Personality The
BBC have described Sam as a compassionate, decisive adrenaline junkie. A hugely volatile person, his emotions can land him in hot water". Although he was aware that the woman accompanying his patient was a client rather than a relative, he persuaded her to sign consent forms on the patient's behalf. Chambers has described this plot strand as portraying Sam "(bending) the rules to make something happen [...] It's yet another example of Sam not thinking about the repercussions of his actions." The character went on to form a close bond with 14-year-old child prostitute, patient Jade MacGuire (Ophelia Lovibond). Despite his colleagues' malicious gossip about the potentially inappropriate nature of their relationship, he repeatedly pushed the boundaries of their doctor/patient relationship in an attempt to take care of her, going as far as to shelter her in his own home after discovering her to be pregnant. Chambers has commented: "The storyline with the homeless prostitute was a challenge. Sam, trying to help but making stupid mistakes and having to suffer the consequences - it could have easily been seen as sleaze if you didn't get the balance right." Interviewed in January 2006, Chambers foreshadowed major developments for his character when he stated: "I think Sam's ideal woman might be Connie because she's feisty, doesn't beat around the bush and is very talented, which is always sexy. However I reckon they clash quite a lot because she manipulates with her power play and won't drop the act so it would be very much on a love hate basis." Once his deception was uncovered, Sam attempted to salvage his romantic relationship with Chrissie, but was unsuccessful. For some weeks thereafter, Sam engaged in casual sexual relationships with
Senior house officer Maddy Young and
Staff Nurse Zoe Foxe. These were, however, stymied by the discovery he had cancer.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma In November 2007, the character was diagnosed with
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although he had been shown to be feeling sickly in the show for some time, he was wary of being tested. Even when forced into it by friend and colleague Maddy Young, he initially refused to so much as look at his results. Chambers explained: "It's serious, but Sam's playing it down. Of course he's scared but he deals with it by just wanting to laugh it off and make jokes about it". as well as seriously consider the future of his daughter, Grace, and cease his philandering way with female staff. Chambers has also spoken extensively about the research he did before beginning the cancer storyline: :"When I was first told about the storyline, I felt honoured to be given such a big opportunity. But I was also aware that I had a huge responsibility to get it right and do justice to those suffering in real life. Because Sam has
chemotherapy, I was asked if I'd be willing to shave off my hair, and I said, "Absolutely," which is why I'm bald. I've also done a lot of research, and try hard to separate my character from my life off-screen, but I feel guilty that at the end of each day I can walk away from the illness, when many aren't so fortunate." Sam's illness was played out over the course of the show's
tenth series, reaching its zenith when he developed
sepsis and went into
septic shock in episode "Long Dark Night" and put on Keller to work as a general surgical registrar to loosen the stress sometime later. He pulled through, however, and was eventually given the all-clear from cancer eight months after having been diagnosed, in episode "Only Believe".
Departure A show insider revealed that "Tom’s departure will leave his fans in tears, but Holby bosses are keeping tight-lipped about whether or not Sam will be killed off." Chambers explained of his decision to leave: "I was worried about telling the bosses, but I wrote a long letter to the producers explaining my decision and they were incredibly nice about it. Sam Strachan has gone through so much in the past year with his cancer – it seemed like the perfect time to make the break." Several episodes before the character's departure, his estranged son Kieron played by
Misha Crosby, was introduced to
Holby City. Father and son both developed romantic feelings for nurse
Maria Kendall, leading to Sam asking her to accompany them both to New York, where Kieron was a famous violinist. After being shown her future should she accept, Maria declined Sam's offer, and he and Keiron departed together.
Casualty introduction Although the character had been mentioned on several occasions following the introduction of his daughter
Grace Beauchamp (
Emily Carey) and Audrey Strachan (
Frances Tomelty), the character never made an appearance. However, on 17 December 2015, it was announced that Chambers had reprised his role and would appear in
Casualty. Sam would return in a guest appearance when Grace is admitted into the hospital's emergency department. His return aided the storyline where Connie reconciles with Grace. The character returned for two episodes in the
series 30 episodes, "Hearts and Flowers" and "Just Do It", broadcast on 13 and 20 February 2016. Chambers said the relationship between Sam and Connie is "really exciting to play because no one can get under her skin like he can." He added that Sam is able to "make [Connie] uncomfortable." In February 2017, series producer Erika Hossington revealed in an interview with
Digital Spy that the character would be reintroduced "for a little while". She said, "Sam is going to get a job in the hospital and he will be pitted against the rest of the team". She added that Sam would be involved in Grace's recovery and Connie's relationship with
Jacob Masters (
Charles Venn). He explained that he would be touring with a musical, which disappointed show bosses, but would return to the show at the conclusion of the tour. ==Reception==