Max McGerry Holby
TV

Holby City fans impressed as medical drama inserts reference to coronavirus

It was a last minute addition

Viewers of Holby City couldn’t believe their ears last night, when the BBC medical drama managed to insert a topical reference to coronavirus.

It’s very rare for a serial drama to be able to react to current events, due to the fact they film up to six weeks ahead.

Holby City
Holby City managed to insert a timely mention of coronavirus (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Holby City confirms return for popular medic Guy Self, played by John Michie

But on Tuesday (March 10), a scene was edited at the last minute to be able to reference the virus which is currently causing problems across the world.

About 10 minutes in, Max McGerry made the first ever mention of the disease on the show.

Nice coronavirus reshoot Holby City, very timely.

The acting CEO and consultant neurosurgeon said that she was “briefing the staff on the ever-changing coronavirus situation”.

Mic drop!

holby city staffing crisis max breakdown
Max has had a lot to deal with as Acting CEO (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Holby City fans delighted as Dancing On Ice judge John Barrowman confirmed for show role

Although the show films episodes weeks in advance, a representative for Holby City told Digital Spy that the scene was edited last week to include the reference.

The rep added that next week’s episode will also refer to the coronavirus.

Some of those watching from home were shocked at the addition, with one tweeting: “Holby City didn’t waste any time with adding the coronavirus into their script.”

https://twitter.com/tothepoint2019/status/1237471156527075329

https://twitter.com/emzhollis/status/1237471151196123140

Another said: “Holby City sneaking in some crafty coronavirus reshoots there.”

A third added: “Oooh they’ve dubbed in a coronavirus reference into Holby. Smooth.”

Nice coronavirus reshoot Holby City, very timely,” said one more, while another added: “You know it’s serious when coronavirus is mentioned on Holby City.”

One more wrote: “Wow a reference to coronavirus! I’m impressed Holby City, seeing as you film four months in advance! Ms McGerry sure has the finger on the pulse!”

Linda is a huge royal fan in EastEnders and shared the news of baby Louis’ birth in 2018 (Credit: BBC)

The BBC does try to add in topical references when possible, usually for big stories that affect the country.

BBC soap EastEnders most recently referenced the general election, and previously mentioned Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018, the birth of their baby Archie, as well as England’s World Cup results.

The result of the EU referendum, the deaths of Michael Jackson and Nelson Mandela, and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory have also been added in.

Australian soap Neighbours also included a topical scene back in January, in regards to the Australian bushfires.

Do you appreciate when a TV show makes a topical insert? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Helen Fear
TV Editor