S21-E09 : GUTSTo my surprise, Lofty was on the cast list for this episode, airing just over a month after his last appearance - I was expecting the gap to be much longer given that Lee had a three-month break in filming over the panto season, but this was clearly a brief mid-hiatus return that they were able to film before he went. Sadly, he's distinctly absent from the cast list for the two-part Casualty/Holby crossover airing next Saturday and Tuesday - bad timing, that panto break!
Tonight we were given a slightly clunky explanation for Lofty's absence over the coming weeks, albeit one I found highly unsatisfactory from a Dofty perspective. Dom's behaviour is hardly that of a loved-up newlywed, but let's see what the future holds when Lofty's back on the wards ... a little (curly) birdy tells me he has a very full filming schedule these next few weeks!
Synopsis: Zosia's big news gets a mixed response and Jac remains suspicious about her real reasons for returning to Holby. Zosia's situation is further complicated when a handsome American turns up wanting to tempt her back across the Atlantic. Sasha is rattled and embarrassed when an old flame appears on the ward with their ill partner. Following diagnosis, Sasha gets to try out his new transplant procedure - and by the end of the day has two reasons to celebrate. Meanwhile, following an incident with protestors Jason refuses to leave Hanssen's office until his demands are met. Despite Serena's pleading he stands firm, and eventually a difficult decision is made about a long-term patient, much to Ange's annoyance.
The full episode can be viewed on BBC iPlayer until 28 March 2019 while below, with my apologies to those of the cast who have hit the cutting room floor, is the Lofty edit...
Check out the Timeline's HOLBY & CASUALTY INDEX for all the latest Meady Holby news and episode info.
Published: 14/02/2019; last updated: 27/02/2019