‘Holby City’: BBC To End Medical Drama After 23 Years
The BBC has decided to end one of its longest-running dramas, as the broadcaster announces ‘Holby City’ will conclude in March 2022.
Created by Tony McHale and Mal Young, the drama first aired in 1999, and began as a spin-off from the hugely popular ‘Casualty’. The series shows life on the wards of Holby City Hospital, following the highs and lows of the staff and patients.
“We are incredibly proud of Holby City but it’s with great sadness that we are announcing that after 23 years, the show will end on screen in March of next year,” commented the BBC in a statement. “We sometimes have to make difficult decisions to make room for new opportunities and as part of the BBC’s commitment to make more programmes across the UK, we have taken the difficult decision to bring the show to a close in order to reshape the BBC’s drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.”
The move comes as part of the BBC’s commitment to move £700 million in spending and job outside of London to better reflect the UK’s nations and regions. ‘Holby City’ is set in the fictional county of Wyvern in SW England, and some exteriors are shot around Bristol, but the majority of the series is filmed at BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire. The decision to end the series will affect around 250 jobs including actors and behind the camera staff.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at BBC Studios and all the cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 1999,” the statement continues. “Holby has been a stalwart with audiences, delighting millions of viewers each week and winning hundreds of awards with a compelling mix of cutting edge medical stories and explosive personal stories. We look forward to working with the team over the coming months to ensure that when it ends, Holby goes out on a high.”
‘Holby City’ has aired 22 Seasons to date, and has been nominated for numerous awards, including five BAFTAs, winning one. It has featured a number of notable guest stars over the years, including Ricky Whittle, Sylvester McCoy, Maureen Lipman, Kym Marsh, and Helen Flanagan. It also helped launch the careers of people such as Jodie Comer, Charlotte Riley, Joe Cole and Letitia Wright.
