Holby City 1460298 218901045 2008-06-12T18:00:04Z Elliot9 6780662 {{Infobox Television | show_name = Holby City | format = [[Medical drama]] | image = [[Image:HolbyCityTitles.png|250px]] | caption = Still from the current opening title sequence of ''Holby City'' (introduced [[3 July]] [[2007]]) | network = [[BBC One]] | creator = [[Tony McHale]] and [[Mal Young]] | producer = Diana Kyle, <br/> Tony McHale (Exec. Producer) | senior_cast_members = [[Tina Hobley]] & [[Hugh Quarshie]] | first_aired = [[12 January]] [[1999]] | last_aired = Present | runtime = 60 minutes | camera = [[Single-camera setup]] | official_website = http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity | num_episodes = 405 (as of [[24 June]] [[2008]]) <br> 52 episodes per series | list_episodes = List of Holby City episodes | related = ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]''<br>''[[HolbyBlue]]'' | country = {{flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]] | website = http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/ | imdb_id = 0184122 }} '''''Holby City''''', styled as '''HOLBY CI+Y''', is a BAFTA award winning<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/news/ BBC - Holby City - News & Gossip<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[medical drama]] [[television serial]] transmitted by [[BBC One]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. It is a [[spin-off]] from ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]'', and is set in the same hospital as that series, with occasional crossovers of characters and plots. It follows the lives of surgeons, nurses, other medical and ancillary staff and patients at the fictional [[Holby City Hospital]]. The show has a large number of writers, including the current [[Executive Producer]], [[Tony McHale]]. McHale wrote the first ever episode and many episodes in the early 2000s. He co-created the series with [[Mal Young]], however it was only in 2006 that he became the executive producer. Due to his commitments overseeing the show, he tends to only write episodes for special occasions, such as Christmas, crossovers with ''Casualty'' and ''[[HolbyBlue]]'' and episodes that play a major part in a storyline. ==Production== ===Origins and development=== ''Holby City'' began on [[12 January]] [[1999]] as a [[spin-off]] from the long-running BBC medical drama ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]'' and is named after the fictional [[Holby City Hospital]] in which both series are set. The show follows the lives and careers of staff and patients at the hospital and deals with a range of clinical and ethical issues. The regular characters are all staff, and patients are played by guest actors - which have included some famous names such as [[Eric Sykes]], [[Phill Jupitus]], [[Michael Jayston]], [[Michele Dotrice]], [[Ronni Ancona]], [[Emma Samms]], [[Lee Ryan]], [[Nikki Sanderson]] and [[Johnny Briggs]].<ref name="gueststars">{{cite web|url=http://www.holby.tv/db/index.php?casualty_holbycity_past_guest_stars_holbycity|title= Guest Stars - Holby City|publisher=Holby.tv Database|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> ===Fictional location=== ''Holby'' is set in the fictional county of Wyvern, in the south-west of England, close to the Welsh border.<ref name="setting">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/fast_facts/fast_facts_62.html|title=Casualty - Fast Facts|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> The fictional city would effectively replace Bristol on the UK map - telephone numbers given on the show use the Bristol area code, and similarly addresses use the Bristol postcode. While its sister show ''Casualty'' is filmed in Bristol, ''Holby City'' is filmed in Hertfordshire at the BBC's [[Elstree Studios]].<ref name="location">{{cite news|author=Juliette Garside|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/21/nbbc121.xml|title=EastEnders evicted in latest BBC cost cut|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=2007-10-21|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> ===Filming=== ''Holby City'' is shot on [[videotape]] using the [[single-camera setup]]. The show is filmed at Neptune House, at the [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]]. This building contains the sets for the show, the production offices for a number of [[BBC]] shows, and editing facilities for ''[[EastEnders]]''. As a result, the ''Holby City'' building can often be seen in the distance during episodes of ''EastEnders'', although the latter is set in [[London]].<ref name="elstree">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/heritage/in_depth/buildings/elstree.shtml|title=BBC buildings - Elstree|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> Each episode of ''Holby City'' is shot around three months in advance of transmission on [[BBC One]] - and while one episode is being shot, the cast are also shooting the next episode. This results in the completion of two episodes in two weeks. During television and magazine interviews, some cast members have revealed that a typical working day on the set of Holby City is 12 hours long - from 7.00am to 7.00pm.<ref name="workingday">{{cite web|url=http://uktv.co.uk/gold/stepbystep/aid/592545|title=Holby City|publisher=[[UK Gold]]|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> When ''Holby City'' first began, the series was short and shot months in advance - the first and second series only began airing once the full nine and 16 episodes respectively had been shot. From July 2007 onwards, the show took on the [[filmizing]] technique, giving episodes the impression of having been shot on film. Series producer Diana Kyle said of the change: "We wanted to bring ''Holby City'' into the 21st century, and we've had a very positive response. But it can take time for long-term viewers to adjust, and there are a few who've found it difficult to get used to. I'm sure they'll grow to like it as much as we do, though!"<ref name="insidesoap" /> ===Writers=== ''Holby City'' has numerous writers. Some write for the show on a regular basis; whilst others write the occasional episode. As of the current series which runs from 2007 to 2008, the regular writers on the show are: Tony McHale, Chris Murray, Graham Mitchell, Matthew Evans, Peter Lloyd, Debbie O' Malley, Joe Ainsworth, Martha Hillier, Mark Cairns, Paul Coates, Dana Fainaru, Sasha Hails, Andrew Holden, Abi Bown, Sam Wheats, Len Collin, Martin Jameson, Jeff Dodds, Dan Sefton, Gert Thomas, Sebastian Baczkiewicz, and Daisy Coulam.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} ==Broadcast history== ''Holby City'' was originally commissioned as a series to be shown as part of the [[BBC]]'s winter line-up. As years have passed, ''Holby City'' has become a permanent fixture in BBC One's weekly schedule. Since the start of the fourth series ([[9 October]] [[2001]]) the programme is broadcast all year round, with 52 episodes per series, on Tuesday nights at 8.00pm on [[BBC1]]. Originally, ''Holby City'' was broadcast on Thursday nights at 8.00pm, until a permanent switch to Tuesdays occurred during the third series, in 2001. On [[1 May]] [[2007]], the show was moved to its original slot on Thursdays to make way for ''[[HolbyBlue]]'', but reverted to its Tuesday slot on [[3 July]] [[2007]] once the eight-part ''HolbyBlue'' spin-off had concluded. Upon Holby's return to its usual Tuesday night slot, the show was broadcast with revamped opening titles, featuring clips of various cast members interspersed with the original credits, the third variation of the title sequence since the show began. When a character departs, they are replaced by a general hospital themed image such as surgical equipment until a replacement cast member is added to the sequence. ''Holby City'' aired as a drama series for its [[List of Holby City episodes (series 1-3)|first three series]], before becoming a serial drama in 2001. During the year-round series, the cross over from one season to the next occurs in October. The show's first series aired as seven 50-minute episodes and two 60-minute episodes - with each episode remaining 60 minutes in length from this point onwards. Its second series ran for 16 episodes, and its third for 30. Each subsequent series has aired for exactly 52 episodes, one for each week of the year. Some fairly major and other more minor changes to the series format and content have occurred since the show's conception. The second series introduced for the first time Keller Ward - a [[general surgery|General Surgical]] counter-part to the existing [[Cardiothoracic surgery|Cardiothoracic]] ward, Darwin. Likewise, series three saw the introduction of Otter Ward, a [[Pediatrics|Pediatric unit]] - which in series four was replaced by a [[Maternity]] ward and an [[Acute Assessment Unit]]. The Maternity ward was phased out during the show's eighth series, with all of its staff either departing from the show or being absorbed into new roles on other wards. During the tenth series, [[Jayne Grayson]] turned AAU into a Surgical Admissions Unit. ==Adaptations and other appearances== ===''Casualty@Holby City''=== {{main|Casualty@Holby City}} [[Image:Casualty@Holby City.png|left|thumb|175px|''Casualty@Holby City'' credits]] Reflecting ''Holby City''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s origins as a spin-off from ''Casualty'' and the closely-related premises of the two programmes, the BBC has screened occasional crossover mini-dramas entitled ''Casualty@Holby City'' and featuring a number of characters from each of the two casts. Mervyn Watson, [[Executive Producer]] of ''Casualty'', has commented on the origins of the idea to fully cross the two sister shows over for the first time: "I think the idea came from somebody in the comedy department, who casually said to the Controller of Drama "Wouldn't it be a good idea if...." The Controller did think it was a good idea, spoke to myself and Holby's Executive Producer, got it commissioned by the Head of [[BBC One]] and the rest is history."<ref name="watson">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/christmas2004/interview/|title=Crossover Interview|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=December 2004|accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> Filming of ''Casualty@Holby City'' episodes is usually divided between ''Casualty''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Bristol set, and ''Holby City''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Elstree studios, although a large proportion of the [[Casualty@Holby City Christmas 2005|Christmas 2005]] crossover was also filmed on location in a road tunnel in [[Caernarfon|Caernarvon]], [[Wales]].<ref name="liverpoolecho">{{Citation | last= | first= | author-link= | publication-date=[[23 December]] [[2005]] | date= | year= | title= TV drama in North Wales tunnel | periodical=[[The Daily Post]] | publication-place=[[Liverpool]], [[England]] | place= | publisher= | volume= | issue= | pages= | url= | doi= | oclc= | accessdate=}}</ref> The theme tune used for crossover ''Casualty@Holby City'' episodes consists of a shortened version of both the ''Casualty'' and ''Holby City'' theme tunes, played over one another in sync, critizised by [[The Mirror]] for being "basically both theme tunes played at once."<ref name="mirror">{{cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/tv/shelleyvision/2006/01/03/down-89520-16541433/|title=Jim Shelley Goes For The Jugular 03/01/2006|publisher=[[The Daily Mirror]]|date=[[3 January]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> There have been four crossovers to date involving both casts: The [[Casualty@Holby City Christmas 2004|Christmas 2004]] crossover featured a fuel [[tank truck|tanker lorry]] crashing into the Accident & Emergency department of [[Holby City Hospital]]. ''Casualty'' character [[List of characters in Casualty#Former cast|Jim Brodie]] died rescuing his colleagues from the burning hospital building.<ref name="cmas04">{{cite episode |title=Casualty@Holby City (Parts One and Two) |episodelink=Casualty%40Holby_City_Christmas_2004 |series=Casualty@Holby City |serieslink=Casualty@Holby City |network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2004-12-26}}</ref> In August 2005, an [[Casualty@Holby City Interactive|Interactive]] episode was screened as part of the [[BBC]]'s DoNation season, raising the profile of [[organ donation]] issues. Viewers voted for one of two patients to receive an organ donation during the show. The plot was designed to raise awareness of the scarcity of organs and encourage viewers to consider joining the [[NHS]] Donor Register.<ref name="interactive">{{cite episode |title=Something We Can Do |episodelink=Casualty%40Holby_City_Interactive |series=Casualty@Holby City |serieslink=Casualty@Holby City |network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2005-08-27}}</ref> A third crossover was produced for [[Casualty@Holby City Halloween 2005|Halloween 2005]]. This four episode special focused on issues around youth violence, featuring an ambulance hijack and an assault on character [[List of characters in Casualty#Former cast|Comfort Newton]] by pupils at a failing [[secondary school]].<ref name="halloween">{{cite episode |title=Teacher's Pet, Crash and Burn, Test Your Metal, A Great Leap Forward|episodelink=Casualty%40Holby_City_Halloween_2005 |series=Casualty@Holby City |serieslink=Casualty@Holby City |network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2005-10-24}}</ref> The last crossover to date aired at [[Casualty@Holby City Christmas 2005|Christmas 2005]] and saw a group of staff involved in a road collision when a tunnel collapsed en-route to the hospital Christmas party. Former character [[Nick Jordan]] returned, and [[Paramedic]] [[Paul "Woody" Joyner|Woody Joyner]] died saving the life of a baby.<ref name="ep1">{{cite episode |title=Deny Thy Father (Parts 1 and 2) |episodelink=Casualty%40Holby_City_Christmas_2005|series=Casualty@Holby City|serieslink=Casualty@Holby City|network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2005-12-24}}</ref> Interviewed prior to broadcast of the Christmas 2005 crossover, [[Executive Producer]] Mervyn Watson commented on the future of ''Casualty@Holby City'': "We can't guarantee any crossovers for next year, but the audience likes them. And as long as the Controller of BBC One wants them, then we'll be happy to oblige."<ref name="watson2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/christmas2005/interview/|title=Crossover Interview|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=December 2005|accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> In November 2007, ''Holby City'' producer Diana Kyle added: "We like to do crossovers whenever we can, but it's tricky because both ''Holby City'' and ''Casualty'' film for 52 weeks a year, so the actors on each show have to work flat-out on their own programmes. We are trying to create more opportunities where the two dramas can merge, though."<ref name="insidesoap">{{Citation | last= | first= | author-link= | publication-date=November 2007 | date= | year= | title=Ask the BOSS! | periodical=[[Inside Soap]] | publication-place=[[England]] | place= | publisher= | volume= | issue= | pages=40 | url= | doi= | oclc= | accessdate=}}</ref> ===HolbyBlue=== {{main|HolbyBlue}} [[Image:HolbyBlue titles.png|right|thumb|175px|''HolbyBlue'' title credits]] In April 2006, the BBC announced that a spin-off drama from the show, to be named ''[[HolbyBlue]]'', was in early stages of production.<ref name="holbyblue">{{cite news|author=John Plunkett|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/apr/27/broadcasting.bbc|title=Holby City walks the thin blue line|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|date=[[27 April]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> The series focuses on the police service of Holby South, and aired for the duration of its first series on [[BBC One]] on Tuesday nights, with ''Holby City'' switching back to its former Thursday night slot at 20:00. Despite Holby Blue being billed as a spin-off from Holby City, the first series saw no crossovers between characters from either show. Long running ''Casualty'' character [[Charlie Fairhead]] appeared in ''HolbyBlue'''s first episode, and a full two part crossover episode with ''Holby City'' is currently being developed for the beginning of the show's second series, set to broadcast in 2008.<ref name="holbyblue2">{{cite news|author=Kris Green|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a79838/holbyblue-returns-with-crossover-ep.html|title= 'HolbyBlue' returns with crossover ep|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=[[14 November]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> The BBC's Controller of Continuing Drama Series, John Yorke, said of the crossover: "Loads of questions are asked in the Holby City episode that are answered in the [[HolbyBlue]] episode. That is exciting. It is something the Americans have done for years with shows like CSI and I really like it. You really believe it’s a world."<ref name="holbyblue3">{{cite news|author=Matthew Hemley|url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/18854/tony-jordan-returns-to-write-for-eastenders|title=Tony Jordan returns to write for EastEnders|publisher=[[The Stage]]|date=[[14 November]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> The crossover episodes will be co-written by ''Holby City'' creator Tony McHale, and ''HolbyBlue'' creator Tony Jordan.<ref name="holbyblue2" /> ===Children in Need=== The [[17 November]] [[2006]] ''[[Children in Need]]'' [[Charitable organisation|charity]] [[telethon]] included a segment featuring the ''Holby City'' cast performing a comical version of ''[[Hung Up]]'' by [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]].<ref name="childreninneed">{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=25664&in_page_id=7|title=Stars line up for Children In Need|publisher=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro.co.uk]]|date=[[17 November]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-08-31}}</ref> The segment saw the characters dressed in [[lycra]] costumes, singing and dancing around the hospital's Darwin ward. The cast members who took part were [[Paul Bradley]] as [[Elliot Hope]], [[Rosie Marcel]] as [[Jac Naylor]], [[Patricia Potter]] as [[Diane Lloyd (fictional character)|Diane Lloyd]], [[Adam Best]] as Matt Parker, [[Nadine Lewington]] as [[Maddy Young]], [[Robert Powell]] as [[Mark Williams (fictional character)|Mark Williams]], [[Martin Hancock]] as Reg Lund, [[Rakie Ayola]] as [[Kyla Tyson]], [[Peter Wingfield]] as [[Daniel Clifford]], [[Phoebe Thomas]] as [[Maria Kendall]] and [[Paul Henshall]] as Dean West.<ref name="htvchildreninneed">{{cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1162860098,17840,|title=Children in Need|publisher=Holby.tv Database|date=[[7 November]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-08-31}}</ref> Characters Maddy Young, Daniel Clifford and Maria Kendall had not yet arrived on the show itself at this time. Maria and Daniel both appeared from [[28 November]] [[2006]],<ref name="joined">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/storyupdates/index.shtml?20061128|title=Episode Update Tuesday 28th November|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=[[28 November]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> and Maddy Young from [[16 January]] [[2007]].<ref name="joined2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/storyupdates/index.shtml?20070116|title=Episode Update Tuesday 16th January|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=[[16 January]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> The [[16 November]] [[2007]] ''[[Children in Need]]'' appeal again contained a musical performance from Holby City cast members. [[Sharon D Clarke]], backed by Nadine Lewington, Rakie Ayola and Phoebe Thomas performed a soul version of [[Aretha Franklin|Aretha Franklin's]] signature song, [[Respect (song)|Respect]].<ref name="childreninneed07">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/11_november/17/cin.shtml|title=Record-breaking £19m raised by BBC Children in Need so far...|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=[[17 November]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> ==Cast== {{main|List of characters in Holby City}} ''Holby City'' features an ensemble cast of characters involved in the medical profession - for the most part composed of doctors and nurses. The only current cast member who does not play a medic is [[Stella Gonet]] as [[Holby City Hospital|Holby City Hospital's]] [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] [[Jayne Grayson]].<ref name="jayne">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters|title=Holby City - Characters|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> Occasional [[anaesthetist]] roles in theatres scenes are filled by recurring supporting cast members Andrew Lewis and Alex MacQueen, as [[Minor characters in Holby City#Staff members|Paul Rose]] and [[Minor characters in Holby City#Staff members|Keith Greene]]. It is important to remember, though, that anaesthetists are doctors in the UK. They are highly trained specialists. Of the current cast, many of the actors who play main characters have made previous appearances in the series as patients and relatives. These include [[Amanda Mealing]] ([[Connie Beauchamp]]), Luke Roberts ([[Joseph Byrne]]), [[Rakie Ayola]] ([[Kyla Tyson]]), [[Rosie Marcel]] ([[Jac Naylor]]), [[Phoebe Thomas]] ([[Maria Kendall]]) and Hari Dhillon ([[Michael Spence (fictional character)|Michael Spence]]). Further to this, a number of cast members have made similar appearances on sister show ''Casualty''. These include again Rakie Ayola and Rosie Marcel, as well as Stella Gonet, [[Hugh Quarshie]] ([[Ric Griffin]]), [[Patsy Kensit]] ([[Faye Morton]]) and [[Nadine Lewington]] ([[Maddy Young]]).<ref name="prevappearances">{{cite web|url=http://www.holby.tv/db/index.php?casualty_holbycity_previous_appearances|title=Previous Appearances|publisher=Holby.tv Database|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> In some instances, actors have stated that it was their guest appearances which lead to their casting in more permanent roles - Luke Roberts has said of his minor appearance in [[List of Holby City episodes/Series Seven#Series Seven .282004-2005.29|Series Seven]] of the show: "It was only one scene really, but I think it was enough to get me called in for this part (as Joseph).<ref name="croydon">{{cite news|title=Luke Roberts Interview|publisher=icCroydon|date=January 2006}}</ref> I hear it got the attention of the producers. [[Amanda Mealing]] (the actress who portrays character [[Connie Beauchamp]]) put a good word in for me that day as well!"<ref name="htv">{{cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1141176873,12034,|title=Luke Roberts Interview|publisher=Holby.tv Database|date=[[1 March]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref> Conversely, Hari Dhillon who played minor character Dr Sunil Gupta between 2001 and 2003 before being cast as main character Michael Spence in 2007,<ref name="dhillon former appearance">{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0223561/|title=Hari Dhillon|publisher=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> has said of his former appearance: "I was in Holby City just after I left drama school, years ago... I couldn't even tell you when."<ref name="tpa2">{{cite news|url=http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iQSlN820vzJDqcr0SCs470I6Up8A|title=American actor in Holby City return|publisher=[[Press Association]]|date=[[31 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> In October 2007, [[The Daily Mirror|The Daily Mirror's]] television critic [[Jim Shelley (TV critic)|Jim Shelley]] noted a recent trend of ''Holby City'' producers for hiring established actors, including [[comedian]] [[Adrian Edmondson]], former film actress [[Patsy Kensit]], and [[Jesus of Nazareth (miniseries)|''Jesus of Nazareth'']] star [[Robert Powell]].<ref name="shelley">{{cite web|author=[[Jim Shelley (TV critic)|Jim Shelley]]|url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/comment/0,,2182492,00.html|title=How to make a BBC medical drama|date=[[3 October]] [[2007]]|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Other recent cast members to have achieved notable fame outside of Holby City include ''[[The House of Eliott]]'' star Stella Gonet, and recurring guest star [[Jane Asher]]. Series producer Diana Kyle addressed this trend in November 2007, when asked: "When you cast an actor, do you actively seek out well-known names - like Jane Asher [Lady Byrne] and Patsy Kensit [Faye] - or will a role simply go to whoever's better suited?". She responded to this question: "It's lovely when we have a new member of the cast come in and bring an audience with them. But we want the best actors, and the star names we cast are always the best - which is why we go for them!"<ref name="insidesoap" /> ===Laura Sadler=== {{main|Laura Sadler}} From December 2000 to September 2003, ''Holby City'' character [[Nurse#Nursing titles|Staff Nurse]] [[Sandy Harper]] was played by English actress [[Laura Sadler]].<ref name="laura">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/staff_room/holby_city_sandy.shtml|title=BBC - Holby City Staffroom - Sandy Harper|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> The actress became the centre of extensive media attention when on [[15 June]] [[2003]], she fell {{convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the balcony of her boyfriend's second floor flat, suffering serious head injuries.<ref name="laura2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2992656.stm|title=Holby City star 'critical' after fall|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=[[16 June]] [[2003]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> Sadler was taken off [[life support]] and died five days later, in [[Charing Cross Hospital]]. Series creator [[Mal Young]] said of her death: "Everyone at Holby City, and indeed, across the BBC, is devastated. Laura was a much-loved, talented and respected actress. She brought so much to the role with her infectious enthusiasm, dedication and 100 per cent professionalism.” [[Lorraine Heggessey]], Controller of BBC One, added: “I’m devastated that we have lost such a talented young actress. She was a sweet, modest, hard-working girl and will be much missed.”<ref name="laura3">{{cite news|author=Lewis Smith|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1143960.ece|title=Holby City actress dies of injuries|publisher=[[The Times]]|date=[[20 June]] [[2003]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> Sadler's boyfriend, [[George Calil]], who also played Sandy's on-screen lover Sean Hunt, was arrested following her fall, however was later released without charge when police deemed Sadler's death was not suspicious.<ref name="laura4">{{cite news|author=Nick Allen|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article110620.ece|title=Actor will not face charges over 'Holby City' star's death|publisher=[[The Independent]]|date=[[27 June]] [[2003]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> 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."<ref name="laura5">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3200311.stm|title=Holby bids farewell to Sadler|publisher=[[BBC.co.uk]]|date=[[3 September]] [[2003]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> Sandy's farewell episode, "A Friend in Need", revealed that the character had won £150,000 on the [[lottery]], and left for Australia to follow former love interest Danny Shaugnessy. 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!"<ref name="sandy">{{cite episode |title=A Friend in Need |episodelink=List_of_Holby_City_episodes/Series_Five#Series_Five_.282002-2003.29|series=''Holby City''|serieslink=Holby City| season = 5| number= 49|network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2003-09-09}}</ref> A photo of Sandy was placed on the wall on Darwin ward, which shows the character blowing out candles during her birthday celebration. This photo still appears in episodes to the present day. Out of the current cast of characters, the only people who knew Sandy are Chrissie Williams and Ric Griffin. ==Episode list== {{main|List of Holby City episodes}} ==Reception== ===Awards=== In 2008, Holby City won their first BAFTA TV Award after beating [[EastEnders]], [[Emmerdale]] and [[The Bill]]. ====Wins==== {|class="wikitable" |-bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !Year !Ceremony !Awards |- |rowspan="1"|2008 |[[British Academy Television Awards]] |'Best Continuing Drama' |- |} ====Nominations==== {|class="wikitable" |-bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !Year !Ceremony !Awards !References |- |rowspan="1"|2006 |[[British Academy Television Awards]] |'Best Continuing Drama' |<ref name="imdb">"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184122/awards Awards for ''Holby City'']", [[IMDb]]. URL last accessed [[2007-06-27]]</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|2005 |[[British Academy Television Awards]] |'Best Continuing Drama' |<ref name="imdb" /> |- |National Television Awards |'Most Popular Newcomer' |<ref name="imdb" /> |- |rowspan="1"|2004 |[[British Academy Television Awards]] |'Best Continuing Drama' |<ref name="imdb" /> |- |rowspan="1"|2003 |[[British Academy Television Awards]] |'Best New Director (fiction)' |<ref name="imdb" /> |- |rowspan="1"|2000 |[[Royal Television Society#Awards|Royal Television Society Awards]] |'Best Graphic Design - Titles' |<ref name="imdb" /> |} ===Drinks controversy=== In October 2007, drinks' industry body the [[Portman Group]] made an official complaint to communications regulator [[Ofcom]] about a scene in ''Holby City'' episode "Trial and Retribution", which depicted characters [[Maddy Young]] and [[Sam Strachan]] each taking five shots of [[tequila]] following a stressful day at work.<ref name="tar">{{cite episode |title=Trial and Retribution |episodelink=List_of_Holby_City_episodes/Series_Nine#Series_Nine_.282006-2007.29 |series=Holby City |serieslink=Holby City |network=[[BBC]] |airdate= 2007-10-05}}</ref> The body's [[chief executive]] David Poley claimed that in failing to show the negative consequences of this action, the series was presenting a "highly irresponsible portrayal of excessive and rapid drinking".<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|author=Mark Sweney|url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,2183342,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=4|title= Holby criticised for binge drinking scene|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|date=[[4 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-05}}</ref> In response to the groups' accusation that "We would expect the BBC to take greater care with the portrayal of alcohol in programmes",<ref name="whatsontv">{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/primetime/holby_city/news/2051|title= Holby City drinkers 'broke Ofcom rules'|publisher=[[What's On TV]]|date=[[4 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-05}}</ref> the [[BBC]] released a statement tying the complaint closely to the [[alcoholism]] storyline being played out by character [[Kyla Tyson]] at the time, explaining that: :"Holby City takes the issue of the negative effects of alcohol abuse very seriously. On occasions when our continuing drama series deal with alcohol within a storyline we always seek to handle the issue sensitivity.<ref name="northscotland">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=191711&command=displayContent&sourceNode=191710&contentPK=18581484&folderPk=112383&pNodeId=191800|title= Holby drinking scene 'breached rules'|publisher=thisisnorthscotland.com|date=[[4 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-05}}</ref> Holby City is in the middle of a storyline in which a key character (Kyla) has spiralling problems in her personal and professional life because of alcohol — a storyline that fully and realistically depicts the negative impact of alcohol dependency in the workplace. Kyla has now been seen to seek help for alcoholism and the audience will see how she fares on the road to recovery."<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news|author=Nicole Martin|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/04/nholby105.xml|title= BBC's Holby City criticised for binge drinking|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=[[4 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-09-12}}</ref> This statement was critically suggested to be advocating televisual censorship by [[The Daily Telegraph]], who wrote that: "(T)he BBC's defence is, depressingly enough, based on the same premise as the Portman Group's complaint, and the Home Secretary's "zero-tolerance" bletherings: that the job of fiction for adults is to seek to shape the behaviour of its audience in accordance with precepts set down, inter alia, by the Government." The broadsheet took the stance that the BBC's agreement with the Portman Group that it was in fact necessary to portray negative effects of alcohol abuse was akin to treating ''Holby City'' viewers as "feeble-minded".<ref name="telegraph2">{{cite web|author=Sam Leith|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/10/08/do0803.xml|title= It's censorship – so why can't they admit it? |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=[[8 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> ==External links== {{wikiquote}} *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity BBC Official ''Holby City'' website] *{{imdb title|id=0184122|title=Holby City}} *[http://www.holby.tv Holby.tv fan website] *[http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/primetime/holby_city ''Holby City''] at What's on TV website ==References== {{Reflist|2}} {{Holby}} [[Category:BBC television dramas]] [[Category:British television soap operas]] [[Category:Medical television series]] [[Category:Television spin-offs]] [[Category:Holby]] [[Category:1999 television series debuts]] [[Category:1990s British television series]] [[Category:2000s British television series]] [[it:Holby City]] [[fi:Holby Cityn sairaala]]