HOLBY City fans were elated at the return of an old favourite – branding the character a “sight for sore eyes” – as the show prepares to wrap.
TV bosses announced the cancellation of the medical drama in June, 2021, in a statement that rocked BBC viewers.
After Jac Naylor’s (portrayed by actress Rosie Marcel) harrowing return, more Holby City comebacks were teased.
The latest of these has seen top medic, former surgeon Michael Spence, film fresh scenes.
Actor Hari Dhillon’s character certainly dressed up for the part in a smart grey suit, white shirt and pocket square.
The former consultant was last seen on the show during a month-long stint in 2014, yet on Monday he made his latest comeback as Dom visited a private hospital.
It was there he saw Michael installed as the top surgeon and the man conducting his interview.
Holby fans couldn’t contain their excitement at Michael’s cameo, with one gushing on Twitter: “Michael Spence back at @BBCHolbyCity 
My all time favourite character EVER! @DhillonHari Loved it!! 
I am going to really miss Holby when it ends 
#HolbyCity.”
A second fizzed: “MICHAEL SPENCE ARENT YOU A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES 
”
One then posted: “My one complaint about that episode: not enough Michael Spence. #HolbyCity.”
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The comments continued to flow, as one medical drama fan put: “I’m two eps behind, but just saw that Spence! Is! Back! 
This is the best news ever (but also not, because it’s the end).”
One then rounded off with the celebration: “Michael Spence as I live and breathe!”
HOLBY FAREWELL
The final Holby City scenes were filmed in December, 2021, despite an online petition demanding a change in the decision.
No exact date has yet been announced for the final episode.
A stalwart for BBC audiences, Holby City was cancelled in a bid “to reshape the BBC’s drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country”, according to a statement released by the broadcaster.
The statement also read: “We are incredibly proud of Holby City but it’s with great sadness that we are announcing that after 23 years, the show will end on screen in March”
SCHEDULE SHAKE UP
With the FA Cup well underway this week, the box will, once again, be subjected to major changes.
Iconic soaps on ITV and BBC One were the first to be impacted by the shake-up.
On Monday, EastEnders aired at the same time as usual before Holby City broadcast at 8.30pm.
It had been moved from its usual slot and aired a day early.
The medical drama now won’t be airing today Tuesday (March, 1), much like Emmerdale and EastEnders which have both been cancelled, in favour of the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The following day (Wednesday, March 2), Emmerdale will return to the screens as normal at 7pm, unlike Coronation Street which has been cancelled.
Thursday’s 7pm Emmerdale instalment will be the only one to air as no second episode will be broadcast that week and EastEnders will come on at 7.40pm.
Thankfully, Emmerdale and Corrie viewers will be able to catch up with new hour-long episodes at 7pm and 8pm respectively… which will still clash with EastEnders, set to air on our screens the same day at 8pm and 8.30pm.
While these changes in the schedule may leave TV fans confused, they’re a good way to get them ready for ANOTHER unrelated shake-up coming later in March.
This major change will see Coronation Street and Emmerdale pushed back due to an hour-long news slot from 6.30pm.
Emmerdale will therefore give up its usual slot and be broadcast at 7.30pm, with Corrie following at 8pm.
“The new scheduling means that viewers can watch them live on TV in one go in a continuous soap fix, as well as on ITV Hub where they are regularly in the most-watched shows every month”, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said at the time.
