First trailer for Holby City’s coronavirus special sees Max at breaking point as Ric Griffin quits after 19 years

HOLBY City’s coronavirus special sees Max at breaking point as Ric Griffin quits after 19 years on the show.

Fans will be delighted to see the soap back on TV screens after it was forced to take an extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Cast and crew had to stop filming when lockdown struck earlier in the year but the series will return to BBC One on Tuesday 10th November at 20:15 with a special Covid-19 episode.

Tackling the virus, it will see Holby City’s CEO Max, played by Jo Martin, wrestle to keep the hospital in control and her staff safe as it takes hold. 

However, it’s not just the pandemic Max is fighting, as Ric, played by Hugh Quarshie, goes head to head with her for control of the hospital. 

As the virus proves to be bigger and more deadly than anyone could have imagined, it begins to take its toll on Max and the Holby City staff.

Staying true to life, viewers will watch as Holby City continues to be deep into the pandemic world with the staff at Holby General working hard to manage the mass of new patients. 

Staff and viewers will also have to brace themselves to say goodbye to Hugh Quarshie, who has confirmed his role as Ric Griffin is ending after a whopping 19 years.

Having appeared in over 500 episodes, Hugh is Holby City’s longest serving cast member with his character Ric getting caught up shootings and explosions, separating conjoined twins, having five on-screen marriages and even getting accused of manslaughter.

Actor Hugh said of his experience: “I came very close to quitting acting entirely before being invited to join Holby City.  

“I had felt unfulfilled and that I never quite fitted in. Holby City changed all that. The work became absorbing, colleagues became friends. 

“I wouldn’t have stayed so long if it hadn’t been a great place to work, and leaving will be like leaving home – a place where there is warmth and a welcome, a place to which you can always return…”

Kate Oates, Head of Continuing Drama at BBC Studios, says: “I’m delighted to have Holby back on our screens, and can’t wait to see how recent months have impacted on our heroes of AAU, Keller and Darwin. 

“Our hospitals have rarely been more important to us as a nation, and I’m excited to see that reflected in our drama - along with stories of love, loss and betrayal, plus some exciting new characters, and a returning favourite...”

Holby City is a BBC Studios production for BBC One.