BBC star opens up on 'lack of funding' following Holby City axe: 'Hard to see'
Annabel Scholey has starred in several BBC dramas such as Holby City
BBC/Getty
Holby City fans were left heartbroken when the BBC series was axed in 2022 after its 23-year stint on screens.
Annabel Scholey, who has featured in the hospital drama as well as several other BBC dramas, spoke to GB News and opened up about the "lack of funding" in the industry.
Scholey, who recently starred in unique love story Chuck Chuck Baby - which is coming to UK screens this month, reflected on other shows she had starred in, and when asked about Holby City's cancellation, she admitted it was "hard to see" long-running suffering such fates.
As well as starring in BBC dramas The Split, Doctors, The Salisbury Poisonings, EastEnders, Doctor Who and more, the actress did a stint in Holby City.
"A long time ago but I loved it and learnt a lot," she recalled. "The cast I remember were very welcoming and I had a great experience on set.
"I do think it's hard to see these long-running and popular dramas come to an end.
Annabel Scholey recently starred in Chuck Chuck Baby
Getty
"They provide stability for a lot of cast and crew, in an industry that mostly has none.
"Unfortunately, there is a lack of funding across the board in the industry at the moment for different reasons, but I think Covid caused a lot of damage."
Scholey has more recently starred in 2023 film Chuck Chuck Baby, which is celebrating its debut to UK and Irish cinemas this week. Written and directed by Janis Pugh, the film explores love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen. Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne.
Holby City aired from 1999 to 2022
BBC
Speaking about her role as Joanne in musical Chuck Chuck Baby, Scholey said of her character: "Joanne goes through a huge midlife crisis.
"She is at a crossroads in her life and wants to change. I think exploring a transitional moment within a character’s life is always very intricate and challenging, but in the best possible way.
"In moments like this I think we all experience extreme emotions and behave erratically and as an actor, I find that journey very addictive."
Exploring the themes of the show, Scholey explained: "I think middle age for a woman - though I am not quite there yet - is probably the most interesting and complex time.
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"We are shifting in huge ways biologically but also emotionally. Whether that’s finding yourself as a mother and working out how to have a career at the same time as keeping a family going or whether it's turning 40 and realising that you want to spend the next part of your life on a different path.
"I personally have never felt more like myself than at this age and although I think the industry is starting to tell these stories, I do of course think that we could go further."