good surgeon in real life as I'm very careful and fussy about making my stitches perfect!" On her favourite storyline in the show, she has explained: "Although it was terribly sad, I really enjoyed Steve's departure from the show – the added trauma of the abortion and Diane's relationship with Steve meant that Diane showed some vulnerability – she's usually very strong – and I enjoyed having a good cry. It was also great to be involved in Alex's Parkinson storyline." Of her former cast members, Potter has said: "Everyone is fun to work with here – we're all really lucky to be amongst such lovely people. I work most regularly with Hugh Quarshie who is brilliant so I'm extra lucky." In October 2006, Potter announced her intention to leave the show after four years. "I have really enjoyed and am still enjoying my time on Holby, I've had some fantastic storylines, but after 4 years on the show I felt it was time to move on to other projects. [8] I wanted to move before I became too complacent. You have to weigh up if it's worth leaving a job that you really enjoy to face the unknown". [3]
After leaving Holby City , Potter appeared in BBC One sitcom Jam and Jerusalem , before returning to theatre with the play An Eligible Man. She said of the transition: "I'm in a strange state somewhere between excitement and terror! It's been a long time since I was last on stage so I was worried that I would find it difficult and frightening but actually it's been great fun and I've thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal process. We had our first preview last night which was quite an adrenaline rush!" [9] Then from 2016 to 2017, she appeared in the BBC soap opera Doctors as Jane Fairweather. [10] In 2023 she appeared as Oonagh Wallace in Vera (S12, Ep 1)
Potter undertook the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day. [11]
| Year | Title | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Soldier Soldier | Florist | Episode "Out" |
| 1998 | Shakespeare in Love | Third whore | |
| 1999 | The Scarlet Pimpernel | Angele St. Cyr | |
| The Bill | Claudia | Episode "Sleeping with the Enemy" | |
| Trial and Retribution III | Emily | ||
| Brookside | Victoria Seagram Wilcox | To 2001 | |
| 2002–2007, 2019 | Holby City | Diane Lloyd | Series regular |
| 2005 | The Wright Stuff | Panelist | |
| 2006 | Children in Need | Diane Lloyd | |
| Extras | Andy's Old Flame | Series 2, episode 4 | |
| 2008 | Jam and Jerusalem | Amy | Series 2, episode 6 |
| 2012 | Absolutely Fabulous | Royal Albert Hall Manager | Series 6, episode 2 |
| DCI Banks | Pamela Jefferies | Series 2, episodes 3 & 4 | |
| 2013 | Frankie | Orla Maguire | Episode 5 |
| Man Down | Dennis's Mum | Series 1, episode 5 | |
| 2014 | New Tricks | Bryony Willis | Season 11, Episode 3 |
| 2015 | Hollyoaks | D.S Drake | Minor role |
| 2016–2017 | Doctors | Jane Fairweather | Recurring role |
| 2018 | Grounded | Stewardess | Short film |
| 2018 | Patrick | Caroline | Film |
Nick Jordan is a fictional character from the BBC medical dramas Casualty and Holby City, portrayed by actor Michael French. Jordan first appeared in two episodes of Casualty in 1998, before becoming a main character in spin-off show Holby City from its 1999 conception, in the role of Cardiothoracic Surgical Registrar. He departed from the show in its second series, returning for a 2005 Christmas crossover special between the two series, styled Casualty@Holby City. He returned again to Holby City in 2006, taking on the role of General Surgical Consultant, departing a few months later in order to pursue a transfer back to cardiothoracics. In 2008, he rejoined the cast of Casualty, becoming Clinical Lead of the show's Emergency Department. French left his role as Nick Jordan in February 2013, four years after his return.
Christine "Chrissie" Williams is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Tina Hobley. She first appeared in the third series episode "The Road Less Travelled", broadcast on 5 June 2001. Hobley decided to leave Holby City and Chrissie's final appearance occurred in the sixteenth series episode "Merry-Go-Round", which was broadcast on 19 November 2013.
Connie Beauchamp is a fictional character from the BBC medical dramas Holby City and Casualty, portrayed by actress Amanda Mealing. She first appeared in the series six, episode 35, "In at the Deep End", broadcast on 1 June 2004, and appeared in Holby City's sister show Casualty multiple times, having already appeared in crossover Casualty@Holby City episodes. Mealing continued her role as Connie until the thirteenth series of Holby City, departing in the 28 December 2010 episode "Snow Queens". Connie's role in Holby City was that of Clinical Lead of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Darwin, and Joint Director of Surgery.
Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. She appeared from 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, from the series eight episode "I'll Be Back" to the series eleven episode "Sweet Bitter Love". Ayola had made a former minor appearance in the show several years prior to being cast as Kyla, and was later asked to return in a more permanent role. She departed from the show after becoming pregnant with her second child.
Percival "Abra" Durant is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Adrian Edmondson. The character first appeared on-screen on 5 July 2005 in the episode "Tuesday's Child", episode 38 of the show's seventh series. Initially making a one-off, guest-appearance, Edmondson has since reprised the role of Abra numerous times, stating that he has loved the show since its 1999 conception. He departed from the show for the final time on 9 December 2008, in episode "Sweet Bitter Love".
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.
Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayola is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television and radio. In 2023 Rakie Ayola was the 18th recipient of the prestigious BAFTA CymruSiân Phillips Award. At the same ceremony she also won the Bafta CymruBest Actress Award for her performance in BBC1 series The Pact Season 2 on which she was an Executive Producer. In 2021 Rakie Ayola won BAFTABest Supporting Actress for BBC1 film Anthony by Jimmy McGovern. Ayola has appeared in television shows including Kaos, The Pact Season 1, Grace, Shetland, No Offence, Midsomer Murders, Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses, Doctor Who, Silent Witness and EastEnders, a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances and feature films such as Been So Long, Now Is Good, Great Moments in Aviation, The i Inside, Dredd, and Sahara. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series.
Kobina Eric "Ric" Griffin is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Hugh Quarshie. The character is introduced as a consultant in general surgery during the series four episode "Rogue Males", originally broadcast on 9 October 2001. Having appeared in over 500 episodes, Ric is the show's longest-serving character. Quarshie announced his departure from the drama in 2020, and Ric departs in a series 22 episode, originally broadcast on 10 November 2020. Quarshie returned for the show's final episode, which was broadcast on 29 March 2022.
Joseph Byrne is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by Luke Roberts. Joseph first appeared in the series eight episode "Mother Love", broadcast on 3 January 2006. Roberts had made an unrelated guest appearance in the previous series of the show, playing the relative of a deceased patient, and was asked to return in a more permanent role by the series producers.
Samuel Noel "Sam" Strachan is a fictional character in the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Tom Chambers. The character first appeared on-screen on 3 January 2006, in episode "Mother Love" - series 8, episode 12 of the programme. Chambers was cast in the role after sending a video of himself performing a Fred Astaire dance routine to over 800 television producers, and piquing the interest of BBC Casting Director Julie Harkin. Although he originally auditioned for only a minor role in the show, he was later asked back to audition for the newly created role of major character Sam Strachan.
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.
Madeleine "Maddy" Young is a fictional character in the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Nadine Lewington. The character first appeared on-screen on 16 January 2007 in episode "Face Value" - series 9, episode 15 of the programme. Her final appearance in the show was in the Series 11 episode "Just A Perfect Day" when her character was fatally stabbed. Her role in the show was that of a Senior House Officer undergoing her general surgical rotation in Holby's acute admissions unit. Described by the BBC as "enthusiastic [...] fun" and "dedicated to her job", Maddy was created alongside fellow new character General Surgical Consultant Dan Clifford. Her major storylines have centred on their friendship and relationship as well as her troubled family background and her continual rule breaking.
Michael Spence is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Hari Dhillon. The character first appeared on 20 November 2007, in the episode "Unfinished Symphony" - episode six of the show's tenth series. Dhillon had previously appeared in the show on a recurring basis in a more minor role, as Dr. Sunil Gupta, between 2001 and 2003. Dhillon took an extended break from the series in 2013 and Michael departs in the episode first broadcast on 17 December 2013. He returned for a month-long stint in 2014 and also appeared in an episode of sister show Casualty. In 2022, Dhillon returned for an episode as part of the show's final series.
Vanessa Lytton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Leslie Ash. The character first appeared on-screen on 13 October 2009 in the episode "The Spirit Dancing" - series eleven, episode fifty-two of the programme. Her role in the show is that of chief executive officer of the Holby City Hospital Primary Care Trust, making her the only regular character who is not a medic by profession. Vanessa was created by Holby City's executive producer Tony McHale as a replacement for former CEO Jayne Grayson. Ash was cast in the role after a five-year break from acting, due to complications arising from MSSA. As Ash is disabled, Vanessa walks with the aid of a walking stick. Ash has praised Holby City producers for their willingness to cast a disabled actress, though faced some media criticism for accepting the role, as she had previously received £5 million compensation for loss of earnings from the hospital at which she contracted MSSA. Vanessa is a "scheming", "conniving and calculated" executive, whose storylines have seen her clash with several members of the hospital's senior staff. In June 2021, it was announced that Ash would be reprising her role in Holby City's sister show Casualty.
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.
"Tuesday's Child" is the 38th episode of the seventh series of the British medical drama television series Holby City. The episode was written by Andrew Holden and directed by Simon Meyers, and premiered on BBC One on 5 July 2005. In "Tuesday's Child", registrar Diane Lloyd travels to Ghana in an attempt to persuade consultant Ric Griffin to return to Holby and save Holby City Hospital's general surgery ward. Ric deals with family issues, whilst trying to secure funding for his brother's clinic.
Sacha Levy is a fictional character from the BBC One medical drama Holby City, played by Bob Barrett. He made his first appearance in the twelfth series episode "Talk to Me", broadcast on 5 January 2010. Sacha joined the Keller ward staff as a specialist registrar in general surgery. Sacha is the father of long-serving character Chrissie Williams's infant son, Daniel, as a result of a one-night stand, and has since held unreciprocated feelings for her. Since Chrissie's departure in 2013, Sacha's storylines have seen a relationship with Essie Harrison and a battle with depression. Barrett has reprised the role of Sacha in sister show Casualty in 2019 and 2023.
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.
Ben "Lofty" Chiltern is a fictional character from the BBC medical dramas Casualty and Holby City, played by actor Lee Mead. He first appeared in Casualty's twenty-eighth series episode "The Last Chance Saloon", broadcast on 1 March 2014. The character is introduced to fill the role of a young, male nurse. Mead previously appeared in the drama in the twenty-sixth series of Casualty. Lofty originally appears as a staff nurse but is promoted to senior staff nurse in 2016. The character is specifically written for Mead and he was contracted to the show for a year. Lofty is portrayed as a nice person who is likeable and popular. His clumsiness often leaves him in awkward situations although he is a brilliant nurse and a team player. Lofty's backstory states that when his parents grew tired of his wild behaviour, they kicked him out.
Lucky Simpson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Vineeta Rishi. She first appeared in Episode 28 of the show's twenty-second series, broadcast on 24 November 2020. Lucky arrives at Holby City hospital to work as a mental health nurse. To aid her introduction into the series, writers created a backstory with established character Max McGerry. BBC publicity also released an advance spoiler trailer showcasing the character's debut. Lucky is characterised as a "warm, empathetic and unnervingly intelligent" nurse. She has a tendency to always think she is right and dislikes being proven wrong. Lucky's main stories included her involvement with Kian Madani's drug addiction story, in which she behaves unethically and micro-doses him. Lucky also helps Kian hide Andrei Tarpov in the UK illegally. When Karimloo left the series, producers killed Kian off and writers used this to portray Lucky having a breakdown at work. Other stories include a feud with Jeni Sinclair and breaking patient confidentiality.