Mary-Claire Carter

Mary-Claire Carter
Holby City character
Niamh McGrady as Mary-Claire Carter
First appearance"Spin"
22 September 2009
Last appearance"Go the Distance"
14 April 2015
Portrayed byNiamh McGrady
Introduced byTony McHale
In-universe information
OccupationAgency Nurse
Staff Nurse
Significant otherGreg Douglas
Edward Campbell
Harry Tressler

Mary-Claire Carter is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Niamh McGrady. She first appeared in the eleventh series episode "Spin", broadcast on 22 September 2009.[1] The character was introduced by Tony McHale. Between her arrival and January 2013,[2] Mary Claire appeared on a recurring basis, sometimes with months between appearances, as an agency nurse on Keller and AAU wards. McGrady was promoted to a regular cast member in early 2013 by newly appointed executive producer, Oliver Kent - alongside the introductions of three characters. Her first appearance, as a regular cast member, aired on 23 April when Mary-Claire received a staff nurse job on the AAU ward.[3] She is characterised as a blunt and easily distracted character, yet a brilliant nurse. Her strong point is not diplomacy, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll find a heart of gold. McGrady has described her as "cheeky, flirtatious, and trouble."

In 2013, whilst a recurring cast member, McGrady filmed the first series of The Fall and the following year, chose to film a second series.[4] In order to film the new series, McGrady temporarily departed Holby City and scenes airing on 22 April 2014 showed Mary-Claire depart to look after her sick mother in Ireland.[5] Just over four months later, on 7 October, Mary-Claire's return scenes aired.[6] Her main storyline following her return was her on-off relationship with Harry Tressler (Jules Knight), which fans took a strong liking to. In the episode airing on 14 April 2015, Mary-Claire and Harry departed from the show for their new life in Chicago, America after being engaged.[7] Knight's exit was announced in February,[8] while McGrady's decision to leave the show was not announced prior to the premiere of the episode, but revealed she had planned to leave.[9]

  1. ^ Director: Mark Walker; Producer: Jane Wallbank; Writer: Al Smith (22 September 2009). "Spin". Holby City. Series 11. Episode 49. BBC. BBC One.
  2. ^ Director: Richard Platt; Producer: Anne Edyvean (2 January 2013). "Blood Ties". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 12. BBC. BBC One.
  3. ^ Director: Rob Evans; Producer: Emma Stuart; Writer: Paul Matthew Thompson (23 April 2013). "Second Life". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 28. BBC. BBC One.
  4. ^ Jeffery, Morgan (16 January 2014). "The Fall series 2 to shoot six episodes in Belfast". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  5. ^ Director: Jo Johnson; Producer: Darren Guthrie; Writer: Julia Gilbert (22 April 2014). "Battle Lines". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 28. BBC. BBC One.
  6. ^ Director: Jan Bauer; Producer: Simon Harper; Writer: Jon Sen (7 October 2014). "True Colours". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 52. BBC. BBC One.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference 14Apr was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Rigby, Sam (20 February 2015). "Jules Knight quits 'Holby City' to relaunch music career". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  9. ^ "Niamh McGrady Interview". Holby.tv. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.