The Return Of Hope

Paul Bradley on bringing back a Holby City legend for the show’s 1,000th episode

- Elaine Reilly

You know it must be a very special occasion when Holby City’s stony surgeon Jac Naylor almost bursts into tears!

And as the BBC1 medical drama celebrates its milestone 1,000th episode this Tuesday, Jac definitely has reason to smile as her old friend and mentor, Elliot Hope, makes a welcome return after a four-year absence.

Characteristically dishevelled, Elliot arrives clutching flowers for Jac, who’s preparing to perform her 1,000th heart transplant. But it soon turns out he’s actually back because director of nursing Adrian ‘Fletch’ Fletcher has invited him to another hospital celebration – Holby’s 150th anniversary.

However, is this really the reason for Elliot’s return? TV Times booked an appointment with actor Paul Bradley, 64, to find out more about his five-episode guest stint…

We’re delighted that Elliot is back! Did you take much persuading to return?