Sam Strachan

Sam Strachan
Holby City character
Tom Chambers as Sam Strachan in 2006
First appearance"Mother Love"
3 January 2006 (Holby City)
"Hearts and Flowers"
13 February 2016 (Casualty)
Last appearance"Maria's Christmas Carol"
23 December 2008 (Holby City)
"Somewhere Between Silences - Part Two"
22 July 2017 (Casualty)
Created byRichard Stokes
Portrayed byTom Chambers
In-universe information
OccupationSpeciality doctor, emergency medicine/cardiothoracic surgery
(prev. specialist registrar, medical director, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon)
FamilyAudrey Strachan (mother)
Significant otherConnie Beauchamp
Chrissie Williams
Maddy Young
Faye Morton
Zoe Foxe
Maria Kendall
Emma Dufresne
ChildrenKieron Patel
Grace Beauchamp

Samuel Noel "Sam" Strachan is a fictional character in the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Tom Chambers.[1] The character first appeared on-screen on 3 January 2006, in episode "Mother Love" - series 8, episode 12 of the programme.[2] Chambers was cast in the role after sending a video of himself performing a Fred Astaire dance routine to over 800 television producers, and piquing the interest of BBC Casting Director Julie Harkin. Although he originally auditioned for only a minor role in the show, he was later asked back to audition for the newly created role of major character Sam Strachan.

Sam's initial function in the show was that of hospital Lothario[3] – romancing and fathering a child with his boss, Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing),[1] as well as engaging in relationships with Ward Sisters Chrissie Williams (Tina Hobley) and Faye Morton (Patsy Kensit), SHO Maddy Young (Nadine Lewington), and Staff Nurse Zoe Foxe (Alicia Davies). However, he was taken on a redemptive path and was seen to change his philandering ways after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma stage three, with just a 40% survival rate.

Chambers left his role in 2008. The character's son, Kieron Patel, was introduced to facilitate his departure storyline and Chambers made his final appearance in Holby City on 23 December 2008, in episode "Maria's Christmas Carol" - series 11, episode 11 of the programme.[4]

The character was reintroduced in 2016, appearing in Holby City's sister show, Casualty. Chambers reprised his role for two episodes in February[5] and one episode in September.[6] Producer Erika Hossington announced that Sam would be reintroduced for a longer stint in February 2017 as Sam receives a job at the hospital.[7]

The character has proven highly popular with fans of the show, being voted in 2006 'Favourite Newcomer' of the series, and in 2007 'Favourite All-Time Male' within the show. However, in October 2007, the character also came under heavy criticism by drinks industry body the Portman Group, resulting from an incident of on-screen binge drinking, broadcast without showing any negative effects, which the group lambasted as "highly irresponsible."[8]

  1. ^ a b "BBC - Holby City - Characters - Sam Strachan". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 October 2008.
  2. ^ "Mother Love". Holby City. Season 8. Episode 12. 3 January 2006. BBC. BBC One.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Lancet was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Maria's Christmas Carol". Holby City. Season 11. Episode 11. 23 December 2008. BBC. BBC One.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference casualty2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference casualty3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference casualty4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference guardian was invoked but never defined (see the help page).