Michael Spence (fictional character)
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| Michael Spence | |
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| First appearance | 10x06, "Unfinished Symphony", 2007- |
| Portrayed by | Hari Dhillon |
| Information | |
| Occupation | Consultant General Surgeon, Keller |
| Spouse(s) | Annalese |
| Children | Three daughters |
Michael Spence is a fictional character in the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Hari Dhillon.[1] The character first appeared on 20 November 2007 in episode "Unfinished Symphony" - Series 10, Episode 6 of the programme.[2] Dhillon had formerly appeared in the show on a recurring basis in a more minor role, as Dr. Sunil Gupta, between 2001 and 2003.[3]
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[edit] Creation
It was first announced on October 23 2007 by The Press Association that Dhillon would be joining Holby City as character Michael Spence. The departures of established characters Dan Clifford and Connie Beauchamp were cited as the reason behind the creation of two new surgical characters - Spence and fellow newcomer Stuart McElroy.[4] Stuart was created as a direct replacement for Connie - Amanda Mealing, the actress who portrays the character having taken a period of leave from the show,[5] during which her character was written out as taking a sabbatical abroad - her Cardiothoracic Consultancy becoming his inherited job role. In turn, Michael was created as more of a direct replacement for Dan Clifford - actor Peter Wingfield having left the show to spend more time with his family in Los Angeles.[6] The new character was created to step into the General Surgical Consultancy the former main character vacated in episode "The Last Throw",[7] four episodes prior to Michael's arrival.
Although Dhillon had previously appeared in the show as recurring minor character Dr Sunil Gupta,[3] upon announcing his casting as Spence he said of that role: "I was in Holby City just after I left drama school, years ago... I couldn't even tell you when."[8]
[edit] Development
[edit] Personality
The character of Michael was initially billed by BBC Publicity in the following manner: "Being a doctor defines Mike's life. It's the only time he feels true emotion and losing a patient is not an option to him. It's a massive failure even when the odds are a hundred to one against."[1] Hari Dhillon has expanded on his character's personality, adding:
- "(H)e's from the States, and is kind of the counterpoint to Ric Griffin. So he's just a little bit lippy; if he's thinking it, it's out of his mouth, and a total straight shooter, very direct. He's trying to come in and innovate a little bit, and, of course, like most of these characters, he has a shady past that we're starting to find out about...it's kind of up in the air as to why he left the previous hospital."[8]
[edit] Relationships
Of the character's relationship history, the BBC have revealed:
| “ | Married with three children, Mike doesn't want to cause anybody pain, but often ends up doing just that. His constant flirting isn't something he's perfected, it's him - inherent in his make up. He wants to behave, wants to be moral and every time's the last time. But of course he isn't. Because it's 'love' or at least that's how he lives with himself.[1] | ” |
Immediately upon arriving at Holby City Hospital, the character becomes embroiled in potential relationships with both Staff Nurse Donna Jackson and Surgical Registrar Jac Naylor. Dhillon commented on the storyline: "(H)e's kind of a serial womaniser and now he's trying to play the straight and narrow.[8] The trouble is, Michael had an affair at another hospital. he left because he wanted a clean slate. Essentially he wants to flirt - it's in his nature - but he thinks better of it. He wants a fresh start, so he turns Donna down. At first, anyway.[9] When questioned on whether the spark between Michael and Jac would lead to anything more, Dhillon conceded: "Probably. This is Holby City, after all! And Michael's an old dog, so to speak."[9]
[edit] Storylines
Michael arrives at Holby City Hospital in episode "Unfinished Symphony", series 10, episode 6 of the programme. He begins his first day being beaten up in the hospital carpark, an attack staff nurse Donna Jackson discovers is related to his departure from his previous hospital, where he had an affair with a member of the nursing staff.[10] Donna, and Surgical registrar Jac Naylor both vie for Michael's attention,[11] and although he is unimpressed with Jac's underhand tactics, he and Donna begin a casual flirtation.[12] In episode "Stolen", Michael reveals that the hospital has built a new private ward for him, to be known as HolbyCare.[13] He attempts to convince colleague Ric Griffin to join him, and although Ric initially resists on ethical grounds, financial difficulties cause him to change his mind and agree several weeks later, in episode "The Extra Mile".[14] Michael and Donna continue their flirtation throughout this period, and eventually kiss in episode "No Cars Go".[15] However, they are interrupted by a phonecall from Michael's wife, Annalese, and he later brushes Donna off.[16]
[edit] Reception
The character's good looks have been a focal point of early reviews, with Holby City series producer Diana Kyle describing Michael as "dishy...good-looking and sexy",[17] and What's On TV adding that the character is "gorgeous".[9]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c BBC - Holby City - Characters. BBC.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ Episode Update Tues 20th Nov. BBC.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ a b Hari Dhillon. IMDb. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ "Holby City gets new characters", Press Association, 23 October 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ This Morning. Presenters: Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield, interviewee: Amanda Mealing. ITV. ITV1, London, England. 2007-07-02. 30:00 minutes in.
- ^ "Peter quits Holby City", MSN.com, 22 August 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-26.
- ^ "The Last Throw". Holby City. BBC. 2007-10-23. No. 2, season 10.
- ^ a b c "American actor in Holby City return", Press Association, 31 October 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ a b c Davies, Hanna, “Hands off, he's mine!”, What's On TV (England: IPC Media): 19, 20 November 2007
- ^ "Unfinished Symphony". Holby City. BBC. 2007-11-20. No. 6, season 10.
- ^ "Someone to Watch over Me". Holby City. BBC. 2007-11-27. No. 7, season 10.
- ^ "Mirror Man". Holby City. BBC. 2007-12-04. No. 8, season 10.
- ^ "Stolen". Holby City. BBC. 2008-01-15. No. 14, season 10.
- ^ "The Extra Mile". Holby City. BBC. 2008-02-12. No. 18, season 10.
- ^ "No Cars Go". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-11. No. 22, season 10.
- ^ "Long Dark Night". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-12. No. 23, season 10.
- ^ “Ask the BOSS!”, Inside Soap (England): 41, November 2007
[edit] External links
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