Holby City fans left devastated with show's tragic ending

The show has come to an end after 23 years!

Author: Alex RossPublished 30th Mar 2022

It was an end of an era on the BBC last night (Tuesday 29th March), as hospital drama Holby City aired for the final time, following its shock axing after a massive 23 years.

Fans geared up for a dramatic ending, but the final episode left viewers in complete shock, with many devastated at the script.

⚠️WARNING: The below story contains some MAJOR Holby City spoilers ⚠️

The final ever episode focused mainly on popular character Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel) when she came round from a risky brain operation which was carried out by her former mentor Elliot Hope (Paul Bradley).

Despite coming round from the op, Jac asked her co-worker Adrian 'Fletch' Fletcher (Alex Walkinshaw) to create her a DNR (do-not-resuscitate order), despite Elliot being confident another operation would save the life of his friend.

Jac, who has been a character on the show since 2005, then suffered a stroke, and with the do-not-resuscitate order in place, the team were forced to say their goodbyes to Jac.

However, despite the tragic ending, Holby bosses then decided to bring a little positivity to the situation, later revealing that Jac donated all of her organs to patients in need across the country, with some former characters returning for the final scenes.

The show then ended with a shot of the hospital, with the words 'Thank you' and 'NHS Holby City' projected onto the building, as a slowed down version of the iconic Holby City theme tune played.

Loyal fans of the show were left devastated with the events in the final episode, with many taking to Twitter to reveal they were left emotional throughout.

One viewer wrote: 'I think I actually hate the BBC if this is how they’re ending @BBCHolbyCity !! #crying #holbycity #HolbyCityFinale', with another writing: 'Ugly crying by the bucket load; The final ever Holby broke me... Farewell old friend and thanks for the entertainment, dedication and hard work. You will be so sorely missed #HolbyCity'. (sic)

Another wrote: 'What a finish for #HolbyCity -Jac's posthumous monologue excellently summarised importance of the NHS! Still crying but it was a good way to wrap it up and the photos of the ward staff over the years is that finishing touch 😭 Tuesday nights won't be the same! #HolbyCityFinale'. (sic)

Past and present stars of Holby City were also quick to react to the final episode.

Michael Patterson wrote: 'Holby City has been in my life for as long as I can remember. It should not be ending today, but wow, what a powerful, moving series finale.

'Thank you for the 23 years of incredible memories (and the tears!) Holby. We’ll miss you. ❤️'

Jimmy Akingbola then wrote: 'Farewell @BBCHolbyCity. Thank you for everything! And a big thank you to the awesome #HolbyCity fans! You have always showed our show and characters so much love! ♥️🙏🏾 Dr. #Malick'. (sic)

Chizzy Akudolu wrote: 'This is actually breaking my heart. Holby meant so much to so many people, including me. I’m in bits. Didn’t think it would affect me like this… #holbycity'. (sic)

After seeing the emotional episode, a number of viewers also revealed on Twitter they'd been inspired to sign up to the NHS Organ Donation service after seeing the positive impact Jac made on the show.

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