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Dan Hamilton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', played by actor Adam Astill. He first appeared in the series thirteen episode "Blue Valentine", broadcast on 15 February 2011. Dan is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who works in the general surgery ward, Keller. He was created in 2010 and Astill successfully auditioned for the role three months prior to beginning filming in November. Dan has been characterised through his boyish and impulsive nature. He portrayed as a wannabe "ladies' man". New to his role as a consultant, Dan plays up to the stereotype associated with public schooled orthopaedic surgeons. His storylines have developed through a relationship with ward sister
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. ...
) and a rivalry with
registrar A registrar is an official keeper of records made in a register. The term may refer to: Education * Registrar (education), an official in an academic institution who handles student records * Registrar of the University of Oxford, one of the se ...
Antoine Malick Antoine Malick is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City''. He is portrayed by Jimmy Akingbola, and has appeared since the series thirteen episode "Running the Gauntlet", first broadcast on 4 January 2011. A maverick regi ...
(
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 ...
), whom he later kisses. The latter has attracted a mixed reaction from critics of the series, who felt it was a repetition of gay story-lines featuring in other serial dramas. In May 2012, it was announced that Astill had decided to leave the series.


Storylines

Dan is introduced a few days into his new role as a consultant and is an old friend of
registrar A registrar is an official keeper of records made in a register. The term may refer to: Education * Registrar (education), an official in an academic institution who handles student records * Registrar of the University of Oxford, one of the se ...
Greg Douglas (
Edward MacLiam Edward MacLiam (born Edward Wilson in 1976) is an Irish actor, known for his roles as Greg Douglas in the BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I ...
). He starts mentoring ward sister
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. ...
), during her nurse consultant training. He has a hard time teaching her the importance of delegation in a consultant role. They become close and later start dating. Chrissie becomes stressed with the pressure of work, so Dan organises a trip abroad. He later realises she wants to relax, so he cancels and his relationship with Chrissie strengthens. The father of Chrissie's child, registrar
Sacha Levy Sacha Levy is a fictional character from the BBC One medical drama, ''Holby City'', played by Bob Barrett. He made his first appearance in the twelfth series episode "Talk to Me", broadcast on 5 January 2010. Sacha joined the Keller ward staff a ...
(Bob Barret) finds it hard to accept that Chrissie has moved on. The situation worsens when they have conflicting views on medicine. Dan decides to put his surgeon skills to the test when consultant
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 ...
) challenges him to complete his list of operations first. Feeling competitive, Dan rushes through an operation and makes an error. He gets Ric to step in to save the patient, with Ric taking the blame. Dan starts to feel like his relationship with Chrissie isn't going anywhere fast, so he invites her around to consummate their relationship. Chrissie is annoyed by Dan pressuring her, he tries to make things right again. Registrar
Antoine Malick Antoine Malick is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City''. He is portrayed by Jimmy Akingbola, and has appeared since the series thirteen episode "Running the Gauntlet", first broadcast on 4 January 2011. A maverick regi ...
(
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 ...
) begins a rivalry with Dan after he undermines him over the treatment of a patient. Tensions build when he learns that Malick is gay. He secretly treats his injured rugby teammate Sean Foster (
Sam Callis Samuel Charles Callis (born 21 November 1973 in Ely, Cambridgeshire) is an English actor and director, best known for his role as Callum Stone in ''The Bill'' and Adam Benjamin in '' London's Burning''. Biography Callis grew up in Haslemere, Sur ...
) with steroids. Malick and Chrissie criticise his actions and Malick threatens to report him. Sean develops
necrotizing fasciitis Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), also known as flesh-eating disease, is a bacterial infection that results in the death of parts of the body's soft tissue. It is a severe disease of sudden onset that spreads rapidly. Symptoms usually include red or p ...
as a result and Dan is forced to operate, ruining Sean's career. A fight ensues between the two and Dan kisses Malick. He then runs to Chrissie and confesses his love for her. Dan asks Malick to forget the kiss and attempts to avoid him. They are forced to operate together. Dan undermines him in theatre, the pair fight once more. After more competitiveness, Dan ignores Malick's medical advice dangering a patient. Malick is angered by his attitude and punches Dan, injuring his face in the process.


Development


Creation

Dan was one of several characters introduced during ''Holby City'' thirteenth series, during a period of time that the programme had many established characters written out. Characters such as Dan, Malick and cardiothoracic surgeon Sahira Shah (
Laila Rouass Laila Rouass (née Abdesselam) is a British actress. She is best known for her portrayals of Amber Gates in ''Footballers' Wives'' (2004–2006) and Sahira Shah in '' Holby City'' (2011–2012, 2021). She has also starred in '' Primeval'' and ...
) were introduced to fill the gap left by the departures. Series producer Myar Craig-Brown hoped the new characters would become "equally iconic" as their predecessors. Dan was created as a series regular in the occupation of consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Executive producer Belinda Campbell said she was certain Dan would "bring a spark to Holby General in more ways than one." She described his backstory as allowing him an "easy passage through life", but said he would become troubled as his duration progressed. His backstory includes having to repeat his F2 three times, considering a career in
Cardiology Cardiology () is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular h ...
and a number of failed romances with females. He was also given links to existing character Greg Douglas, as an old friend. Actor Adam Astill auditioned for the role in August 2010. He was called back for a second audition to meet with the producers. In October he was offered the role and began filming in November. Astill had wanted a role in the show for some time prior to his casting, because he was impressed with the standard of material the programme produces. His schedule was light at first as they eased his character into the series. In early 2011 his workload increased as Dan's storylines developed. Whilst Campbell expressed her delight that Astill was playing the character. Dan's first episode was broadcast on 15 February 2011, which also featured fellow new character Sahira. Astill is currently contracted with the series until November 2011.


Characterisation

BBC Online described Dan's qualities as being his energetic and enthusiastic nature. However he is flawed by his "boyish and impulsive" manner. Prior to his arrival Astill described him a "charming" man who has the ability "to put his foot in his mouth." However this trait does not stop him finding romance on the ward. Dan has an interest in the sport rugby and captains a team. Dan was first described to Astill as a "sporty, rugby-playing ladies' man", who likes to be perceived as confident, but in reality is not. As a "outwardly and very bullish" male, he tries to play up to the stereotype associated with orthopaedic surgeons. He often emphasises on his sporty public schooled persona. However, Astill opined that Dan has a "heart of gold" – who will often say the wrong thing because he has trouble expressing himself emotionally. Dan takes a stern approach to medicine. He spent six years at medical school to become a "high-flying consultant". Billed as a "brilliant surgeon", he isn't good at patient management. In his field of orthopaedic surgery, Dan has a tendency to treat the problem rather than attend to the patient's emotional needs. Astill said he is likely to "fix the bone and then just move on to the next piece of surgery." He also opined that Dan should work on his patient skills to better himself. Dan has also proven his worth as a mentor during Chrissie's consultant training and gives his full concentration to the task in hand. Dan's "ladies' man" status became apparent from his first episode. Prior to working at Holby General, he had a number of failed engagements to woman who he felt "were not quite right." During an interview with Digital Spy, Astill said he believed that Dan is the type of man who would stay faithful in a relationship. He concluded that in general he is not malicious, but "there's a lot of bluster about him and when he's out with the lads he'll perhaps josh and exaggerate about his prowess with the ladies." He does not have a dark past, but his future is set hold many revelations as his storyline takes many twists and turns.


Sexuality

Dan's first romance begins when Chrissie succumbs to his charm. Astill describes him as being instantly attracted to Chrissie. Dan tries to assert his power over her and ill-advises her on how to run the ward. During their subsequent mentorship, Astill said that Dan tries everything he can "to stay in Chrissie's good books". Chrissie had previously been pursuing a possible romance with Sacha, so his arrival "put a spanner in the works". Astill predicted that ''Holby City'' fans would take a disliking to Dan, after he ruins any chance of reconciliation between Chrissie and Sacha. Astill said their working relationship brings them closer together and readies them for a romance. Dan and Malick's rivalry builds when Dan's conduct is questioned. When he learns that Malick is homosexual, the tension increases between the pair. Upon discovering Dan's negligence with a patient's treatment, Malick is critical of him. Jimmy Akingbola who plays Malick said "Dan is in the wrong and Malick won't let him forget that." At this point the pair are embroiled in a "showdown" and Dan impulsively kisses Malick. Akingbola said "Malick sees a side to Dan that completely throws him. It's a real shock." Astill had previously stated that his character would not intentionally hurt Chrissie because he was aware that she had been "burnt once or twice before." The BBC said the storyline had a "subtle build-up" and that Malick's sexuality "wrong-footed" Dan. They said that after the revelation, the pair endured a "love/hate relationship". To that point, the storyline had been portrayed with "sensitivity and integrity". They concluded that the future of the story would stay true to following Dan's struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. Series producer Craig-Brown revealed the "biggest challenge" was to distinguish the storyline from other sexuality plots featured in other dramas. She concluded that it was about Dan's struggle with "trying to deal with what he wants, which is a very conventional life." She also confirmed it would be a long-running
story arc A story arc (also narrative arc) is the chronological construction of plot in a novel or story. It can also mean an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, board games, vid ...
for the character. Astill also shared her sentiment stating it was a "new direction" for the programme. He said it would be easy for Dan to "come out" if he knew what he wanted. Hobley later revealed Dan is "moving things too fast", which has a negative effect on her training. He is annoyed with Chrissie when Malick offers her theatre slots. She added "Dan doesn't respect what she is trying to do ..Dan's reaction makes her see red". Hobley revealed that Dan's affair begins to come between them – "so when she finds out what Dan has been up to under her nose all hell is going to break loose." Dan gave Chrissie the impression he was homophobic. Astill said that his actions to a certain extent, were homophobic. He covered up his feelings because he did not like them. Astill and Akingbola filmed "technical" fight scenes which followed, which resulted in Dan having noticeable injuries to his face. At this point ''Holby City'' played out the first possible reveal moment. Chrissie tried to find out why they had fought, with Malick nearly telling the truth. Hobley said that you think, "Oh my God, he’s going to tell her!" Malick blackmailed him to keep quiet or he would tell Chrissie the truth. They both prevented director of surgery
Henrik Hanssen Henrik Hanssen is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama '' Holby City'', played by actor Guy Henry. He made his first appearance in the thirteenth series episode "Shifts", broadcast on 19 October 2010. Hanssen is initially a consult ...
( Guy Henry), from finding out the truth. As the first time they began to cooperate, Astill said they gave him a "pathetic excuse" and formed a "united front". Dan disrespected Chrissie's career aspirations once again and she became "slightly suspicious" of him. Hobley said there is no future for the two of them. Though Astill wasn't so sure but said he hoped Dan would transform into a "bisexual predator — and no man or woman is safe from him." In July 2011, Astill began to worry about public opinion of Dan. He hoped viewers would realise that Dan was not "a bad person" but rather "a tortured soul." At this point Dan and Malick were a long way off romance. Any feelings he had were "buried so deep he refused to believe they exist."


Departure

In early May 2012, Astill told Joanne Lowles from ''
TVTimes ''TV Times'' is a British television listings magazine published by Future plc. It was originally published by Independent Television Publications, owned by the participating ITV companies. The magazine was acquired by IPC Media in 1989, whic ...
'' that he was leaving the series. He said that he was pleased with Dan's exit storyline because he "becomes the happiest we've ever seen him, he's comfortable in his own skin and relaxed." He later told Digital Spy's Kilkelly that he had "loved" working on the show but wanted to pursue new projects. Although he did not rule out a return in the future. While a BBC representative explained that the dynamic between Dan and Simon Marshall ( Paul Nicholls) would develop and result in "Dan having to decide once and for all which path he follows". They added that Astill is a "brilliant actor" and had contributed much to Dan's storylines during his tenure.


Reception

Prior to Dan's first kiss with Malick, Jane Simon of '' The Mirror'' stated that there was "a rather massive surprise in store and even if you've seen it coming a mile off, it's got OMG stamped all over it." '' Inside Soap'' Katy Moon similarly wrote there was "one hell of a shock" coming up, which was "certainly worth waiting for". In reference to Dan's clash with Malick, Simon opined, "You can practically hear their antlers locking, as the tension between them is unbearable." Simon's ''Mirror'' colleague Jim Shelley described the kiss as "Not exactly
Oliver Reed Robert Oliver Reed (13 February 1938 – 2 May 1999) was an English actor known for his well-to-do, macho image and "hellraiser" lifestyle. After making his first significant screen appearances in Hammer Horror films in the early 1960s, his ...
& Alan Bates", in reference to a homoerotic fight scene in the film
Women in Love ''Women in Love'' (1920) is a novel by English author D. H. Lawrence. It is a sequel to his earlier novel ''The Rainbow'' (1915) and follows the continuing loves and lives of the Brangwen sisters, Gudrun and Ursula. Gudrun Brangwen, an artist, ...
. Though ''
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 ...
'' recommended the episode, the accompanying review criticised the "seriously irritating banter between the pair," and ensuing "macho posturing between the orthopaedic surgeon and mouthy Malick." Some viewers complained about the kiss to the BBC discussion programme '' Points of View'', dismayed that ''Holby City'' was "following the trend" of depicting gay relationships. Though the number of complaints were not publicised – The BBC defended the storyline explaining that, "''Holby City'' aims to reflect real life in the setting of a medical drama and this means telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities. We approach our portrayal of same-sex relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships and aim to ensure depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing." Frances Ryan of ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
'' responded, "Whether said complainers thought that the onscreen depiction of straight people or indeed the interaction of humans generally was similarly a compliance to fantastical trends remains unseen". Anthony D. Langford of gay media website '' AfterElton.com'' was left undecided in his view, by the storyline's beginning. He opined that Astill and Akingbola had chemistry, that the characters' scenes were "intense and combustible," and that the fight and following kiss were terrifically acting, due to the amount of "passion and heat and rage". However, he expressed concern that the same type of storyline had been attempted in soap operas on multiple occasions. He predicted that Dan would be in denial for week and cause fights with Malick. Langford concluded: "I suspect that Malick and Dan will eventually embark on a secret affair, Chrissie will find out, there will be more denials and fighting and at some point Dan will accept who he is. Still, despite the tired storyline, the characters are complex and appealing and the writing is solid enough to make me overlook that." Langford later said "Dan isn’t a very likable character" and is a "complete jerk" because of his sexuality issues. He also questioned Dan's medical skills, bemoaning it unrealistic that his "unethical behavior" has not been noticed within the hospital. He also admitted his confusion to why a "self-assured guy like Malick" would get involved with Dan. Though he praised Dan's revelation of his backstory. D Langford later said Dan's behaviour needed to be addressed because there was a danger the story would "lose its integrity."


References


External links


Dan Hamilton
at
BBC Online BBC Online, formerly known as BBCi, is the BBC's online service. It is a large network of websites including such high-profile sites as BBC News and BBC Sport, Sport, the on-demand video and radio services branded BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, t ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamilton, Dan Holby City characters Fictional surgeons English male characters in television Television characters introduced in 2011