A Alex Adams Jeremy Sheffield plays Alex Adams, a cardiothoracic registrar and a protege of
Anton Meyer. He appears from
series three, episode one until
series five, episode 45. A romance with SHO Sam Kennedy almost ends his career, when Sam gets him drunk in an attempt to lure him into spending the night with her. Unaware he is over the speed limit, Alex causes the death of a young boy due to drink driving. He escapes a jail sentence, but departs for America when Meyer accepts a position overseas. He later returns and has a brief romance with Jess Griffin, as a result of which she becomes pregnant, but opts for an abortion. Alex goes on to develop
Parkinson's disease, affecting his ability to work. He comes close to attempting suicide, but is talked out of it by Diane Lloyd, after which he leaves Holby for good.
Daisha Anderson Rebecca Grant plays nurse Daisha Anderson, who first appears in the episode "Twelve Hour Nightmare",
series ten, episode 24. Daisha is described by the BBC as "a forthright and assertive
Filipina with a highly tuned sense of right and wrong. She doesn't understand hierarchy or tact but is straightforward and honest and has a natural antenna when it comes to flirting."
Holby City was Grant's first television role. She explained of her introductory storyline: "Some characters get a huge introduction, but mine has a 'flow' to it." Daisha's first appearance in
Holby City explains that, although the character has been working at
Holby City Hospital for some time in order to financially support her family in the
Philippines, she has previously only worked on the
Orthopedic ward – not one of the
four wards the show focuses on. Mark also aids Daisha in becoming ambassador of the Byrne Foundation for cardiothoracic care, and promotes her to Sister of Keller ward, leading some to question the true nature of their relationship.
Stan Ashleigh Paul Shane plays Stan Ashleigh, a porter who appears in
Holby City from
series three, episode one to
series six, episode two.
B Tash Bandara Thusitha Jayasundera plays Tash Bandara, a general surgical registrar of
Indian heritage who appears from
series two, episode five until
series four, episode 37. Tash had a relationship with SHO Kirstie Collins prior to her arrival at Holby. She clashes with nurse practitioner Jasmine Hopkins, disparaging her position in the hospital. When Tash's father visits the hospital, she discovers he has
Alzheimer's disease. She tells him she is a lesbian, and he refuses to accept her identity. When Tash's ex-girlfriend arrives, terminally ill from complications arising from
AIDS, Tash decides to join her on a world tour, and departs from Holby.
Rachel Baptiste Ayesha Antoine plays Rachel Baptiste, who appears from
series eleven, episode six as a staff nurse on the general surgery ward, Keller. Antoine had formerly appeared in
Holby City series seven, episode five, as
Mel Allen, the relative of a patient. She described her character upon her introduction as "quite nervous, but very excited", The BBC describe Rachel as: "warm and kind but perhaps a little too trusting. She's anxious to please. She loves nursing but her real passion is her boyfriend, Patrick." Antoine received just a thumbnail sketch of Rachel's background, but commented that: "I love it. Give me a bit of spare time and I'll tell you what my character did age four and a half – whether it's a lot or a little, it's all good." During
Holby City eleventh series, Rachel uncovers Daisha Anderson's
post-natal depression and helps to support her, before being transferred to the hospital's
geriatric ward. Executive producer
Tony McHale commented on Rachel's transfer: "Although she is still working in the hospital, we are not likely to see her on our regular wards for some time." Rachel is of
Afrocaribbean heritage.
Mike Barratt Clive Mantle plays Mike Barratt, a
consultant general surgeon who previously appeared in
Casualty practising
emergency medicine. He appears in
Holby City from series two, episode five until series three, episode 30, working on the hospital's Keller ward. At the end of the second series, Mike severely damages his leg after stepping on a poacher's trap and rolling hundreds of feet down a hill on a team building course. He recovers, and returns to work on crutches. At the end of the third series he is offered a job in
New Zealand, which he refuses, although he does not return for the fourth series.
Connie Beauchamp Amanda Mealing plays Connie Beauchamp, a
consultant cardiothoracic surgeon on Holby General's
Darwin ward. Connie first appears in the series six episode "In at the Deep End", She is initially portrayed as a married man-eater, engaging in extra-marital trysts with
Ric Griffin and
registrars Mubbs Hussein and Will Curtis, though goes on to become a loving mother to her daughter, Grace, fathered by surgical registrar
Sam Strachan. Connie was briefly written out of the series in 2007 to allow Mealing time out to work on separate projects, but returned to the show at the end of the year in the series ten episode "Elliot's Wonderful Life". She departs the show in Connie later joined Holby City's
sister show Casualty, arriving on 29 March 2014 as a new consultant and deputy clinical lead.
Julie Bradford Nicola Stephenson plays Julie Bradford, an original character who appears until series three, episode 29. Julie is a single mother with mounting debts. When she is passed over for promotion to deputy ward sister, she resorts to lap dancing at night to care for her daughter. Her alter ego Crystal is exposed when a member of the lap dancing club is admitted to Holby General as a patient and recognises her. Julie is reprimanded, but is given a temporary promotion to help with her financial circumstances. During series two, Julie embarks on a relationship with one of the builders renovating the hospital, but he breaks up with her when he learns she has a child. When her ex-husband Martin arrives and begs Julie to give their relationship another chance, she agrees. They remarry, and leave Holby to start a new life with their daughter in
Brighton.
Jasmine Burrows Jasmine Burrows, played by
Lucinda Dryzek, made her first appearance during the
eighteenth series episode "A Perfect Life", broadcast on 19 July 2016. Jasmine is a new F1 and the half-sister of established regular
Jac Naylor (
Rosie Marcel). She was also a potential love interest for
Oliver Valentine (
James Anderson). The character was killed off in the episode broadcast on 20 June 2017.
Joseph Byrne Luke Roberts played Joseph Byrne, a cardiothoracic surgical registrar introduced in the series eight episode "A Mother's Love". Roberts had made a former appearance in the show's
seventh series as a minor character, and attributes this prior role to his eventual casting as Joseph. a relationship with fellow surgical registrar
Jac Naylor, who cheated on him with his own father, and a relationship with the show's "black widow" character,
Ward Sister Faye Morton. Roberts' portrayal of the role saw him longlisted for the "Most Popular Newcomer" award at the 2006
National Television Awards.
C Edward Campbell Edward Campbell, played by
Aden Gillett, made his first appearance in the
fifteenth series episode "Never Let Me Go", broadcast on 30 July 2013. Gillett's casting was announced on 6 April. The actor stated, "I'm looking forward to joining the cast of
Holby. I've worked with Catherine, Guy [Henry] and Hugh [Quarshie] before, and it will be a pleasure to work with them again." Serena and Edward reunite, and decide to go on holiday with their daughter for Christmas. However, Serena soon learned that Edward was an alcoholic and had been having an affair with nurse
Mary-Claire Carter (
Niamh McGrady). While a
Liverpool Echo reporter observed: "new doctor Edward is a figure from Serena's past, which threatens to compromise her personal and professional lives".
Serena Campbell Serena Campbell, played by
Catherine Russell, is a consultant general surgeon Clinical Lead. She made her first appearance in the
fourteenth series episode "Coercion", broadcast on 1 May 2012. The show's official website describes Serena as being candid, professional and a "fearless architect of change." Serena was recruited by
Henrik Hanssen (
Guy Henry) to help the wards run more efficiently. She immediately clashed with new colleague
Ric Griffin (
Hugh Quarshie). Lawson described his character as "a complex guy who is ruthless, political and driven by ambition". Lawson reprised the role for the show's 20th anniversary celebrations. He appeared in two episodes, with the first airing on 2 January 2019. Lawson commented, "I have great memories of my time on
Holby City and I'm delighted to be back on my old stomping ground with the Holby cast and crew". Mead said he was "looking forward to being in a new part of the Holby hospital and seeing what it has in store for [Lofty] next." The character and Salma Hoque's casting details were announced on 29 September 2017, alongside those of
Belinda Owusu who plays
Nicky McKendrick, Meena's best friend from school. Meena is an
F1. In her fictional backstory, she had a privileged upbringing, whereas Nicky is
working class. Dan is described as: "sexist, materialistic and egotistical but also incredibly charismatic", and engages in several romantic relationships during his single season on the show. He arrives having left his third fiancé at the altar, and goes on to develop feelings for both SHO
Maddy Young, and his sister-in-law Louise. Of Dan's relationship with Maddy, Wingfield explained: "There was a line in one of the last episodes, 'one of them seems perfect for you' and I always thought that summed it up. Dan and Maddy have always been incredibly close without becoming lovers, but it is obvious that they are great together, so when it happens it is effortless and joyous and has wonderful potential. But Dan's private demons prevent it from being allowed to live and grow. I always thought it might be great for him, if only he could have let it be." Wingfield describes Dan as "decisive, quick-thinking and pragmatic", explaining that "he doesn't allow emotion to control his choices". He says of his reception: "People really responded to the character. He had such a roguishness and a wildness and you never quite knew what he might do or say next and I think that was exciting for people." Dan leaves Holby in
series ten episode two "The Last Throw" to accept a prestigious job in France, though reappears briefly in episode "Love Will Tear Us Apart", arranging a meeting with Maddy but ultimately standing her up. He reappears again in
Holby City eleventh series, and although Wingfield left the show in order to spend more time with his family in
Los Angeles, he has stated that he would return again "in a heartbeat". The character and casting were announced on 30 October 2012. Linden is motivated by his strong Catholicism, admitting in confessional to feeling he has betrayed his dead wife Olivia by developing romantic feelings for Ward Sister
Faye Morton, after he and
registrar Joseph Byrne track her down in a special episode set on location in
Cape Town. He reveals that Olivia was killed in a car crash, for which he blames himself, and that he has a daughter, Holly, who reminds him of Olivia to the extent that he cannot bear to see her, so is being raised by Olivia's parents instead of him. filmed entirely on location in
Ghana as part of the BBC's "Africa Lives" season. While the role was created for Edmondson as a one-off guest-appearance, he has since reprised the role of Abra six times, stating that he has loved the show since its 1999 conception. Abra's initial role in the show is that of
Third World rights champion and humorous surgical maverick, whose major storylines centre around serious rule breaking, and his relationship with colleague
Kyla Tyson. Upon returning to the show in
series eleven, the character takes a darker turn, resorting to
self-harm as a symptom of
post-traumatic stress, following a harrowing experience in the war torn
Congo. Abra returns to Africa after seeking psychiatric help, and makes his final appearance soon thereafter, returning briefly to Holby in an attempt to convince Kyla to move to Ghana with him.
Xavier Duval Xavier "Zav" Duval, played by Marcus Griffiths, made his first appearance in the
twentieth series episode "Hard Day's Night", broadcast on 20 February 2018. Xavier is a general surgical registrar. Griffiths described his character as "very confident and charming", as well as an "alpha male". Griffiths made another appearance in
Casualty as part of a two-part crossover episode, originally broadcast in March 2019. For his portrayl of Xavier, Griffiths was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018
Digital Spy Reader Awards. He came in ninth place, receiving 3% of the total votes. Griffiths had to keep Zav's departure a secret to shock viewers, which he found difficult. He told Sophie Dainty from
Digital Spy that he was happy with his exit story because it was memorable. He added "I am all about arc; about where people start and where people finish. Zav came in as someone who was so over-confident and not always good with understanding other people and not always getting it right. But then he ended up dying trying to do the right thing." Adele is the show's first regular healthcare assistant and series producer Simon Harper described her as being "funny, sassy and streetwise". He added that while Mo loves her sister, she is not very happy to have her working at the same hospital.
Mo Effanga Chizzy Akudolu plays specialist registrar Mo Effanga, who has been on the show since 22 May 2012. Mo is a comedic character but has also been involved in many big storylines, for example when she was giving birth to a baby for a friend. On her arrival, a BBC spokesperson dubbed her ''Disorganised and chaotic in her personal life, if there's a disastrous man on the horizon, she'll find him''. She was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the Black International Film Festival and Music.
Liam Evans Adrian Lewis Morgan plays nurse Liam Evans, who appears from
series three, episode 15 until
series four, episode 35. Liam originally works on Keller ward as an agency nurse. He plans to leave the hospital to get married and move to Australia, but when he is jilted on his wedding day, he applies for a permanent position. When Liam overhears his neighbours arguing, he intervenes in an instance of domestic violence and is pushed off a balcony. He is left paralysed from the waist down, and becomes depressed, feeling unable to cope. When his ex-fiancée returns to Holby, she and Liam reconcile and move to Australia.
F Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher, played by
Alex Walkinshaw, made his first appearance during the
sixteenth series episode "Star Crossed Lover", broadcast on 12 August 2014. Fletch previously appeared in
Holby City sister show,
Casualty, as a staff nurse between 2012 and 2014. It was announced on 1 April 2014 that Walkinshaw would leave
Casualty and join
Holby City. He has a connection with Director of Nursing
Colette Sheward (
Louise Delamere). Damon is billed as "boyishly enthusiastic".
Lisa Fox Luisa Bradshaw-White plays Lisa Fox, She later goes on to become sister of the
Acute Assessment Unit, then clinical matron of Keller, the hospital's
general surgical ward. Following her departure from the show, the official series website described Lisa as: "ambitious, highly capable at her job and did not
suffer fools gladly. However, she sometimes took herself too seriously and was afraid to let her hair down. She had a determined nature and while she could cause friction, she was genuine and honest." Her major storylines revolve around her advancing career, an on-off relationship with colleague Mubbs Hussein, and her father's death by
assisted suicide. Lisa also appears in the
Casualty@Holby City interactive episode "Something We Can Do". Upon announcing her forthcoming departure from the show on 8 June 2005, BBC Publicity commented: "The character of Lisa has been wonderful in the show and she has always had a huge sense of fun and adventure. So in the months to come we will see her unable to resist the challenge of working in a setting very different from
Holby City Hospital." In her final appearance, series 7, episode 48 "Great Expectations", Lisa decides to leave Holby with surgeon
Abra Durant and relocate to work with him in
Ghana. Although the character had only recently embarked on a new relationship with Mubbs, Bradshaw-White explained: "When he does finally declare his undying love for her and asks to move in with him, Lisa realises it isn't what she wants at all." She expanded that "Lisa's waited so long to hear those words, but she's annoyed to discover he assumed she'd jump at the chance [to move in with him]." She stated that she was "pleased it's a positive ending for [Lisa] as she's been so miserable", John is billed as a "surgical star with irrepressible charm", who will take the hospital into "an exciting but unknown future" with a new surgical programme. McGann began filming in August 2016. nature culminates in her being fired from the hospital and suffering a
heart attack on the same day. Lola recovers following surgery, and is re-employed by the hospital, switching roles once again to become a post-operative care consultant. It has been announced that the character will depart from the show later in 2008, to allow Clarke to return to musical theatre. When Holby General's CEO Jayne Grayson is forced to make a consultant redundant, Lola is top of the list. She leaves the hospital to work as medical officer at a private psychiatric clinic. With the help of Ric, she manages to fool Jayne into doubling her redundancy package even though she has a better job to go to. On her first day, she is reunited with former colleague Abra Durant who is being treated for post traumatic stress syndrome following his time in Africa. When Abra discharges himself and decides to return to Ghana, Lola realises that the new job is not right for her, so hands in her resignation and leaves with Abra.
Ric Griffin Hugh Quarshie plays Ric Griffin, the hospital's head of
general surgery. He is portrayed as "stubborn, impulsive and self-destructive," but at the same time "noble and righteous", unafraid to fight for his principles and medical ethics. His major storylines concentrate on his gambling addiction, and his inability to find the right woman. Ric has been married six times (twice to fellow Holby doctor
Lola Griffin), and has eight children and two grandchildren. He is the longest serving character on the show, having arrived at the start of
Holby City fourth series. The character was briefly written out in 2006 to allow Quarshie time off to film two episodes of BBC
sci-fi series
Doctor Who, but returned again to the serial in 2007.
Chloe Godard Amy Lennox portrays Chloe Godard, a cardiothoracic registrar who first appears in the
twenty-first series episode "Mad as Hell". The character and Lennox's casting was announced on 14 November 2018, alongside that of
Jack Ryder, who portrays Chloe's boyfriend Evan Crowhurst. Chloe is introduced as the daughter of established character
Ange Godard (
Dawn Steele) who helps her mother treat a difficult patient. The character and Steele's casting was announced on 19 September 2018. Steele expressed her delight at joining the cast, commenting, "I am really looking forward to getting on that Keller Ward and bringing her to life."
H Dan Hamilton Adam Astill plays Dan Hamilton, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who first appears in the
thirteenth series episode "Blue Valentine". Prior to his casting as Dan, Astill had wanted a role in the series for some time. Billed as charming and sometimes lacking courage, Dan begins a relationship with ward sister Chrissie Williams. Later, he develops a rivalry with registrar Antoine Malick. Dan kisses Malick during a fight, leading Dan to question his sexuality. Astill left the show in 2012, as Dan comes to terms with his sexuality and leaves Holby to follow his boyfriend Simon Marshall to Leeds General Infirmary.
Jeong-Soo Han Chan Woo Lim plays Jeong-Soo Han, who appears from the show's
twenty-second series. He will always stand up for injustice but does not seek attention. A show publicist dubbed him the
Harry Potter of medical schools. He is presented as "punctilious, pedantic and passionate about his work", but with a dry sense of humour.
Sandy Harper From December 2000 to September 2003,
staff nurse Sandy Harper was played by
Laura Sadler. On 15 June 2003, Sadler fell from the balcony of her boyfriend's second floor flat. Sadler never regained consciousness and died on 19 June 2003 when her
life support was turned off at
Charing Cross Hospital. Eight further
Holby City episodes featuring Sadler as Sandy had already been filmed, and were aired as scheduled posthumously. BBC scriptwriters consulted Sadler's mother, Sonja Sadler, when devising the character's exit storyline. Mal Young said: "I went there thinking we were all going to be in tears and it turned into an unofficial storyline conference. I said we would find a way of explaining Laura's absence and her mum came up with an idea we all liked." Sandy's farewell episode, "A Friend in Need", revealed that the character had won £150,000 in the
lottery, and left for Australia to follow former love interest Danny Shaughnessy. After discovering various amounts of money she had left behind for her friends at
Holby City Hospital, the characters gathered together in the hospital bar at the end of the episode, and raised a toast "To the one and only Sandy!"
Essie Harrison Estelle "
Essie"
Harrison (also
Di Lucca) played by
Kaye Wragg, made her first appearance in the
sixteenth series episode "My Name Is Joe", which aired on 6 May 2014. Essie is a Staff Nurse at Holby City Hospital. She came to the hospital with her dying grandfather and she started a relationship with
Sacha Levy (
Bob Barrett). She later moved to Germany after her grandfather died. In October 2014, it was announced that Wragg would be returning to
Holby City and she was promoted to the regular cast.
Mickie Hendrie Kelly Adams plays Mickie Hendrie, a midwife who first appears in series six, episode 24. Mickie has a lesbian affair with
Donna Jackson and goes on to become a staff nurse, before departing in series eight, episode 47 to attend medical school to become a doctor.
Luc Hemingway Joseph Millson plays Luc Hemingway, an eccentric and extremely intelligent
specialist registrar. He first appears in November 2011, episode "Under The Skin", while on the roof with Nurse Eddi McKee. His double fellowship and unsociable manner initially aggravates Eddi (Sarah Jane Potts). In the episode "Ribbons", he kisses her, but the aftermath of the kiss shows that he offered no explanation and even disappeared from the ward to focus on research to avoid her. The episodes "Unsafe Haven (Part 1 & 2)" were focused on the beginning of their relationship, brought about by Luc allowing Eddi to see a more sensitive side of him when he blames himself for the death of a friend, the security guard, and the outbreak of Legionnaires. In "Long Way Down", Eddi and Luc are shown as finally being in a relationship. Luc is offered a permanent contract, and plans to take the contract. However, the end of the episode shows that Luc has left, with no explanation. He returned in "A Crack in the Ice", for a brief period of time. After the departure of Eddi, it is shown that Luc was struggling to cope. When Luc is confronted by a patient in "Blood Ties", we find out that he was an Army Doctor in Sierra Leone. "Hanssen/Hemingway" focuses partly around Luc's past. He departed in "Hanssen/Hemingway", leaving for India to find Eddi.
Elliot Hope Paul Bradley plays Elliot Hope, who first appears in the episode "More Equal Than Others" –
series eight, episode four of the programme. Elliot is introduced as a
consultant surgeon and Clinical Lead on Holby General's
cardiothoracic surgery ward. His storylines see his wife
Gina, who has
motor neuron disease,
be assisted in killing herself, and his relationship with his children subsequently deteriorate. Elliot considers suicide himself, before reconciling with his family. He ends a brief romance with colleague
Lady Byrne as he is still mourning Gina, and later shares a kiss with his old friend Tara Sodi. Bradley was cast in the role after originally auditioning for a more minor part, and impressing executive producer Richard Stokes. He observed real heart surgery being performed in preparation for the role, and bases his portrayal of Elliot on his own father, who was a doctor. Elliot is portrayed as "a disorganised genius", and "a medical
Columbo". The assisted suicide storyline proved controversial, though the Elliot-centric Christmas episode was generally well received by critics.
The Times David Chater called it "highly effective in what it sets out to do", though Robert Hanks of
The Independent deemed it "incompetent to the point of sacrilege".
Jasmine Hopkins Angela Griffin plays nurse Jasmine Hopkins, a nurse who appears from
Holby City first episode until the end of
series three. Jasmine begins the serial as a staff nurse on the
cardiothoracic surgery ward, Darwin. She is promoted to
ward sister, causing tension with her best friend Julie Fitzjohn, who also applied for the position. Jasmine is engaged to Carl, an IT user support technician at the hospital. They argue when he decides to set a date for their wedding without consulting Jasmine about it. When Carl hits Jasmine, she breaks off their engagement. Jasmine walks in on a group of youths stealing from the ward drug store, and is stabbed.
Nick Jordan repairs damage to her heart, and as she is stabilised, it is discovered that Jasmine is pregnant. Upon recovering, she plans to have an abortion. Carl threatens to get an injunction to stop her, but Jasmine miscarries. Following the opening of the general surgery ward, Keller, Jasmine becomes a nurse practitioner. During series three, with the introduction of the children's ward, Otter, Jasmine often works with Otter nurse Steve Waring. They fall in love, and sleep together while Steve is still married to his wife, Emma. Steve's son Robbie discovers the affair and threatens to reveal it. Jasmine breaks up with Steve and departs from the hospital.
Josh Hudson Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge plays Josh Hudson, who appears from the show's
twenty-second series. The character and Blackwood-Cambridge's casting details were announced on 29 October 2020. Underneath his cocky persona, Josh has a "heart of gold".
Mubbs Hussein Ian Aspinall plays Mubbs Hussein, an
obstetrics registrar who appears from series four, episode eight until series seven, episode 52. The character was written out when the show decided to focus less on the maternity ward, leaving him with fewer storyline options.
Lulu Hutchison Lulu, played by
Fiona Hampton, first appeared in the
thirteenth series episode "Going It Alone", broadcast on 19 July 2011. Lulu was introduced as a
Foundation House Officer 1 (F1) on rotation at
Holby City Hospital. Her arrival sees
Sacha Levy looking for a new doctor to replace
Dr. Penny Valentine who had previously been killed off on the show. She is introduced alongside a highly qualified
F1 doctor in competition for a job. However, Director of Surgery
Henrik Hanssen (
Guy Henry) explains Lulu's privileged connections, as the daughter of Sir Fraser Anderson. Mr Levy ultimately chooses Lulu as the new F1. As Lulu starts her first official day on
Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) Nurse Eddi starts to have serious reservations about Sir Fraser's daughter due to a late start and inappropriate footwear. When
Michael Spence turns up to work on (AAU), he is immediately drawn to new recruit Lulu and exhibits overly flirtatious 'mentoring' techniques and Lulu reciprocates.
J Donna Jackson Jaye Jacobs plays ward sister Donna Jackson. Since her first appearance in
Holby City in the series six episode "Baptism of Fire", Donna has become more serious about her work, despite her "chaotic" personal life. Jacobs was cast in the role of Donna alongside fellow
series six newcomer
Kelly Adams, as
midwife Mickie Hendrie. The pair's arrival in the show was heavily publicized, and subject of a documentary entitled "Making It at Holby", chronicling their casting process. The two characters embarked on a brief lesbian liaison; however, this caused the BBC to ban its actresses from appearing in raunchy photo-shoots, after being photographed cuddling and kissing while dressed in nurse's uniforms for various
'lads mags'. The character departed in the series thirteen episode "What You Mean By Home", following Jacobs' decision to pursue new projects. The character's reintroduction was announced on 10 February 2017, with her return scheduled for Spring 2017. On her return, Jacobs said, "Donna and I have unfinished business. She's flirty, brash and ballsy. I've missed her!" Following Nick's 2006 departure from
Holby City, the series' official website described him as: "decisive, confident, charismatic and passionate. He was constantly striving for the top and wanted to emulate
Meyer." The series homepage assesses that: "He had tremendous pulling power with women, but commitment was not his strong point." Of his decision to transfer to
Casualty, French explained: "The BBC came up with the idea [...] At first, I wasn't sure about him moving away from heart surgery, but we soon thrashed some ideas around and I realised it would work. It's certainly great to play Nick again and I'm having a fantastic time on the show." French was nominated for the "'Most Popular Actor" award in the 2006
National Television Awards for his portrayal of Nick. Both
The Guardian and the
Sunday Mirror have likened the character to
George Clooney's
ER character
Doug Ross – "the one everyone fancies", but while Andrew Billen for the
New Statesman agrees that Nick is "good-looking", he suggests French's playing another "love rat" character after his
EastEnders role as
David Wicks to be
typecasting.
K Nina Karnik Ayesha Dharker plays Nina Karnik, a general surgeon who first appeared in Spring 2017, within the show's nineteenth series. Nina is the wife of
Matteo Rossini (Christian Vit) and billed as "tough but compassionate".
Sam Kennedy Collette Brown plays Sam Kennedy, an SHO who appears from series three, episode 19 until series four, episode 45. Sam meets registrar Alex Adams in the hospital bar. They sleep together, and the next morning discover they are colleagues. They begin a relationship, but he leaves because he discovers she was secretly buying him drink doubles which caused him to knock a child over. She began dating consultant Ric Griffin, who does not show up at their wedding. Sam tells the parents of a young boy that the operation he is due to have is unsafe. The parents remove their child from the hospital and his condition worsens. He is re-admitted and taken to theatre, but dies. When
Anton Meyer discovers Sam advised the parents to withdraw their son, she is forced to leave the hospital, but exacts her revenge by telling the press about Meyer's "unsafe" operations.
Zubin Khan Art Malik plays Zubin Khan, a consultant
anaesthetist and the head of the hospital's
intensive care unit, who appears from series five, episode 37 until series seven, episode 51.
L Chantelle Lane Lauren Drummond plays Chantelle Lane, an agency nurse fresh out of training who is eventually given a permanent staff position on Keller. Her friendly and dutiful manner have seen her take responsibility for failures that were not her fault. Chantelle leaves after realizing that Arthur feels more for her than she for him meaning they couldn't work together so one of them had to leave and so she decided it must be her. Chantelle gets on a bus and leaves after kissing him goodbye during his surprise birthday party. She suggests that she will travel around the world "possibly Ibiza, Thailand, Tibet".
Jesse Law Don Gilet plays Jesse Law, a consultant anaesthetist who works on both Keller and Darwin during his tenure.
Sacha Levy Bob Barrett plays Sacha Levy, a general surgical registrar who arrives in series twelve. Sacha is the father of Chrissie's son, Daniel. At first his feelings were unreciprocated.
Diane Lloyd Patricia Potter plays Diane Lloyd, a general surgical registrar who appears between series four, episode 39 and series nine, episode 38. Diane has a disastrous love life, dating a number of hospital staff and marrying consultant
obstetrician Owen Davies, who has an affair with his ex-wife, sister Chrissie Williams. Diane's storylines include a fling with nurse Danny Shaughnessy, aborting the child of Steve Waring and miscarrying Owen's child, the death of her sister, and facing an old medical schools teacher of hers who raped her. She also has an on/off relationship with Ric Griffin, who proposed marriage to her before her arrival in the serial, only to be turned down. Diane is promoted to locum general surgical consultant following the departure of
Abra Durant. When the stress of the job becomes too much for her and Diane feels betrayed by Ric, she hands in her resignation. Consultant Elliot Hope suggests she take a sabbatical and lends her his car and a cottage to house-sit for a few months. Diane accepts the offer, but that evening parks the car on a railway line and commits suicide.
Tara Lo Jing Lusi plays Tara Lo, Foundation Training Year 1 doctor, who first appears in series 14, episode 21 "Fresh Blood", she is vibrant, beautiful and annoyingly eager, and pushes herself to excel amongst her peers. She comes from a privileged background, but is acutely aware of life's fragility and is in a hurry to establish herself as a brilliant doctor. Her perfectionist nature sometimes hides a lack of confidence and her temper has a short fuse when things do not go her way. On rare occasions, when she lets her guard down, she has an endearingly goofy sense of humour. Tara has an inoperable brain tumour which she tries to keep secret. Director of Surgery
Henrik Hanssen (
Guy Henry) finds out about the condition but allows Tara to continue working on that basis that she is candid about her condition and notifies him should she become symptomatic. Colleague Jac Naylor refers to Tara by the nickname "St. Trinians" most likely because of her petite stature and lack of years (reminding her of nothing more than a schoolgirl). Tara starts a romantic relationship with
Oliver "Ollie" Valentine (
James Anderson) and eventually tells Oliver about her inoperable brain tumour. Ollie is shocked and goes into overdrive looking for cures. Tara tells him he must accept her tumour and come to terms with it as she has, and their relationship becomes stronger. Ollie moves into Tara's flat some weeks later. However, as Tara's brain tumour grows and becomes symptomatic, she is persuaded to have life-threatening surgery to reduce it. Tara asks Ollie to marry her and he accepts. He also respects her wishes to have her organs donated if she dies in surgery. She praises Ollie to her parents that "he's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I wouldn't have lasted two minutes in my job if it wasn't for him. He has put himself on the line, so many times for me. He knows everything about me, and he would do anything for me," after they find out she and Ollie are getting married. Her parents want the couple to wait until Tara has recovered from her surgery. Later that day, Tara and Ollie get married in front of her parents and their friends and co-workers, Elliot Hope (
Paul Bradley), Jac Naylor (
Rosie Marcel), Jonny Maconie (Michael Thomson) and Mo Effanga (
Chizzy Akudolu), at Holby hospital gardens. Tara goes in for her brain surgery with her husband Ollie by her side, but following complications she is pronounced brainstem-dead and sadly dies. With Tara's parents and Ollie's permission, her organs are donated as she requested.
M Jonny Maconie Michael Thompson plays Charge Nurse and Transplant coordinator Jonny Maconie who first appeared on 15 May 2012. We first see him attending a course with Jac Naylor. There is an instant spark between the two and they begin a sexual relationship. He begins his role at Holby a fortnight later, much to Jac's surprise who had no idea he was a nurse. Jonny becomes an instant favourite with both Staff and patients. He remains very close to Jac and the two have a very tempestuous relationship and break up and reconcile on a few occasions. Their encounters end up in Jac becoming pregnant and although not together, Jonny gives his word he will be there for both her and the baby. It turns out that when the baby is born it only has a 50% chance of survival, Jonny remains optimistic and positive for Jac although he is secretly as scared as she is. Jonny also has a very close friendship with Registrar Mo Effanga, although the two often clash over patients and protocol. On April 1, 2014, he was due to be married to Nurse Bonnie Wallis; however, she was killed moments before the wedding was due to begin.
Roxanna MacMillan Hermione Gulliford plays
consultant neurosurgeon Roxanna MacMillan, who first appears in the
fifteenth series episode "The End of The Beginning". The character appears in three episodes as
Tara Lo's (
Jing Lusi) neurosurgeon before departing. To prepare for the role, Gulliford read books written by neurosurgeon
Henry Marsh. She enjoyed the medical aspect of the role and liked portraying a neurosurgeon, but thought that she would not make a good surgeon in real life. Producers wanted to explore the history between the friends, and a flashback episode exploring their history was created. In the episode, Roxanna, who has developed
locked-in syndrome following a neurosurgical operation performed by John, tries to tell their colleagues about John's fraudulent research project. John discovers this and injects Roxanna with a
neurotoxin, killing her.
Kylie Maddon Amy Murphy portrays Kylie Maddon, who appears from the show's
twenty-second series. The character and Murphy's casting was announced on 3 February 2021, and Murphy's agency later confirmed that she had joined the show's regular cast. The character is billed as a "warm, vibrant and charming"
staff nurse on the AAU. Underneath her strength, Kylie is deeply insecure and it upsets her that she does not have a romantic partner. Akingbola deemed his character "an alpha male who doesn't suffer fools gladly".
Zosia March Camilla Arfwedson portrays F1 doctor Zosia March who made her debut on 10 September 2013. Coming over as arrogant and stubborn, she clashes with both colleagues and patients, in particular Jac Naylor who has no time for her attitude although both are strikingly similar. By her own admission she is just doing what she has to do as her real interests lie with psychiatry and this is the specialty she wants to take. She has a brief sexual relationship with Arthur, she then becomes his flatmate and the two again begin an intimate relationship. She makes it clear to Arthur this is all she wants. When her father, Guy Self, becomes CEO, she wants nothing to do with him. The reason for this is unknown but her mother does seem to be an area of particular contention between the two. Later Zosia goes on to Darwin for her F2 training and Elliot Hope pairs her up with Mr Oliver Valentine. Zosia and Ollie become good friends and Ollie secretly likes Zosia but is too afraid to say. Before he can Zosia starts dating Sebastian Coulter who is a psychiatrist. Later Zosia breaks up with Seb after noticing she has feelings for Ollie and starts to date him. when an army surgeon comes to the hospital Zosia, Ollie and Guy are put on a case together but guy and Ollie clash and later Zosia has to pick who she would rather spend her birthday with her boyfriend Oliver or her father Guy. Zosia eventually chooses Ollie to Guy's disappointment.
Cara Martinez Cara Martinez, played by
Niamh Walsh, made her first screen appearance during the
seventeenth series on 16 June 2015. Cara is a staff nurse on AAU. Of her character, Walsh stated "Cara's a very capable nurse, and isn't afraid to speak her mind." Mullen was contracted for a period of 3–4 months. Upon assuming the role, Mullen said of his character: "As a locum, Stuart knows he's not going to be at Holby for ever, so he doesn't care about hospital politics. Stuart also gets the nurses' back up a bit by making changes. The man's a bit of a renegade!" The BBC described Stuart following his departure as "a people person full of Irish charm. But he was also a deeply jealous alcoholic and needed to control the person he saw as 'his'." Stuart's time on the show sees him embark on a romantic relationship with sister
Chrissie Williams. His jealous nature causes problems between them, and during a drunken row, he slashes her face with a scalpel. Hobley, who plays Chrissie, described the scene as "shocking" and "hard to film", revealing that she was three months pregnant at the time, but had not told anyone on set apart from Mullen "so he knew not to be too rough". Stuart is subsequently arrested, and makes his final appearance in series ten, episode 18, "The Extra Mile".
Louis McGerry Tyler Luke Cunningham portrays Louis McGerry, who appears from the show's
twenty-second series. The character and Cunningham's casting details were not announced prior to broadcast of his debut, on 31 March 2019. Louis is characterised as "fiercely proud, irritatingly stubborn, strong and warm-hearted". Louis, like Cunningham, is a
trans man; his first episode coincides with
International Transgender Day of Visibility. The character and Martin's casting details were announced on 26 June 2019. The character is introduced as a
consultant neurosurgeon who arrives at Holby City Hospital to treat a patient from a neighbouring hospital. Harper pointed out that former neurosurgical characters were typically "the equivalent of Defence of the Dark Arts at
Hogwarts" and questioned whether Max would be able to defy the trend. Victoria is a surgeon who has a good grasp of the human anatomy but struggles to cope under the intense pressure of operations and begin using ampethamines to help her get through the gruelling days. Her father, Sir Charles Merrick, is an eminent surgeon and she struggles with his high expectations. Her boss, Anton Meyer, considers her an intelligent young woman with a lot of potential and, despite his abhorrence of her drug dependency, decides to give her a second chance. Meyer does not consider her to be suitable material for a surgeon and transfers her to the paediatric wing to work as a doctor. Viewing this as beneath her, Victoria tries to convince him to reinstate her as a surgeon, but he insists the experience will be good for her as a way to take control of her emotions. In season three, Victoria begins a relationship with plastic surgeon Guy Morton and the two become engaged. However, when Victoria discovers Guy is taking amphetamines, she encourages him to quit. When an operation on their shared patient, Alison Campbell, goes wrong after she develops a pulmonary embolism after being on the table for too long, Victoria discovers Guy is still on amphetamines. Blaming him for Alison's death, she ends the engagement. She rebounds with Alex Adams, who, after spending the night with her, returns to her flat the following evening to find her stabbed to death in her kitchen. After an investigation, which sees Alex Adams, Guy Morton and an obsessed patient considered as suspects, the killer is later unmasked as Alison Campbell's father, James. He confesses to Meyer while they are trapped in a lift, before taking an overdose. Meyer is outraged and attempts to revive Campbell so that he can be brought to trial and punished for Victoria's murder, but is hampered by the lack of equipment available to him in the lift and Campbell subsequently dies.
Anton Meyer George Irving plays cardiothoracic consultant Anton Meyer from
Holby City first episode until series four, episode 46. Irving had considerable input in creating the character, who was initially envisioned by the series producers as an
Iranian surgeon named Hussein. At Irving's suggestion, Meyer became
Hungarian, an emigrant to Britain following the
1956 Hungarian Revolution. Little of the backstory created for Meyer was ever revealed on-screen, as part of a deliberate bid to present the character as enigmatic, allowing viewers to project their own imagination onto him. Meyer is a sarcastic, arrogant surgeon, with high expectations of all his colleagues. His major storylines see him operate on his own sister, fear that he may have
motor neuron disease, lose his spleen after being shot in a road rage incident, and ultimately depart from
Holby for
Michigan when the hospital board make impositions on his autonomy. Irving made the decision to leave the series as he struggled to set the character aside outside of work, which had a negative impact on his personal life. He has ruled out the possibility of returning to
Holby City in future, preferring his memory of Meyer to remain untarnished. Meyer proved popular with viewers and critics.
Jim Shelley of
The Mirror has described Meyer as "one of the best characters on television in recent years".
Faye Morton Patsy Kensit plays ward sister Faye Morton. The character's introductory storyline, shot on location in
Dubai, sees Faye leave her third husband for dead after a violent row. The fate of her previous husbands, and her intentions towards on-screen lover
Joseph Byrne, later unravel in another special episode, this set on location in
South Africa. Kensit was short-listed for the "Best Actress" award at the 2007
TV Quick and TV Choice Awards for her portrayal of Faye, within three months of arriving on the show. However, the dramaticism of the character's storylines and the manner in which they reflect upon real
NHS nurses has come under criticism.
N Jac Naylor Rosie Marcel plays Cardiothoracic Consultant Jac Naylor. Her storylines focus on her attempts to gain promotion, going as far as to sleep with her boyfriend's influential father, and switch specialties from
general to
cardiothoracic surgery. She appears in a crossover episode with
HolbyBlue, when she is arrested for the attempted murder of a patient. After being cleared of the attack, Jac briefly becomes softer in her outlook, attempting to make amends with colleagues and dabbling with
Catholicism. She then shared another relationship with Joseph Byrne, but then he announced that he was leaving to go to live in the country with his son Harry, and she denied his offer to go with him. She has been in an on/off relationship with Jonny Maconie for a while, and was shocked that she was pregnant with his baby, which has complications.
Karen Newburn Sarah Preston plays ward sister Karen Newburn, who appears from series one, episode two until series two, episode 16. Karen has a good rapport with most of the staff, but puts them in their place if they do something she disagrees with. Karen is the ex-wife of registrar Nick Jordan. She agrees to give their relationship a second chance, but when their attempt at reconciliation fails, Nick leaves Holby. Karen's exit goes unexplained.
P Matt Parker Adam Best plays medical student Matt Parker. He appears from series seven, episode 29, until series nine, episode 24.
Frieda Petrenko Olga Fedori portrays ward sister Frieda Petrenko. Introduced as the
cardiothoracic surgery ward's night shift sister, Frieda transfers to day shifts on the
Acute Assessment Unit to cover the maternity leave of sister
Chrissie Williams (
Tina Hobley). Frieda has an initially antagonistic relationship with F2 doctor
Penny Valentine (
Emma Catherwood). When Penny learns that Frieda was a qualified doctor in her home country,
Ukraine, she encourages her to retrain in the UK. Frieda resists the suggestion, but after being made redundant and having her diagnostic ability challenged by registrar
Antoine Malick (
Jimmy Akingbola), decides to apply for an F1 position, which she achieves early in 2011. The official
Holby City website describes Frieda as "sincere, compassionate, supportive [and] honest", but "self conscious, emotionally closed [and] sarcastic." In 2011, Fedori was short-listed for the "Best Newcomer" award at the
National Television Awards for her performance as Frieda. The award was ultimately won by
EastEnders Ricky Norwood. Ian Cullen of Monsters and Critics lamented Fedori's loss, opining that her performance in
Holby City is hilarious. Frieda has received critical acclaim, with the
Daily Mirror Jim Shelley naming her the "best character on television". Shelley has included several of her one-liners in his regular "Soundbites of the Week" column, including her excuse: "I saw it in one of your
Carry On films. I thought he might like it", delivered after inserting a sunflower into the rectum of a racist patient. Fellow
Mirror critic Jane Simon has also praised Frieda, deeming her one of the series' most interesting characters. Simon describes her as a "fearless, straight talking [...] super-nurse", enjoying her ability to "liven up the place with her unlikely combination of ghoulish demeanour and slapstick sense of humour." When a 2011 storyline featured Frieda facing redundancy, Simon commented, "we would be gutted if she left. Her friendly scowl is one of the best things about the show."
R Paul Ripley Luke Mably plays ward clerk Paul Ripley, who appears in the first three episodes of
Holby City. Paul is ordered to leave the hospital after he is seen kissing an unconscious girl in the high dependency unit.
Matteo Rossini Matteo Rossini, played by Christian Vit, made his first appearance during the
nineteenth series episode "Parasite", broadcast on 29 November 2016. Matteo is a consultant, who joins the team on the Darwin ward. The character's entrance sees him arriving at the hospital on horseback.
Ellie Sharpe Julie Saunders appears in the first nine episodes of
Holby City as theatre sister Ellie Sharpe. Ellie has an affair with Nick Jordan. When her boyfriend finds out, he turns up at the hospital and he attacks Nick in the lift, leaving him with a split lip and damaged pride.
Danny Shaughnessy Jeremy Edwards plays healthcare assistant Danny Shaughnessy, who appears from series two, episode one until series five, episode 32. Danny works alongside his mother, ward sister Kath. He has relationships with Victoria Merrick and Diane Lloyd, and later trains as a student nurse on Otter ward. He eventually leaves to start a new life in Australia.
Colette Sheward Louise Delamere portrays Director of Nursing Colette Sheward. She made her first appearance in Series 16 on 3 December 2013 after coming to Holby with a previous patient of new CEO Guy Self to request his help with a difficult operation. Guy then offered her the director of nursing position. Guy and Colette's clearly have a professional history but it is unclear if this has ever crossed over into a Personal one. Following her appointment, the new head of HR is unhappy at how Colette got the position via unofficial channels, shadows her for a day and, unhappy with her handling of her staff and delicate situations, decides the director of nursing position must be advertised, meaning Colette will have to reapply for her own job. Colette takes this on the chin and almost relishes the challenge.
Morven Shreve Morven Shreve (also
Digby), played by Eleanor Fanyinka, made her first appearance during the
seventeenth series on 30 June 2015. Fanyinka was working in a call centre when she learned that she had been cast as Morven. Morven is a Foundation Training Year 1 on AAU, under the mentorship of
Arthur Digby (
Rob Ostlere), who she hero-worships.
Lucky Simpson Vineeta Rishi plays Lucky Simpson, who first appears in the show's
twenty-second series. The character and Rishi's casting details were announced on 29 October 2020. She is excellent at her job and is both "an avid listener and a vivacious talker".
Michael Spence Hari Dhillon plays consultant general surgeon Michael Spence, who first appears in the episode "Unfinished Symphony" –
series ten, episode six of the programme. Dhillon describes his character as: "kind of the counterpoint to
Ric Griffin. So he's just a little bit lippy; if he's thinking it, it's out of his mouth, and a total straight shooter, very direct." His storylines see him cheat on his wife with nurse Donna Jackson, with Dhillon explaining: "(H)e's kind of a serial womaniser. With the introduction of the character, a new private ward was annexed to the hospital, known as HolbyCare. The character takes a more serious turn after being diagnosed with
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a storyline for which Tom Chambers actually shaved his own hair for realism. Sam has proved highly popular amongst fans of the show, voted in the 2007 fan awards "Favourite All-Time Male" character. However, he also attracted controversy when a scene in which he was depicted
binge drinking caused drinks regulatory body the
Portman Group to lodge an official complaint with
OFCOM, for what they deemed a "highly irresponsible portrayal of excessive and rapid drinking". Sam leaves to go to America when his long lost son accepts a music scholarship there.
Ray Sykes Ian Curtis plays staff nurse Ray Sykes, who appears from the first episode of
Holby City until series two, episode 16. Ray is Darwin ward's comedian. He often engages in jokes with patients and enjoys match-making and gossiping. Ray is unsure of his sexuality and starts dating a former patient, Damien. When he tells Damien he wants to break up, Damien takes it badly and has another
heart attack. Ray calls an ambulance and Kirstie Collins arrives, but is unable to save Damien, leaving Ray devastated.
T Elizabeth Tait La Charné Jolly plays Elizabeth Tait, a staff nurse who first appears in series twelve. Elizabeth is a recent university graduate, who worries she will be made unemployed when redundancies are made within the hospital. Series 12 Episode 35 – Series 14 Episode 2
Alistair Taylor Dominic Jephcott plays Alistair Taylor, a cardiothoracic consultant who appears from series four, episode 45 until series six, episode 33. Alistair has an unstable marriage with his wife and colleague Janice, with whom he has a daughter, Flora. The relationship collapses after he pursues an affair with ward sister
Chrissie Williams. Alistair is killed off in the 2004
Casualty@Holby City crossover after escaping a fire by jumping out of a window.
Janice Taylor Siobhan Redmond plays consultant paediatrician Janice Taylor, who appears from series three, episode two until series four, episode 44. Janice is married to Alistair, who works at Holby on a locum basis on Darwin ward. She is initially oblivious to the fact that her husband has been having an affair with ward sister
Chrissie Williams, until she finds out she is pregnant. Janice decides to keep the baby but move away from Alistair. Her last episode sees her have an emergency caesarean. Her baby, Flora, needs a heart operation which Alistair carries out. Flora survives, Janice thanks him, then departs from the series.
Sean Thompson Chinna Wodu plays Sean Thompson, a
Senior house officer who appears in
series seven from episode six until episode 43. Sean is a love interest of nurse Jess Griffin. He initially believes he is the father of her baby, but even after she revealed the child is anaesthetist Zubin Khan's, he continues to support her. After Jess leaves him for Zubin, he transfers quietly to neighbouring hospital St. James'.
Harry Tressler Jules Knight plays CT1 doctor Harry Tressler. Harry arrives on 14 May 2013 and makes an instant impression on the female staff of the hospital with his good looks and charm. He starts a brief fling with Mary-Claire. She becomes smitten with him but he tells her he never wanted a relationship. Early on he has problems with consultant Ric Griffin who believes him to be selfish and just interested in himself. Harry also often clashes with F2 Gemma Wilde and there is a clear spark between the two but Gemma is put off by Harry's reputation and attitude. After Gemma leaves, Harry becomes very upset and we see a new side to him. Harry does begin to show his true colours and ability going the extra mile for several patients and colleagues, even treating a homeless patient's dog. His friendship with Mary-Claire also blossoms and the two become good friends. His relationship with his colleagues also hugely improves with his seniors seeing his potential and valuing him as a member of the team.
Kyla Tyson Rakie Ayola plays nurse Kyla Tyson, who first appears in the
series eight episode "I'll Be Back". Ayola had made a former minor appearance in the show several years prior to being cast as Kyla, and was asked to return in a more permanent role three years later. The character is the focus of a number of hard hitting plot strands, including being subjected to
domestic abuse, having her son taken into
foster care, and battling resultant
alcoholism. In August 2006, Ayola was shortlisted for the "Female Performance in TV" award at the fourth
Screen Nation Awards for her portrayal of the character, and was granted "Honourable Mention" in the same category the following year. Ayola chose not to renew her
Holby City contract, in order to have a second child. She makes her final appearance in series eleven, when she decides between moving to
Rotterdam with her son, or to
Ghana with lover
Abra Durant. She also dyed her hair red, commenting: "I think it suits Penny. She's quite feisty and ambitious and enjoys a friendly rivalry with her brother Oliver". Henshall, who became the first disabled actor to feature permanently in a TV series, was cast after applying for the BBC's Talent Scheme, which also won him a role in the eighteenth series of sister show
Casualty. Dean's storylines concentrate on his attempts to progress in his career despite his disability, and his friendship with fellow medical student Matt Parker. After falling out with Matt, Dean leaves to pursue a career opportunity in psychiatry. While Henshall stated: "I never attempt to play Dean as a 'disabled character'. I just try to make him as real as I can as a person", With regards to public reception of the character, Henshall stated: "I get a lot of positive responses about Dean. Some are from disabled people who see Dean as an inspiration and some from people who just think he's a great character." Chrissie is presented as a classic "maneater", with major storylines focusing around her affairs with colleagues Alistair Taylor, Owen Davis, Ed Keating, Mubbs Hussein, Michael Beauchamp and
Sam Strachan. The character was written out of the series for a month in 2006, when Hobley was suspended for breaking her contractual agreement with the BBC not to appear on any other shows whilst starring in
Holby City. She returned in 2007, though was again temporarily written out whilst Hobley took maternity leave following the birth of her second daughter. Chrissie returned briefly in October 2008, before returning again in the February 2009 episode "Take Her Breath Away".
Mark Williams Robert Powell plays consultant nurse Mark Williams, who arrives in
Holby City in the series seven episode "Stick or Twist", as an addition to the series' existing Williams family, consisting of his daughter,
Chrissie and wife Tricia. Powell commented that he took the role of Mark as: "I've never done a drama series of this kind before. It's great fun being allowed to develop a character over years rather than weeks." Mark's major storylines center around his relationship with his family, having to deal with Tricia's
breast cancer, the revelation that Chrissie is not his biological daughter, and Tricia's death in a road traffic accident. In the aftermath of Tricia's death, Mark is seen to battle a
cocaine addiction – a storyline criticised by the media for its surrealism. Mark is now the CEO of the hospital after being involved in a new relationship with
Judith Marchant.
Tricia Williams Sharon Maughan plays Tricia Williams, a staff nurse and the mother of ward sister Chrissie Williams, who appears from series five, episode 27 until series nine, episode six.
Bernie Wolfe Berenice "Bernie" Wolfe, played by
Jemma Redgrave, made her first appearance during the series eighteen episode "
Serenity" on. The character and Redgrave's casting was announced on 3 September 2015. She was initially contracted for six months. as a sidekick to, and old friend of established character Dan Clifford. The character's storylines see her embark on a short-lived romance with Dan, and address hidden family secrets, including treating her escaped convict father, and attempting to help her
heroin addict twin sister cover up the death of her daughter from a
methadone overdose. The character proved popular with fans, and was long-listed for the "Most Popular Newcomer" award at the 2007
National Television Awards, as well as voted
Holby City fans' "Favourite Newcomer" of series nine. However, in October 2007, the character came under criticism from drinks industry body the
Portman Group, resulting from an incident of on-screen binge drinking, which the group lambasted as "highly irresponsible." Maddy departs from the serial in series eleven after being stabbed to death by one of her sister's prison enemies. ==Recurring characters==