Holby City star Catherine Russell is leaving the show after seven years of playing Serena Campbell, Digital Spy can exclusively confirm.

The actress has already filmed her final scenes on the BBC medical drama, with Serena's 'heroic' exit story due to play out early next year.

Speaking about her decision to leave, Catherine said: "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, added: "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."

Serena made her first appearance in Holby in 2012, when she joined as a consultant general surgeon alongside two other regular characters.

Since then, Serena has gone on to be involved in a number of the show's big plots, exploring important and challenging topics such as dementia, and the hardship of grief following the death of her daughter Elinor.

However, Serena will probably be best remembered for her highly popular romance with colleague Bernie Wolfe, who was killed off screen earlier this year.

Recent scenes have seen Serena left grief-stricken following the discovery that Bernie died while working abroad, paving the way for the final chapter in the doctor's story.

Viewers can expect Serena's final weeks in Holby City to be packed with drama and a series of unexpected events, kicking off when she gets a dark reminder from the past.

In the wake of Serena's blast from the past, developments at the hospital will bring out her joyously rebellious side as she passionately fights for her family and her most cherished values.


Digital Spy