Holby City Serena wants to stay?
“Bernie and Serena are still BUT WILL THEY SAIL INTO THE SUNSET TOGETHER? CATHERINE RUSSELL INVITES US ABOARD THE ‘BERENA’ LOVE BOAT, AS THE PAIR STEER TO A DECISION ON THEIR FUTURE…
It started with a kiss… and now
Holby’s Bernie and Serena are one of the most ‘shipped’ couples on television. However, fans of the pair have endured a fair bit of separation anxiety as a result of stars Jemma Redgrave and Catherine Russell both taking breaks from the show. So now the smitten surgeons are firmly within snogging distance again, what does their future hold? Catherine Russell, who plays Serena, teases us with the juicy details…
Was it fun reuniting with Jemma to revisit Berena’s romance?
Absolutely! Jemma and I have worked together for two years and it’s always a treat to play opposite somebody who inspires you to be better than you are. I hope she feels the same, and yes,
I’ve loved having her back.
Has the separation had a negative impact on their romance, or do you think it’s made them stronger?
They’ve had to cope with a long-distance relationship, which is extremely difficult to maintain no matter how strongly you feel or what age you are. It has been a struggle, but no, I think they are still completely and utterly madly in love with each other.
Serena’s original plan was to return to Nairobi with Bernie, but have her priorities shifted since then?
Yes, although I’m not sure how aware of that she is until Bernie turns up and says, “C’mon girl, let’s go”! Serena’s nephew Jason is about to have a baby with Greta, and if you bear in mind where his character began – needing full time care – to have him in that situation without any help, or so Serena thinks, is a bit untenable really.
Greta gives birth this week, so does that sway Serena’s decision whether to leave with Bernie or not?
I don’t want to give too much away, but this episode is all about Serena coming to terms with her priorities. Going to work and live in a different country from your only remaining family is a big call for her – so will she go? Who knows? Well, I do! I don’t think we’re quite finished with this story yet…
As Jemma is only back for a brief spell, will we be pleased with how things turn out for Berena?
The thing is, we’re just actors and we have other jobs and commitments. I know that people are understandably worried about the idea that it’s going to be squashed and killed off because it is a lesbian storyline. But I did it last year, I took my nine months off (my choice), went back into the theatre, went travelling (my choice), and I took some time out. And this time, Jemma is back in the theatre, and that’s her choice. So am I happy with the way the storyline goes? Well, yes, I think the show copes with actors wanting to go away and come back extremely cleverly.
It’s great that Jemma was able to make the time to return.
Yes, and we are all extremely aware of how important representation is, and feel a huge responsibility to the fans and the support that they’ve given us. We do care about them!
We all remember that amazing first kiss you shared. Can we expect more passion from this episode?
Absolutely, there are a fair few snogs!
Having taken a long break, where do you see your future with Holby?
Well, that break was after five solid years, so I don’t think it’s my turn. I’ll be there a little bit longer before I ask for another one!
You’re quite vocal on Twitter about your local train service…
My nickname for Thameslink trains is Satan, so whenever I tap ‘Satan’ into my phone, Thameslink automatically comes up! They are appalling!
Are people alert enough in the morning to recognise you?
Sometimes, although people are so used to seeing me wearing Serena’s shirts and sporting a now-grey quiff, that they miss me struggling on to the train bleary eyed with bed hair. The worst thing is, if another passenger falls ill, and I momentarily think that I can help with the situation, I have to tell myself that I’m not really a doctor!