Jason Haynes

The character and casting details were announced in February 2016. Of his role success the actor, who has autism, said "I was really apprehensive but tinged with pride that I had been given this great opportunity. I was nervous about the challenge and did not know whether I would enjoy it but I was determined to do my best." The actor began filming in October 2015 and he became part of the show's semi-regular cast. The cast initially had concerns about an autistic actor coping with fast pace nature of filming. Upon working with Robertson they witnessed his acting talent which quashed any concern. The actor said that he hoped his casting would make television producers more inclined to hire autistic actors. He added that "I'm hoping my character on Holby will inspire parents of kids that have autism or Asperger's that their kids can make it as well." Robertson's mother Kathy Lette said that securing the role helped her son's confidence and added that it showed those who had bullied Robertson because of his autism that they were wrong. In June 2016, it was reported that the character was working well and that Robertson would stay on the show as the character was further developed. ==Development==

Introduction and characterisation Jason was introduced as the nephew of Serena Campbell (Catherine Russell). After Serena learned that her long-lost sister was dead, she emailed Jason asking to meet him and he turned up at Holby during Serena's shift. Russell explained that Serena was only expecting a reply, but because of his Asperger syndrome he takes the message literally and shows up. Following his introduction Robertson received praise from viewers via the social networking website Twitter. He attributed this to his character's one liners stating, "the reaction has been really good, really positive. I get the best lines as well." Robertson described Jason as "really nice and sensitive with a deadpan sense of humour and a genuine desire to do good". He also thinks that Jason lacks self-confidence. Jason later takes employment as a porter at the hospital. Jason takes three months off work to recover from his injuries. Elinor's death effects Jason and he visits a grief counsellor. When Jason and registrar Xavier Duval (Marcus Griffiths) witness Sian Evans (Ajjaz Awad) thrown from a vehicle in the hospital car park, they go to help and discover a stab wound. Relationship with Greta Allinson Producers introduced a love interest for the character in 2018, Greta Allinson (Zoe Croft). She is admitted to AAU where Serena treats her. Greta tells Serena she cannot treat her because she is Jason's aunt. Serena interferes again when she presumes that Jason and Greta will move in with her following the babies birth. When Bernie returns from working in Nairobi, she asks Serena why she stayed on at the hospital. A Holby City publicist the told Tyler from Inside Soap that it was because "her nephew Jason and his other half Greta are due to have a baby - and heavily rely on Serena, of course!" Greta later gives birth to a baby girl named Guinevere and a patient makes Jason worried about what would happen to his partner and daughter if he was to die. Harper teased the wedding during November 2018 and revealed that they had hired musician and priest Richard Coles to play Henry de Havilland, who would officiate the on-screen ceremony. Jason and Greta's service was due to be conducted by chaplain Lexy Morrell (Jenny Howe) who was impaled by a shard of glass when a church roof collapses. Jason enlists Xavier's help to ensure the wedding still goes ahead. Xavier gets the hospital gardens ready and organises the ceremony there. Jason's colleagues Dominic Copeland (David Ames) and Lofty Chiltern (Lee Mead) also join the celebrations for a double ceremony. Harper branded it a "joyous episode celebrating love and commitment in all their diverse forms." On his first day back to work following Greta's accident, Jason is unable to cope. Serena suggests he put on earphones to keep him calm. When consultant Ange Godard (Dawn Steele) notices this she is rude to him not realising he has Asperger syndrome. ==Reception==

The British charity National Autistic Society shortlisted Holby City in the drama category at the 2017 Autism Uncut media awards because of Jason's portrayal. Access All Areas branded Jason "a wonderfully funny young man with Aspergers." Robertson himself has stated that Jason is an important role because he helped people understand more about autism. A writer from Ambitious about Autism stated "it is brilliant to see the character of Jason, who has autism, played by someone with autism. No one person with autism is the same, but they are brilliantly placed to bring this role to life and increase the awareness and understanding of autism." Rachael Sigee from the Evening Standard believed it was of the utmost importance that an autistic actor played the role. In March 2017, the BBC included Robertson in their list of two hundred future stars, which included fifty actors. Sue Haasler writing for Metro described Jason's nuptials as a "festive, if very cold, wedding" and said the episode was "beautiful" with happiness, sadness and a "wonderful script" by writer Ed Sellek. ==References==