HOLBY CITY’s Registrar Diane Lloyd has had a rollercoaster ride this year. After her sister Joanne died in a car crash, Diane faced a battle of custody over Joanne’s newborn baby son. Her love life has also been rocky, but she is set to tie the knot with Owen next year – but will it last? Actress Patricia Potter talks to holby.tv about her role…
Diane has become a very popular character with fans. Do you enjoy playing her character and why do you think she has such a strong fan base?
Very much – maybe people like her because she is sometimes a bit daft and says things without thinking (as we all do!) but also because she’s kind hearted too.
You’ve had a number of dramatic storylines on HOLBY CITY over the years, what have been the most challenging and memorable for you?
I really enjoyed all the stuff with Steve (Peter de Jersey) although it was a while ago – but it was very dramatic – carcrashes, pregnancy, abortion, grief etc. Also all the stuff with her sister and Jack. I also very much enjoyed marrying Owen recently.
What do you think about Owen and Diane’s relationship? Do you think Owen is her ideal man or would you have liked to have seen her paired up with another character?
I think she definitely wants it to work – after all, she’s had a pretty grim year personally, but we all know that there’s still a spark with him and Chrissie.
Filming Diane’s sister’s death must have been quite emotional. How do you prepare for such scenes and is it difficult to switch off after filming?
The preparation really just involves knowing the lines really well so that when it comes to the acting, hopefully it flows quite easily. Good writing helps too. I feel quite tired after a good sob but it doesn’t take long to switch off.
In your opinion do you think Simon deserved to have custody of baby Jack, or were Owen and Diane more deserving parents?
At the end of the day, Jack should be with his Dad – though Diane wouldn’t admit it!
Do you think you are anything like your character Diane?
I sometimes don’t think before speaking! I suppose we are both fairly career minded too.
Who are your closest friends on the Set of HOLBY?
We are all very close in the cast which is lovely. After all, we spend an enormous amount of time together!
Who or what inspired you to become an actress?
It was the only thing I was ever any good at at school and I was lucky enough to have a very encouraging teacher.
Away from the busy filming schedules, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Going to the pub with friends – cooking Sunday lunches for friends with my gorgeous boyfriend! And most of all, going home to the farm in Kent to spend time with my family.
