Fans have reacted with huge upset to the news that long-running medical drama Holby City is being axed by the BBC.
The much loved series, spin-off of Saturday night ratings winner Casualty, made its debut in January 1999 and quickly established itself as a must-watch show for many viewers.
So many of them are devastated to learn that Holby City will air its final episodes next year.
A statement shared by the BBC on its future read: "We are incredibly proud of Holby City but it’s with great sadness that we are announcing that after 23 years, the show will end on screen in March of next year.
“We sometimes have to make difficult decisions to make room for new opportunities and as part of the BBC’s commitment to make more programmes across the UK, we have taken the difficult decision to bring the show to a close in order to reshape the BBC’s drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at BBC Studios and all the cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 1999.
“Holby has been a stalwart with audiences, delighting millions of viewers each week and winning hundreds of awards with a compelling mix of cutting edge medical stories and explosive personal stories."
Holby City's Twitter account directed followers to the BBC's statement, with a tweet adding: "We’re very sorry to bring you the sad news that Holby City will come to an end in March next year, after 23 amazing years.
"We are so very grateful to all of Holby’s wonderful cast, crew, writers, producers - and to our millions of loyal viewers and fans for being part of our show"
The account gave assurances that Holby City will continue to air on Tuesdays until March 2022, adding: "We promise that Holby will get the send-off it deserves. Thank you for your continued support and love for the series
Fans were quick to react, with one replying: "WWWHHHHYYYYY?????? Holby city is like the highlight off the week. Absolutely gutted and upset. The BBC have made a huge mistake doing this. Absolute joke" and another commenting: "Terrible news for hundreds of writers, camera people, actors, electricians, hair, makeup etc. Yet another BBC balls up. I fear EastEnders maybe next. If only the BBC had the good sense to nurture and cherish their continuing dramas in the same way ITV does.
Holby City has had a number of big name stars in its cast over the years including Patsy Kensit, Lee Mead, Adrian Edmonson and Jane Asher.
More recently, die hard fans were left gutted by the exit of Jak Naylor, played by Rosie Marcel.
