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Serena Campbell is a fictional character from the
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medical drama '' Holby City'', played by Catherine Russell. She first appeared in the fourteenth series episode "Coercion", broadcast on 1 May 2012. Serena is a consultant general surgeon and formerly Holby General Hospital's deputy CEO. She was introduced along with two other regular characters by the show's then executive producer Johnathan Young, who wanted more "truthful and complicated" characters in the series. Serena was originally Frankie Renard, but the name was changed as the producers thought it was "terrible". Russell auditioned for the role and attended a second call back where she was made up in Serena's costume and make-up. After being cast, the actress was given advice about Serena's profession from a female surgeon to help her prepare for the part. Aspects of Russell's personality traits were incorporated into the character of Serena after she was cast. Serena is portrayed as being candid, professional, manipulative and efficient. She also has an
MBA A Master of Business Administration (MBA; also Master's in Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree focused on business administration. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business administration such as accounti ...
from
Harvard University Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of high ...
making her a good manager, as well as a good surgeon. Russell commented that Serena did not care what people thought about her. Serena was brought to the hospital by Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry) to help the place run more efficiently. She immediately clashed with
Ric Griffin Kobina Eric "Ric" Griffin is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', portrayed by actor Hugh Quarshie. The character is introduced as a consultant in general surgery during the series four episode " Rogue Males", ori ...
(
Hugh Quarshie Hugh Anthony Quarshie (born 22 December 1954) is a Ghanaian-born British actor. Some of his best-known roles include his appearances in the films ''Highlander'' (1986), '' The Church'' (1989), ''Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace'' (1 ...
). Further exploration of Serena's background began when her mother, Adrienne (
Sandra Voe Sandra Voe (born 6 October 1936) is a Scottish actress of film, television, and theatre. Career Television and films Voe began her on screen career in 1966, appearing in an episode of ''Dr. Finlay's Casebook''. She has also appeared in '' ...
), and daughter, Elinor (Charlotte Hope; Amy McCallum), were introduced, followed by her ex-husband, Edward (
Aden Gillett John Aden Gillett is a British actor. He is best known for playing the role of Jack Maddox on the BBC series '' The House of Eliott''. Biography and career Gillet was born in the city of Aden, Yemen, from which he got his name. He attended ...
), in 2013. He and Serena briefly reconciled until she learned that he was a secret alcoholic. Serena also faced disappointment when she was passed over for the job of CEO again. In 2014, she had to cope with Adrienne's
vascular dementia Vascular dementia (VaD) is dementia caused by problems in the supply of blood to the brain, typically a series of minor strokes, leading to worsening cognitive abilities, the decline occurring piecemeal. The term refers to a syndrome consisti ...
diagnosis and the worsening of her condition. Producers created a long-lost sister and nephew for Serena in 2016. Her nephew, Jason Haynes (Jules Robertson), has
Asperger syndrome Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a former neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of beha ...
and Serena takes over his care. She was also given a love interest in the form of police officer Robbie Medcalf (Mark Healy). Serena was paired with trauma surgeon Bernie Wolfe (
Jemma Redgrave Jemima Rebecca Redgrave (born 14 January 1965), known as Jemma Redgrave, is a fourth-generation British actress of the Redgrave family. She played the title character in four series of '' Bramwell'', and has a recurring role in '' Doctor Who'' a ...
) in late 2016, first professionally and later romantically. Russell took a break in early 2017 to star in a play and returned the following year. After seven years in the role, Russell made the decision to leave ''Holby City'', and her final scenes aired on 21 January 2020. She reprised the role in 2022 for the show's final series, along with Redgrave. Both the character and Russell's portrayal of her have received a positive response from television critics.


Creation and casting

On 29 March 2012, it was announced that three new regular characters would make their debuts during ''Holby City's'' fourteenth series in May 2012. Actress Catherine Russell joined the cast as Serena Campbell, alongside
Chizzy Akudolu Andrea Chizoba "Chizzy" Akudolu (born 7 October 1973) is a British actress. Career In 2002, Akudolu was one of eight new comedy performers who won the BBC Talent Initiative, The Urban Sketch Showcase. All eight performed a comedy sketch sho ...
as
Mo Effanga Maureen "Mo" Effanga is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', played by actress Chizzy Akudolu. She first appeared in the fourteenth series episode "Double Bubble", broadcast on 22 May 2012. Mo is a consultant cardi ...
and Michael Thomson as
Jonny Maconie Jonny Maconie is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama ''Holby City'', played by actor Michael Thomson. He first appeared in the fourteenth series episode "Wolf's Clothing", broadcast on 15 May 2012. Jonny is a clinical nurse manage ...
. Serena was introduced as a "charmingly candid and utterly professional" consultant general surgeon. Of the new characters, the show's executive producer. Johnathan Young, commented "These are three very talented actors and I am delighted to welcome them to the cast. There are some dramatic and exciting storylines coming up on ''Holby City'' over the next few months and I know our new additions will have an immediate impact." Young later stated that he had wanted to introduce more "truthful and complicated" characters to the series. When the character of Serena was first created, she was initially called Frankie Renard, a name producers Oliver Kent and Simon Harper said was "terrible". Russell auditioned for the role and admitted that she was nervous when she attended a second recall in front of the producers. She likened the experience to "a movie screen test", as she was made up in Serena's costume and make-up. Russell said ''Holby City'' was "a lovely place to work" and believed that she was cast partly because she gets on with the job and fitted in well with the other cast members. To help her prepare for the role, Russell was given advice about Serena's profession from a female surgeon. After Russell was cast, some of her personality traits, including her "quirkiness and subversive naughtiness", were incorporated into the character of Serena. Russell appears as Serena in a two-part crossover episode with ''Holby City'' sister show, ''
Casualty Casualty may refer to: *Casualty (person), a person who is killed or rendered unfit for service in a war or natural disaster **Civilian casualty, a non-combatant killed or injured in warfare * The emergency department of a hospital, also known as ...
'', originally broadcast in March 2019.


Development


Characterisation

The show's official website describes Serena as being candid, professional and "an unapologetic achiever and fearless architect of change." Serena has an
MBA A Master of Business Administration (MBA; also Master's in Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree focused on business administration. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business administration such as accounti ...
from
Harvard University Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of high ...
, and Russell commented that in addition to being a good surgeon, Serena is also a good manager. She also told Collins that Serena "occasionally takes efficiency too far". Speaking with Katy Moon of '' Inside Soap'', Russell called Serena "the queen of manipulation" and a big flirt. Serena often uses her flirting skills as a weapon to get what she wants and leads from her head, instead of her heart. Russell hoped Serena would have a love interest, as she was "all for having a snog". When a ''
What's on TV ''What's on TV'' is a weekly television listings magazine published by Future PLC. Overview ''What's on TV'' is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and compet ...
'' columnist branded Serena "a bit cold-hearted", Russell defended her explaining that she had a great bedside manner, but she did not care what people thought about her, which made her "so scary". She stated "Serena Campbell does not give a damn whether you like her or not!" In September 2014, Russell told Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly that she enjoyed playing Serena as she was such "a multi-dimensional character" with both fun and serious sides to her. Russell also stated that a genuine friendship would develop between Serena and Raf di Lucca (
Joe McFadden Joseph McFadden (born 9 October 1975) is a Scottish actor best known for his roles in ''The Crow Road,'' '' Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll, Heartbeat'' and '' Holby City.'' McFadden won the 2017 series of the BBC One series '' Strictly Come Dancing ...
), and they would enjoy some "drunken evenings" together.


Career at Holby

Serena was recruited by Henrik Hanssen ( Guy Henry) to help "run things more efficiently and make the figures work". Serena immediately clashed with her new colleague
Ric Griffin Kobina Eric "Ric" Griffin is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', portrayed by actor Hugh Quarshie. The character is introduced as a consultant in general surgery during the series four episode " Rogue Males", ori ...
(
Hugh Quarshie Hugh Anthony Quarshie (born 22 December 1954) is a Ghanaian-born British actor. Some of his best-known roles include his appearances in the films ''Highlander'' (1986), '' The Church'' (1989), ''Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace'' (1 ...
), but Russell stated that they both wanted what was best for their patients. When Serena treated a cancer patient with innovative surgery against Ric's advice, it sparked "a power game" between them. Russell said Serena also wanted to get in the middle of Ric's working relationship with Antoine Malick (
Jimmy Akingbola James Olatokunbo Akingbola (born 7 April 1978) is an English television, theatre and film actor. Early life Jimmy Akingbola was born in London to parents of the Yoruba tribe who had emigrated from Nigeria. In 1996, Akingbola started at the ...
), and get Malick on her side. Russell also said that Ric and Serena would have a "love-hate relationship" and hinted that they could form a romantic connection in the future, as they were both single. In June 2012, Serena's work and personal lives clashed when her teenage daughter, Elinor (Charlotte Hope), arrived on the wards with her friend Gabby (Georgina Campbell). When Serena confronted her daughter, Elinor revealed that she and Gabby had drunk alcohol and taken ecstasy. Gabby was also suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, which forced Serena and Ric to team up and save her. Serena was "glad of Ric's help" and the pair bonded over parenthood. However, they clashed again when Serena interfered in Ric's treatment of her mother Adrienne (
Sandra Voe Sandra Voe (born 6 October 1936) is a Scottish actress of film, television, and theatre. Career Television and films Voe began her on screen career in 1966, appearing in an episode of ''Dr. Finlay's Casebook''. She has also appeared in '' ...
). After she was informed that Adrienne was not a priority, Serena managed to get her a theatre slot, leaving Ric to threaten to report her. Following Adrienne's surgical procedure, nurse Chantelle Lane (
Lauren Drummond Lauren Emma Drummond (born 23 December 1987) is an English actress. She is best known for her roles as Mika Grainger in the BBC One school-based drama series '' Waterloo Road'' (2006–2008) and Chantelle Lane in the BBC One medical drama series ...
) did not perform vital post-op checks and Adrienne suffered a stroke. A "distraught" Serena blamed Chantelle for her mother's condition. Serena later insisted that the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) should not refer patients to Keller ward, but when it started to cause problems, she had "a crisis of confidence". Serena later backed down when
Chrissie Williams Christine "Chrissie" Williams (also Levy) is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', played by Tina Hobley. She first appeared in the third series episode "The Road Less Travelled", broadcast on 5 June 2001. Hobley deci ...
(
Tina Hobley Tina Ellen Hobley (born 20 May 1971) is an English actress and radio presenter, best known for her long-running role as Chrissie Williams in the BBC One medical drama series ''Holby City''. Hobley left Holby City in November 2013 after 12 years. ...
) wanted to bring a patient, with a
degloving A degloving injury is a type of avulsion in which an extensive section of skin is completely torn off the underlying tissue, severing its blood supply. It is named by analogy to the process of removing a glove. The causes of degloving can vary ...
injury to her leg, up to Keller. Chrissie told Serena about the history of the patient and gave her photographs of her injury. Russell stated that Serena could not resist the chance to operate as the area of surgery was her speciality. However, Serena wanted to perform the operation on AAU and asked Chrissie to join her in surgery, as she was impressed by her. Serena also wanted Chrissie to move to Keller and be close by her side, as she realised Chrissie had no problems standing up to authority figures. Serena was later reunited with Imelda Cousins (
Tessa Peake-Jones Tessa Peake-Jones (born 9 May 1957) is an English actress having appeared in ''The Danedyke Mystery'' (1979), ''Pride and Prejudice'' (1980), '' When We Are Married'' (1987), '' Up the Garden Path'' (1990–1993), '' So Haunt Me'' (1992–1994), ...
) when she was appointed acting CEO of the hospital. Serena and Imelda previously worked together, but Serena does not immediately recall Imelda, as the last time they met Imelda was overweight. Peake-Jones commented "It takes a little while for Serena to realise their shared memories!" After acting as CEO following Hanssen's departure, Serena was not pleased when Guy Self (
John Michie John Michie (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish television and film actor, known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in the STV detective drama series '' Taggart'', as Karl Munro in ''Coronation Street'' from 2011–2013 and his role as CEO Guy ...
) was then appointed CEO over her. Serena was unaware of Guy's arrival and when she demanded to know who he was, he informed her in "no uncertain terms" that he was her new boss and she would have to watch herself. When Guy and Serena had to go into theatre together, Michie commented that Guy was threatened by her. In May 2014, Serena suffered a particular stressful day when Guy asked her to file a report early and Adrienne turned up at the hospital. Serena found Adrienne's presence "extremely irritating" and had to show restraint when Adrienne used Serena's laptop and lost the report she was working on. At the same time, Serena was trying to treat a patient, Lennie Keane (Mark Bagnall), who had been admitted with a broken shoulder, but everything went "pear-shaped" with him and his son. At the end of the day, Serena was "shattered" and Russell called it "one of the lowest points you'll ever see with Serena." Serena turned to alcohol to cope with the stress and a ''What's on TV'' columnist wondered if it was leading to the beginning of a downward spiral for the character.


Edward's introduction

On 6 April 2013, it was announced that actor
Aden Gillett John Aden Gillett is a British actor. He is best known for playing the role of Jack Maddox on the BBC series '' The House of Eliott''. Biography and career Gillet was born in the city of Aden, Yemen, from which he got his name. He attended ...
had been cast as Serena's ex-husband Edward Campbell, a consultant anaesthetist who takes a
locum A locum, or locum tenens, is a person who temporarily fulfills the duties of another; the term is especially used for physicians or clergy. For example, a ''locum tenens physician'' is a physician who works in the place of the regular physician. ...
position at the hospital. Edward used his new job to try and win his ex back. Russell told a ''What's on TV'' reporter that Serena and Edward had an acrimonious divorce around 15 years ago due to his infidelity. Serena was surprised to see Edward at the hospital and "totally loses it" with him when he makes a comment about her to Malick, while they are treating a patient. Russell commented, "You never really see that from Serena because she's usually so in control. But she's furious she's been made to look like a silly, weak girl in front of her team." When Edward apologised, Russell believed that it showed he still had feelings for Serena. However, she was convinced that he had not changed at all, as he openly flirted with the nurses. Serena and Edward later re-kindled their relationship, and planned a trip away with their daughter for Christmas. Russell commented that Edward had wanted to "get his feet back under the table with Serena for years". Serena soon learned that Edward had had a brief relationship with nurse
Mary-Claire Carter Mary-Claire Carter is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama ''Holby City'', played by actress Niamh McGrady. She first appeared in the eleventh series episode "Spin", broadcast on 22 September 2009. The character was introduced by Ton ...
( Niamh McGrady) and that he was a secret alcoholic. Russell thought Serena was quite grown up about Edward and Mary-Claire's fling, as it happened while they were separated. However, she was shocked to learn that Edward had been drinking at work and almost killed a patient. Serena also felt humiliated because she had stood up for Edward when he blamed Mary-Claire for the incident. Russell told Moon that Serena felt like an "utter idiot" and added "I'd have been in floods of tears if someone had let me down as badly as Edward does Serena."


Adrienne's dementia

Serena's mother Adrienne (Voe) was later diagnosed with
vascular dementia Vascular dementia (VaD) is dementia caused by problems in the supply of blood to the brain, typically a series of minor strokes, leading to worsening cognitive abilities, the decline occurring piecemeal. The term refers to a syndrome consisti ...
in May 2014 and Serena became her carer. She struggled to cope when Adrienne's symptoms accelerated and was "out of her depth" when Adrienne was admitted to the hospital after smashing up mirrors in the house and getting a shard of glass in her leg. Russell explained that as the storyline progressed Adrienne would become more aggressive, while Serena would try to keep the severity of her mother's condition a secret, as she worries that Guy will recognise she cannot cope. Russell had advice for character: "Serena needs to learn it's not a weakness to ask for help. It doesn't mean you're not a loving daughter or son if you put your hand up. Serena needs to admit she can't cope on her own." Serena received some support from Ric while he treated Adrienne's leg. He used
music therapy Music therapy, an allied health profession, "is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music t ...
to calm her down. Russell stated that while the subject matter was dark, there would be moments of humour during the storyline. The show's producers worked with the
Alzheimer's Society Alzheimer's Society is a United Kingdom care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers. It operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while its sister charitieAlzheimer Scotlandand Alzheimer's Society of Ireland cover ...
on the storyline, while Russell also did some research, including taking three online dementia tests. Russell admitted that the storyline wore her out, but she hoped some good work came out of it. When Adrienne was readmitted to the hospital,
Adrian Fletcher Adrian Fletcher (born 10 October 1969) is a former Australian rules footballer and current assistant coach. He is regarded as one of football's nomads, having played for five Australian Football League clubs in his 13-year career. Fletcher's ...
( Alex Walkinshaw) and Raf di Lucca discovered she was covered in bruises. Adrienne then blamed Serena for being aggressive towards her and stealing her rings. Fletch and Raf are placed in the "uncomfortable and difficult position" of having to confront Serena about Adrienne's allegations. Russell believed that Serena found comfort knowing that she could help influence her mother's care while Adrienne was at the hospital. But she also realised that it was against hospital protocol to treat a family member and handed Adrienne's care over to Raf. When Adrienne's dementia worsened, she had a moment of lucidity and asked Serena to help end her life. Russell said Serena was "very shocked and upset" by her mother's request and refused to do it. Russell found the scenes a challenge to play as she had opposing views to Serena about the issue. Adrienne later took the decision out of Serena's hands by signing a DNR. She died shortly after suffering another stroke. Russell said she was moved by the feedback she had received for the storyline and was glad of the opportunity to play it.


Love interest and nephew

Towards the end of 2015, the show's producers promised some big changes ahead for Serena. First, she was given a love interest in the form of policeman Robbie Medcalf (Mark Healy). Russell was pleased by the development and commented that it was "about bloody time!" The actress joked that the younger characters were always "nipping off into the hospital laundry rooms and having guilt-free snogs", and believed that just because Serena was middle-aged, it did not mean she was not interested in having a relationship. The second change for Serena was the introduction of a long-lost sister and nephew. Serena was unaware that she had a sister and when she tried to find her, Serena learned that she was dead. Shortly after, Serena met her nephew Jason Haynes (Jules Robertson). She emailed him to explain who she was, where she worked and that they should meet sometime. Jason took it literally and turned up at Holby during Serena's shift. He told her he had
Asperger syndrome Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a former neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of beha ...
and Serena felt "a little out of her depth", but wanted to get to know him. Russell told Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''Inside Soap'', "Serena wants to build a relationship with Jason, but she has no experience with Aspergers. The drama of the piece is whether or not she'll succeed in understanding his condition and bring him into her life – or she'll find it too stressful." Russell also told Tyler that she had never worked with someone with a form of autism before and met with Robertson before filming to make sure he was comfortable and that they could have a good working relationship. In an episode broadcast in November 2016, Serena was left "embarrassed" when Robbie turns up on AAU and reveals that they had a one-night stand. Although Robbie is there for a medical reason, they end up discussing their relationship, and Robbie asks Serena to give it another chance. He also suggests that she and Jason move in with him. However, Serena was torn between him and her feelings for colleague Bernie Wolfe (
Jemma Redgrave Jemima Rebecca Redgrave (born 14 January 1965), known as Jemma Redgrave, is a fourth-generation British actress of the Redgrave family. She played the title character in four series of '' Bramwell'', and has a recurring role in '' Doctor Who'' a ...
).


Relationship with Bernie Wolfe

Following a suspension, Serena returns to AAU and learns trauma surgeon Bernie Wolfe has been tasked with supervising her. An ''Inside Soap'' writer noted that "a power struggle" occurs between the two women, which leads Raf and Fletch to bet on who will win. When Serena is challenged during theatre, she has to step back and allow Bernie to proceed with the surgery. Serena felt that her future at Holby was "bleak" and she told Hanssen that she was resigning. Bernie later impresses Serena when she turns AAU into a makeshift trauma unit, following an influx of patients from a train accident. Serena then suggests to Hanssen that they create a proper trauma department within the hospital. An ''Inside Soap'' writer noted, "it seems the ice is finally beginning to thaw between the warring women". Months later, Fletch is stabbed by a patient, and Serena and Bernie work together to save him. Once he was recovering in intensive care, Serena and Bernie slump to the floor outside the theatre and Bernie takes the blame for what happened. As Serena assures her that it was not her fault, and that she is a good person, Bernie kisses Serena. Of her reaction to the kiss, Russell stated, "Well, Serena's surprised and she does pull away initially. Serena totally didn't see it coming but, when it did, I think she was all for it." To convey their characters' emotions during the scene outside the theatre, Russell revealed that she and Redgrave used their sadness at the result of the
Brexit Brexit (; a portmanteau of "British exit") was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020 (00:00 1 February 2020 CET).The UK also left the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC ...
vote. The scene was also the last to be filmed that day, so they were both tired and stressed, which contributed to the emotions they wanted to portray. When asked by Victoria Wilson of ''What's on TV'' about whether there had been any sense of romantic feelings between Serena and Bernie before the kiss, Russell thought there definitely had from Bernie, but neither woman knew what was going to happen. She added, "That said, I think it's bloody obvious to everybody else that that's where it was going!" Russell thought it would interesting to see how Serena deals with the kiss. She also hoped the storyline would have a positive impact on lesbian viewers in particular and she felt "a great responsibility" to get it right. The pairing of Serena and Bernie has been given the
portmanteau A portmanteau word, or portmanteau (, ) is a blend of words


Temporary departure and return

After five years of playing Serena, Russell made a temporary departure from the show in early 2017 in order to appear in the comedy play '' What the Butler Saw''. She also explained that as her father, Nicholas Smith, has recently died, she needed to sort his things out and "recharge my batteries". Russell admitted that she did not have a return date, but said everyone knew she had not gone for good. She commented, "At the moment I don't miss Serena, as it hasn't been long since I stopped – but when the play finishes and I'm unemployed again, I dare say I'll miss the hospital desperately." On-screen, Serena struggles to deal with the death of her daughter Elinor and takes her frustration out on junior doctor Jasmine Burrows ( Lucinda Dryzek), who failed to spot a change in Elinor's behaviour before she died. Serena becomes "obsessed" with mentoring Jasmine, as she wants to be able to prevent her from making another mistake. Russell thought that Serena had returned to work too soon and that her behaviour was "unfair" towards Jasmine, but she also understood that after the death of a child, a parent would naturally try to blame someone. Russell found the level of Serena's grief "tiring and heart-wrenching" to portray. Serena eventually finds herself in a position where it is "untenable for her to stay" at Holby. After refusing to accept help from anyone, her behaviour becomes erratic and it appears she may be suicidal. It soon becomes clear that Serena needs professional help, and she leaves the hospital in order to get some counselling. When asked what this meant for Serena and Bernie's relationship, Russell replied "The relationship between them is solid, but there is a question mark over when Serena will come back, and whether they'll maintain their relationship while she's away." Russell hoped that their relationship would continue off-screen. Redgrave left her role as Bernie during Russell's break; onscreen, Bernie left to be with Serena. On 8 September 2017, Russell confirmed that she would return to filming in October, with Serena's return airing in February 2018. Russell started filming her return scenes during the week commencing 16 October. Serena returns in the twentieth series episode "Not Your Home Now", first broadcast on 7 February 2018. Russell said she is pleased to reprise her role as she feels content that she has completed the things she wanted to do on her break. Serena returns after Hanssen asks her to become the acting CEO while he reassesses his mental health following a shooting at the hospital. Russell explained that Serena returns "out of loyalty" as she has developed a new life while travelling. Since Serena's departure, several events have occurred at the hospital: Jasmine and Raf have died, Ric has been charged for the manslaughter of a patient after leaving the hospital for three hours, and registrar
Oliver Valentine Oliver "Ollie" Valentine is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama ''Holby City'', played by actor James Anderson. He first appeared in the eleventh series episode "Proceed With Caution", broadcast on 9 June 2009. Oliver w ...
(
James Anderson James Anderson may refer to: Arts *James Anderson (American actor) (1921–1969), American actor *James Anderson (author) (1936–2007), British mystery writer *James Anderson (English actor) (born 1980), British actor * James Anderson (filmmaker) ...
) has been shot in the head. On how Serena feels, Russell commented, "For Serena, it's peculiar, weird and sad walking back into a working environment that's completely changed..." In her absence, Serena has travelled and grieved for Elinor and continued her relationship with Bernie, who is setting up a trauma unit in
Nairobi Nairobi ( ) is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name is derived from the Maasai phrase ''Enkare Nairobi'', which translates to "place of cool waters", a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. The city proper h ...
while Serena returns. Russell stated that Serena would prefer to be with Bernie in Nairobi. Ric is admitted onto the AAU after being stabbed with a screwdriver and it emerges that he is subject to several beatings in prison, which "concerns" Serena as she thinks of Ric highly. Unhappy with Ric's imprisonment, Serena works with nurse Donna Jackson (
Jaye Jacobs Emma Jaye Jacobs (born 27 May 1982), known professionally as Jaye Jacobs, is an English actress. She is best known for playing the roles of Donna Jackson in the BBC medical drama series '' Holby City'' from 2004 to 2011 and 2017 to 2022 and deput ...
) to figure out why Ric left Elaine Warren, the patient who died, unattended and why he will not explain where he was. Russell said that Serena wants to know why Ric is being "cagey" about his whereabouts. Serena is adamant that she will not stay at Holby for long, and although she misses Bernie, Serena decides to stay in
Holby Holby is a fictional city in the United Kingdom, the setting for the BBC medical dramas '' Casualty'' and ''Holby City'', and the police drama ''HolbyBlue''. It is based on the real city of Bristol, where ''Casualty'' was formerly filmed, and is ...
because she realises how much the hospital needs support. Russell explained that Serena feels "selfish" returning to Nairobi. Russell confirmed on 30 January 2018 that Redgrave would reprise her role for two episodes to continue Serena and Bernie's relationship.


Departure and return

On 30 October 2019, Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy confirmed the character would be departing the show in early 2020, after Russell made the decision to leave the role. Dainty reported that Russell had already filmed her final scenes, and the actress stated: "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!" Dainty described Serena's exit as "heroic", and said viewers would see a lot of drama from her final storylines, including "unexpected events" and "a dark reminder from the past." The character's exit scenes were broadcast on 21 January 2020. Serena leaves Holby after coming into conflict with the hospital's new CEO
Max McGerry '' Holby City'' is a British medical drama television series that premiered on 12 January 1999 on BBC One. The series was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the established BBC medical drama ''Casualty''. It is set in the ...
(
Jo Martin Jo Martin (born 29 April) is a British actress. She played Natalie Crouch in the BBC One sitcom '' The Crouches'', which aired between 2003 and 2005. She joined the cast of ''Holby City'' in 2019 as neurosurgeon Max McGerry. Martin portrayed a ...
). After the episode aired, Russell admitted that she had been thinking about leaving the show for a couple of years. She wanted the chance to play different roles, as she thought playing Serena for any longer would stop being a challenge. ''Holby City'' was cancelled in June 2021 after 23 years on air. Producers invited multiple former cast members to reprise their roles during the show's final series. Both Russell and Redgrave reprised their roles in episode 1095, first broadcast on 8 February 2022. Serena and Bernie return to the hospital after learning Jason has been injured in an accident. The pair later reveal that they are engaged and were set to marry, but the venue changed the date. On 16 March 2022, it was announced that Russell and Redgrave would also appear in the show's final episode, which aired on 29 March 2022.


Reception

For her portrayal of Serena, Russell was nominated for Best Actress at the 2015 ''TV Choice'' Awards. She received a nomination for Best Drama Star at the 2018 ''
Inside Soap Awards The ''Inside Soap'' Awards is a yearly British award ceremony run by ''Inside Soap'' magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate both British and Australian soap operas and their actors. The current soap operas nominated for awards are '' Casualt ...
. Serena's introduction was praised by the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily tabloid. Founded in 1903, it is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the title on its masthead was simply ''The Mirror''. It had an average daily print c ...
's'' Jane Simon, who called her "smiley, confident, a bit playful and professional too". When Serena stopped a relative of a patient from suing Malick, Simon observed she "swoops in on a wave of charm to smooth things over: the proverbial iron fist in a designer velvet glove. We already like Serena a lot." A colleague of Simon's noted that Serena irritated Ric and said "She may appear charming, but it's soon scalpels at dawn." Another commented she was "a woman designed to rub Ric up the wrong way". A ''What's on TV'' reporter branded Serena "''Holby City's'' fierce new consultant". While another ''Daily Mirror'' reporter remarked "Serena is not to be messed with". Martin Hoscik from SEENIT thought Serena had been created to fill the stereotypes of "someone new changes things in ways the regulars don't like" and "tough bitch riles her colleagues", both of which, Hoscik pointed out, had already been fulfilled by Hanssen and
Jac Naylor Jac Naylor is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', portrayed by Rosie Marcel. She made her first screen appearance during the series eight episode "Bird on a Wire", which was originally broadcast on 22 November 200 ...
(
Rosie Marcel Rosie Ellen Celine Marcel (born 6 May 1977) is an English actress. Marcel is known for her role as Jac Naylor, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon lead in the BBC drama series ''Holby City'', a role she has also played in sister series '' Casual ...
). Hoscik added that Serena was "fantastically played" by Russell. A ''
South Wales Echo The ''South Wales Echo'' is a daily tabloid newspaper published in Cardiff, Wales and distributed throughout the surrounding area. It has a circulation of 7,573. Background The newspaper was founded in 1884 and was based in Thomson House, ...
'' journalist noted that Serena was "smarting" from Guy stealing her job. When she performed a rectal examination on a patient, they quipped "how the mighty have fallen – she'll be emptying bedpans next week at this rate." Simon (''Daily Mirror'') thought the show's writers might have it in for "poor" Serena when she had to perform another rectal exam a couple of months later. ''Inside Soap's'' Laura-Jayne Tyler branded Serena "fearless" and wrote that she faced "the toughest decision of her life" when Adrienne asked her to help end her life. A reporter for the '' Daily Post'' praised Russell and Voe for their performance during Adrienne's dementia storyline, saying they had "put us all through the emotional wringer for months".


References


External links


Serena Campbell
at
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Serena Campbell
on
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Campbell, Serena Holby City characters Television characters introduced in 2012 Fictional surgeons Fictional female doctors Fictional bisexual females Crossover characters in television Female characters in television Fictional LGBT characters in television