Why has Holby City been cancelled? Reason the Casualty spin-off was axed - and what happens to the cast

The show has aired since 1999 and was introduced as a spin-off of BBC series ‘Casualty’
Many actors on Holby City have been on the show for several years and it is not known how much forewarning they received before the announcement was made (Picture: BBC)Many actors on Holby City have been on the show for several years and it is not known how much forewarning they received before the announcement was made (Picture: BBC)
Many actors on Holby City have been on the show for several years and it is not known how much forewarning they received before the announcement was made (Picture: BBC)

BBC series Holby City will air for the last time in March 2022, bosses of the show have announced.

The popular medical drama first launched in 1999 and has won hundreds of awards for its gripping, realistic storylines.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Producers at the BBC said the decision to pull the show next year was made in an attempt to create space for new talent.

So, why has Holby City been cancelled and what has the BBC said about the show? This is what we know so far.

Why has Holby City been cancelled?

On 2 June, producers of the show released a statement announcing that Holby City would come to an end in nine months’ time.

They said the “difficult decision” was made to provide room for “new opportunities”, as the BBC looks to move out of London and invest in other parts of the UK.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The BBC said: “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.

"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."

It added: "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.

"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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We look forward to working with the team over the coming months to ensure that when it ends, Holby goes out on a high."

Where was Holby City filmed?

The show is predominantly filmed at the BBC's Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire, as well as some scenes being shot around Bristol.

Holby City and Casualty are set in the fictional town of Wyvern, South West England.

BBC Director General Tim Davie announced plans in March to move jobs out of London and make the company and it’s talent more reflective of the country as a whole.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This move should see more jobs created in Glasgow and Leeds, where the broadcaster already has bases.

What will happen to the cast?

Holby City’s 250-strong cast and crew will be impacted by the move. It is not known when they were told of the show coming to an end.

Actor Davood Ghadami, who only joined the cast in April after leaving Eastenders, said on Twitter: “I’ve only had the privilege of being part of @BBCHolbyCity for a couple of months,’ the Kush Kazemi actor wrote on Twitter.

“But its already very clear that its a great big family not a workplace. It will be sorely missed. Lets go out with a bang #Holby”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Many other actors and production specialists from the industry also posted about the sympathy they share for the cast and crew, with some commenting how hard it is to get a permanent, secure job, which Holby City actors had become accustom to.

Jo Martin, who plays surgeon and CEO Maxine ‘Max’ in the show, retweeted the BBC’s statement with a ‘shifty eyes’ emoji.

Davie said of the new regional approach by the BBC: "Our mission must be to deliver for the whole of the UK and ensure every household gets value from the BBC.

"These plans will get us closer to audiences, create jobs and investment, and develop and nurture new talent."

When will Holby City end?

The final series of Holby City will air in March 2022.

Will Casualty also be cancelled?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There has been no mention of Casualty coming to an end, and as far as we know the show will continue on BBC One when Holby City ends in 2022.

Where can I watch Holby City?

Holby City currently airs on Tuesday’s at 8.20pm on BBC One. Casualty airs at 8.20pm on Saturdays.

You can watch both shows on BBC iPlayer.

Related topics: