Characterisation Lofty is billed as a "likeable and popular nurse with a less-than-ordinary background". Reza Moradi, the director of Lofty's first episode, described the character as "a sweet nature guy who has had a temporary bit of bad luck". Reporters writing for
Inside Soap called the character a "hunky nurse", Lofty is a fantastic nurse and excels in helping children. "amiable" and "genuine". Lofty retains similar characteristics when he joins
Casualty spin-off series,
Holby City. He is described as enjoyable and uncoordinated, Mead thought that Lofty had an unconventional method of treating patients and opined that he resembles fictional detective
Sherlock Holmes. Lofty's first episode, entitled "The Last Chance Saloon", aired on 1 March 2014. In Lofty's first scenes, it emerges that he is living in the loft of a house owned by his father and rented by
Robyn Miller (
Amanda Henderson) and
Max Walker (
Jamie Davis), having stolen the keys to the house. The scenes provided the character with the nickname, "Lofty". After discovering this, Robyn speaks to management about Lofty and he is offered a vacant nursing position at the hospital. Mead praised the character's introduction, expressing his enjoyment at filming it. They share many scenes and Barry compared their relationship to a relationship shared between siblings. Producers established a friendship between Lofty and consultant
Dylan Keogh (
William Beck). Mead enjoyed filming with Beck because they got on well. He said that the difference between Lofty's "awkwardness and sincerity" and Dylan's "very dry and direct" approach made "a good contrast". Hossington also expressed her enjoyment at Lofty's relationship with Dylan and described them as "the odd couple" with a "fun bromance". In November 2017, Lofty learns that
Morven Digby (Eleanor Fanyinka) is estranged from her mother, Evelyn Chapman (
Imogen Stubbs). When Evelyn is admitted into the hospital with stomach pains, Lofty starts treating her. However, he is forced to reveal Evelyn's identity to Morven when she tries treating her. Morven is "furious" with Lofty's deceit.
Departure In late 2015, producer Hossington teased a new storyline for the character, which would not "disappoint" fans. She added that Dylan would feature heavily in the storyline with Lofty. Despite
Jacob Masters (
Charles Venn) planning to run the ED, Dylan volunteers Lofty for the job, which he reluctantly accepts after encouragement from Dylan. Mead explained that as a senior staff nurse, Lofty has been waiting for such an opportunity. Lofty panics when he has to deal with "football hooligans and AWOL patients", but regains control and runs the department successfully. Mead explained that Lofty struggles to cope with Diane's death because he "saw so much of himself in her". The board allow Lofty to continue working, but he decides to resign regardless due to his feelings surrounding Diane's death. He observed that Diane's death leaves the character "traumatised". Lofty decides to take a break from his job and travel Australia and New Zealand while retraining as a
bereavement counsellor. Mead chose to leave the show because he got "itchy feet" and wanted to return to theatre. Producers tried to persuade Mead to remain with the show and offered to extend his contract by a further two years, but he wanted to spend more time with his daughter as she grew older. In September 2016, Mead expressed his interest in reprising the role. He reflected on the role in May 2017, commenting that he missed the show as he created "strong bonds" on the show. His contract was later extended to September 2017, with the potential to extend the contract beyond that. In March 2019, Mead confirmed that he had signed another contract to remain on
Holby City for another year. Lofty's reintroduction was publicised on 10 February 2017, when it was announced that he first appears in Spring 2017. Following his departure from
Casualty, Lofty decided to retrain as a bereavement counsellor, specialising in
palliative care as well as travel in Australia. It was teased that Lofty could be "still running away from his problems". The show's acting executive producer, Simon Harper, said, "It's thrilling [...] to have Lee make the 'trip upstairs' as Lofty. Keller Ward is going through some dark times, so Lofty's trademark warmth and kindness will come at just the right moment." Mead's move to
Holby City was criticised by his former co-stars, Henderson and
Crystal Yu (who portrays
Lily Chao), who hoped he would reprise the role in
Casualty. Mead felt "nervous" on his first day of filming, but felt more confident after a few scenes. He added that he missed portraying Lofty as he is a "great character". The actor teased that Lofty would return "with a punch". He arrives for a shift on Keller ward as an agency nurse and first appears straddling a patient whose heart has stopped, giving them CPR. Mead labelled the entrance "punchy". He added that he hopes for another crossover appearance and suggested that Lofty could visit Robyn.
Sexuality Lofty's first storyline in
Holby City sees his sexuality explored. Kent spoke with Mead about Lofty's sexuality and the actor explained that he did not want to produce a story about Lofty struggling to
come out because it would not reflect a "modern society". Lenny reveals to Dom and Sacha that Lofty and Alice were engaged, but he jilted Alice at the altar. Lofty later confides in Sacha about his sexuality. Mead understood that Lofty wants to keep his sexuality private, which is the reason that he only confides in Sacha. The characters later establish a friendship, which Mead thought would be "interesting" to watch. In August 2017,
Holby City series producer Kate Hall confirmed that Lofty and Dom's story would develop into a "slow-burning love story". She explained that Lofty would display a level of "resilience and kindness" towards Dom which would become the centre of their relationship. Dom's mother, Carole Copeland (
Julia Deakin), is admitted to the hospital and encourages Dom to speak to Lofty. In the staff-room, Dom kisses Lofty, but Lofty rejects him. He also told a reporter from ''What's on TV'' that Lofty wants security in his relationship. Lofty realises his feelings for Dom, but decides not to confront them. Mead opined that Lofty had created a complex situation for himself. A car crashes into the runners during the race and Lofty panics that Dom is hurt; Dom is fine, but Freddie is injured. When Lofty notices that Dom is upset, he warns him not to become too involved with Freddie. Mead confirmed that Lofty would transfer to the
Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) after Lofty and Dom's friendship turns "awkward". He added that Lofty could return to Keller ward in the future. Sheilagh is admitted to the AAU following a fall in the garden; when Lofty becomes upset, Dom supports him. Sheilagh's deteriorating health means that she cannot be released from hospital. Mead explained that Lofty is concerned about his grandmother's safety and wants to make her "comfortable and safe". Lofty considers moving Sheilagh into a care home, but she is adamant that she does not want that. Dom suggests that Lofty and Sheilagh move into his flat with him. Mead told Victoria Wilson of ''What's on TV'' that Lofty "freaks out a bit" over Dom's proposal, but understands that it is "a kind gesture". Lofty confides in Carole about his feelings for Dom and asks for her approval. Mead thought this was nice as it was not common anymore. He commented, "Lofty's very old fashioned and has got these traditions that he stands by. He's very much a gentleman and a bit old school really, which is not seen so much these days." The wedding is officiated by Henry de Havilland, portrayed by television personality and priest
Richard Coles. The ceremony was created as a happier moment following a series of darker storylines and Harper called the wedding a "joyous episode celebrating love and commitment in all their diverse forms". Shortly afterwards, Lofty leaves to care for his grandmother. In an interview with
Digital Spy, Ames reflected on the pairing of Lofty and Dom and thought that they are perfect together. He commented, "Dom pushes Lofty to think differently and Lofty pushes Dom to feel differently – to not be so reactive, and not be so fiery." He added that although he loves the pairing, he would be willing for Lofty and Dom to separate for the sake of exciting stories. Ames also expressed his delight at working with Mead, who said managed to make Lofty a "beautiful, but flawed, character". == Reception ==