Summary
This is the story of the birth of a character from script to screen.
For the producers, it’s a labour of love, for the actors, it’s their first big break and a fantastic springboard in a BBC contemporary drama, which could be the biggest opportunity of their career.
Making It At Holby exclusively follows three new characters in two of BBC One’s biggest drama series, Holby City and Casualty. This special entertainment documentary explores the creation of the new characters and the experiences of the actors cast in each role.
Viewers see the young actors – Simon Kassianides, Kelly Adams and Jaye Jacobs – arriving at castings and meetings with the BBC casting directors and executives.
Simon is cast in the guest role of Steve in Casualty, while Kelly and Jaye are the two new regular nurses, Mickie and Donna, in Holby City. For Kelly, it’s her first part on television. Viewers are taken behind the scenes and witness the actors’ anxious moments before castings and follow them to their nervewracking debut on set – and screen. Months of meticulous planning is suddenly realised.
On set, all three are mentored by leading actors. Holby’s Ian Aspinall (Mubbs Hussein) and Jan Pearson (Kath) look after Kelly and Jaye; Casualty’s James Redmond (Abs) gives helpful guidance to Simon.
The programme features other acclaimed names who struggled for a crack at the big time on television, including Robson Green, who recalls his first major TV appearance on Casualty, as well as Jason Merrells, Shane Richie, Jill Halfpenny, Tina Hobley and many others.
This documentary is broadcast as part of BBC Talent Week, which celebrates the BBC’s commitment to finding and nurturing new, creative talent.The debut episodes for Simon, Kelly and Jaye are broadcast on BBC One around the time of the documentary.
