Catherine Russell leaving Holby City cast after seven years as Serena Campbell

Catherine Russell will leave the cast of BBC One’s Holby City in 2020, it’s been announced.

The actress plays the role of surgeon Serena Campbell and first appeared on screen in 2012.

The beloved character has announced that she will be leaving Holby City before making a heroic exit on screen in the New Year.

Throughout her time on the show Serena’s storylines have explored important and challenging topics such as dementia, the love story between Serena and Jemma Redgrave’s character Bernie and the hardship of grief following the death of her daughter Elinor and Serena’s subsequent fraught working relationship with Jac’s sister Jasmine.

Viewers can expect Serena’s final weeks in Holby City to be packed with drama and a series of unexpected events.

The BBC teased: “Viewers will see a startlingly steely side when Serena faces a dark reminder from the past and then developments at the hospital will bring out her joyously rebellious side as she passionately fights for her family and her most cherished values.”

Catherine Russell said: “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!”

Simon Harper, Executive Producer of Casualty and Holby City, commented: “Yes it’s true, the brilliant Catherine Russell is leaving the show. She’s truly one of the Holby greats, her mercurial portrayal of the unique, drily witty and passionate Serena literally lighting up the screen.

“We are all very sad to say goodbye to her – but it’s no surprise such a talented actor should want to go and play other roles again after seven outstanding years.

“Catherine, we wish you all the best, while raising a bucket of shiraz to the glory that is Ms Campbell – and I just can’t thank you enough.”

Catherine will be appearing on screen as Serena until early 2020.

Holby City currently airs Tuesday nights at 8PM on BBC One.

You can watch the series online and catch up on episodes via BBC iPlayer.