Holby City is sadly coming to an end this month following its axe by the BBC, but star Rosie Marcel has promised that, before the Holby wards leave our screens for good, fans will be treated to "some of the best" episodes that the drama has ever produced.
Holby City will air its final ever episode on Tuesday, March 29, with the finale featuring a major storyline for Rosie's character, Jac Naylor, as she undergoes a serious operation to remove a brain tumour.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Rosie revealed that she and the rest of the cast and crew of the long-running drama are very proud of their final few episodes, promising that they have "pulled out all the stops" to see the show off in style.
Related: Holby City star teases possible Casualty crossover
"The final episodes I think are some of the best we've ever done," she said. "Our show has been incredible throughout the years, but because we had this decision forced upon us, it made us go, 'Sod them – we're going to do this to the best of our ability', and we've delivered something outstanding.
"We should always be up for awards – BAFTAs, NTAs, Inside Soap Awards, and if it's going to be any year it needs to be this one, because we have pulled out all the stops. After 23 years on telly, we bloody deserve it."
The actress also spoke about her shock over the axe announcement, saying that she was "angry" when it was revealed last June that the show was being dropped from the schedules.
"The whole thing is really upsetting, in all honesty," she said. "I think the scripts are amazing, and I have no doubt in my mind that the audience is going to find the final two episodes very dramatic and fitting.
Related: Holby City to air a huge twist in Jac's story
"However, I can't lie and say that I wasn't angry about Holby ending without warning, without reprieve, or the opportunity to fight. For this to happen at a time when we were outperforming our sister shows and EastEnders, it felt like a very big blow to all of us, and it still does."
The actress, who has played Jac since 2005, also shared her appreciation for Holby's loyal fans, calling their attempts to save the show through a petition "amazing".
"I love our fans; I think they are an incredible bunch of people and the messages of support and kindness have been wonderful," she said.
"It doesn't surprise me that they tried to save us, but we always knew that the BBC wouldn't change their minds. Once it's done, it's done - and that's a sad thing."
Related: Holby City teases Jac's fate in new trailer
Before the show bows out, fans can expect to see the returns of several familiar faces for the finale, including Chizzy Akudolu as Mo Effanga, Hugh Quarshie as Ric Griffin, Luke Roberts as Joseph Byrne, Catherine Russell as Serena Campbell and Jemma Redgrave as Bernie Wolfe.
Holby City airs on Tuesdays on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
