After three years roaming the corridors as Holby boss Henrik Hanssen, actor Guy Henry is quitting the BBC1 drama (Tuesdays). Here he talks through his big decision...
This final storyline for Hanssen kicked off when his ex, Maja, turned up at Holby a while ago. How is their relationship up to this point?
"When Maja came to the hospital and watched him in action, she was horrified by the man he'd become. She tried to introduce him to his son, and although Hanssen rejected them, Maja didn't close the door completely."
Why is Hanssen so reluctant to meet his son?
"Hanssen believes he is destructive, so rather than inflict himself on the people he loves, he runs away. He's probably at his coldest and most vicious now because he's not sure what to do."
But, this week, he's under huge pressure, professionally, as he battles to save the lives of his Holby colleagues involved in a car crash - and ends up performing neurosurgery for the first time in 15 years?
"That's right! Often he asks people to stretch themselves and now he finds himself in that situation. He is desperate to save the patient so he has to perform the surgery."
Does this traumatic event make him consider what's going on in his personal life?
"Hanssen's the kind of man who hides things so much, sometimes even from himself. It takes him a long time to find out what he actually believes and I think that's what's good about his exit. He is finally coming to terms with things he's kept buried for a long time."
In terms of Hanssen's storylines, what have been the highlights for you?
"I really enjoyed the fact that Hanssen does encourage all sorts of people; he's not a snob, in a strange way. If he sees talent, he will always be there for them and guide them, perhaps a little too strongly. The relationship with Sahira, played by Laila Rouass, was great. Also, I always enjoy acting with Paul Bradley because he makes me laugh."
Was it sad filming your final scenes?
"Yes, it really was because the whole cast and crew genuinely are a great bunch. I was sad to go, but it was me who decided it was time because I felt I'd like to do other things and go back to the theatre, which I love. Thankfully, Hanssen's not dying, so it's nice to think it's not necessarily the end of him forever."
So, what are you doing next?
"I'm going to play Captain Hook for the Royal Shakespeare Company in a new production of Peter Pan at Stratford upon Avon, from December to March. So I'm really excited that I'm going to be shouting in a wig in the evenings!"
Will you miss being in Holby?
"I've had such a wonderful three years working on the show and I love the character. Playing Hanssen has been an unforgettable experience, one of the best roles of my life!"
