Holby City
Alex Walkinshaw on how Holby’s director of nursing reacts to some worrying news…
TUESDAY 9 June, 8pm BBC1 Drama
It’s Guy Self’s first proper day back at Holby and Louis’ first day working there as a nurse. The pair get off on the wrong foot when Guy orders Louis to leave AAU – so Guy gets a shock when his boss and lover, Max Mcgerry, later reveals Louis’ true identity. Meanwhile, Jac warns Kian they need to keep things professional while at work. But as she falls for his charms once more, it becomes clear Kian’s hiding something…
Q Your character, Adrian ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, has been very stressed out recently. How’s he been coping with the nursing shortage at Holby?
A I don’t think Fletch is a natural for the role of director of nursing but part of his charm is that, first and foremost, he’s a nurse. So dealing with a lack of funds has been stressful. Fletch takes it all to heart and thinks it’s his fault he can’t find a way out of this mess.
Q With the nursing crisis finally over this week, Fletch turns his attentions to his health. What makes him think something is wrong?
A I think the fatigue he’s felt from the pressures of work have run parallel to some health concerns he’s been having. Even though Fletch is a nurse, he suffers from an often typical male mindset of thinking, ‘Oh, I’m just rundown.’ However, this week, he orders some tests.
Q The results reveal that Fletch has cancer…
A He’s shocked and scared. You immediately think about the worst-case scenario, especially if you have kids and Fletch has four children under 16.
Q Fletch’s colleague Essie di Lucca (Kaye Wragg) is also dealing with her own cancer battle. Does he confide in her?
A Fletch tells Essie about his diagnosis as she’s obviously in the same boat. Essie urges Fletch to talk to Henrik Hanssen
[Guy Henry], saying he was really helpful when she was diagnosed.
Q Are Fletch and Essie able to support each other?
A Yes. If you’ve got an illness, people can empathise, but unless it’s actually happened to them, they can only guess how you’re feeling. If you’re both experiencing that same thing, you’re in it together.
Q Can we expect some powerful scenes?
A The emotional scenes have been challenging but Kaye makes things easier because she gives so much. Most people have had a brush with cancer – this storyline is good, bad, happy, sad. It’s important we show all that.