DOCTOR Who’s John Barrowman has been cast in Holby City as a ruthless recruiter who could spell disaster for the hospital.
The 52-year-old will join the BBC drama for one episode later this year, playing visiting consultant Drew Nicholson-Heath.
Drew has past history with Ange Godard (Dawn Steele) and the pair cross paths in the new Spring trailer.
Ange immediately questions why Drew is there and he replies: “Slumming it, I guess.”
Drew is a global recruiter who is on the look out for new, talented surgeons to poach and his arrival soon has members of the Holby City team desperate to impress him.
John – who played Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and spin-off series, Torchwood – said in a statement: “Being part of another iconic BBC drama is just fabulous.
“I was welcomed with open arms by the cast and crew and felt like part of the Holby City family right away.
“My character Drew brings a new flavour to the show and I look forward to his return soon. Surgery will never be the same again.”
John isn’t the only person bringing the drama to Holby over the next few months, with Guy Self’s return also being teased in the Spring trailer.
John Michie resumes his role, as tensions continue to rise between Guy and Ric (Hugh Quarshie).
Meanwhile Essie (Kaye Wragg) and Fletch receive life-threatening cancer diagnoses.
Kaye said of the storyline: “Showing the real struggle of two nurses sharing an illness together yet being alone in their own torture of what their futures hold is Holby at its best.
“Being immersed in the world of this disease is something I’ve had many experiences with as myself, so there’s no shortage of empathy and understanding for my character and for Fletch’s.
“It’s a tough watch, but it will resonate for many sufferers and their loved ones going through traumatic illnesses.
“Throughout their journeys, Essie and Fletch discover their worst fears, their lost opportunities and what futures they need to make plans for.”
Holby City airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC One.
