Catherine Russell, who plays Serena Campbell, has announced she will be departing the long-running BBC One medical drama, seven years after first appearing on screen in Holby City in 2012.
The beloved character has announced that she will be leaving Holby City before making a heroic exit on screen in the New Year.
Throughout her time on the show Serena’s storylines have explored important and challenging topics such as dementia, the love story between Serena and Jemma Redgrave’s character Bernie and the hardship of grief following the death of her daughter Elinor and Serena’s subsequent fraught working relationship with Jac’s sister Jasmine.
Viewers can expect Serena’s final weeks in Holby City to be packed with drama and a series of unexpected events. Viewers will see a startlingly steely side when Serena faces a dark reminder from the past and then developments at the hospital will bring out her joyously rebellious side as she passionately fights for her family and her most cherished values.
Catherine Russell says: “Playing Serena Campbell and being part of the Holby family has been an absolute delight. I just need to get out there, frighten myself again and pretend to be someone else. But you never know, hopefully I’ll be able to revisit the hospital as it really is the most wonderful place to work!”
Simon Harper, Executive Producer of Casualty and Holby City, says: “Yes it’s true, the brilliant Catherine Russell is leaving the show. She’s truly one of the Holby greats, her mercurial portrayal of the unique, drily witty and passionate Serena literally lighting up the screen. We are all very sad to say goodbye to her – but it’s no surprise such a talented actor should want to go and play other roles again after seven outstanding years. Catherine, we wish you all the best, while raising a bucket of shiraz to the glory that is Ms Campbell – and I just can’t thank you enough.”
Catherine will appear on screen as Serena until early 2020.
In answer to your questions re me & @BBCHolbyCity pic.twitter.com/Rm2rsyYdGs
— Catherine Russell (@catherinerusse2) October 30, 2019
