Sharon D. Clarke is returning to 'Holby City' to celebrate the medical drama's 20th anniversary next year.
Sharon D. Clarke in Holby City
The 52-year-old actress will be making her first appearance as Dr. Lola Griffin since her departure in 2008 as the BBC One series celebrates the milestone and will feature in one episode to hold a mirror up to ex-husband Dr. Ric Griffin, who is played by longest-serving cast member Hugh Quarshie, reflecting on his years at the hospital.
Clarke has most recently been seen on screen in this year's series of 'Doctor Who' playing Grace O'Brien - the murdered wife of Bradley Walsh's alter ego Graham O'Brien - but she admits she is thrilled to be "treading the wards" again as Lola and getting the chance to work with Hugh again.
She said: "I spent three-and-a-half happy years playing Lola. She was the kind of woman I would have loved to have seen on my screen when I was growing up. I was very proud to bring her to life and be a part of the 'Holby' family. I'm so excited to be treading the wards again, and seeing what Lola will be getting up to for Holby's 20th Anniversary. Hey, Ric, Lola's back in town!"
And Lola is not the only former character returning to the programme as part of the anniversary celebrations that will culminate in a very special 1000th episode in autumn 2019.
Denis Lawson will be reprising his role as cardiothoracic consultant Tom Campbell-Gore, last seen towards the end of series six back in 2004.
Having spent the last 14 years rebuilding his reputation, Tom meets old rival Ric, who he must compete against to win crucial funding at an Innovation Conference, and introduces new surgeon Ange Godard (Dawn Steele) to Holby.
Speaking about his comeback, Lawson said: "I have great memories of my time on 'Holby City' and I'm delighted to be back on my old stomping ground with the 'Holby' cast and crew."
Simon Harper - Executive Producer of 'Holby City' and 'Casualty' - says plans are underway to give the audience a "whole year of anniversary treats" and the two confirmed returns are just the start of the surprises.
Harper said: "It's so exciting to celebrate the continued success of 'Holby City' - one of the UK's most beloved medical dramas. We want to give the audience a whole year of anniversary treats, paying homage to the show's heritage with some delicious returning characters - but also celebrating the new, working towards the 1000th episode around Bonfire Night... which is set to be an explosive story indeed! It's a massive thrill to have Denis back, not only as one of our country's foremost actors but also as one of Holby's original bad boys in the show's early years! Tom Campbell-Gore hasn't changed a bit since he left 'Holby' 15 years ago and definitely has some scores to settle with Ric ... And it's such a coup to have Sharon here again too, it's fantastic too given how in demand she is - not only is she a fabulous actor and a much loved tender, funny 'Holby' character but we clearly couldn't let the anniversary pass without the appearance of one of Ric's many ex-wives to ruffle his feathers."
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