Holby City actors are reportedly planning to sue the BBC after their show was axed after 23 years being on air.
Stars of the show were said to be under the impression it would run for years to come, however the programme’s final episode aired on Tuesday night (March 29).
The hospital drama, which was nominated for a BAFTA, came to an end with surgeon Jac Naylor’s death.
According to the Sun, show bosses sent an email to cast and crew suggesting they could finally enjoy “a well-deserved break”.
Many actors argue that the broadcaster did not promote the show enough and despite this still matched EastEnders’ viewing figures, which is screened on the same evening.
(Image: BBC)
A TV insider told the publication stars were angered by the way in which the show came to a close with many feeling betrayed.
The source said: “At no point were they warned Holby would be pulled, otherwise they would have considered other job offers.
“They thought they had security and career development. The feeling was that the show — a favourite for 23 years — just fizzled out with little consideration for the people put out of work.”
(Image: BBC)
The insider continued: “Many actors involved in the potential legal action feel they gave up secure work to move to a show which looked like it could run for another 23 years.”
Ten months ago, the BBC announced that it would be axed as part of a drive under new Director General Tim Davie who hopes to make more dramas outside the South of England.
Holby was already a sister show to Casualty — which are both set in the same Bristol hospital — giving a slight feeling of duplication and lack of diversity.
(Image: Getty Images)
The chirpy email reportedly sent to staff and crew this week apparently did not go down well.
The source also said: “Some people have been working most of their adult lives on the show and are now jobless and worried about feeding their families. They are hardly relishing a ‘break’ from work.”
Daily Star reached out to the broadcaster for comment and a BBC spokesperson replied: “We are so proud of what Holby City has achieved over 23 years. The passion and commitment that the cast and crew invested in the show right up to the final days of filming was incredible — as anyone who watched Tuesday’s farewell will confirm.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
