| Vanessa Lytton | |
|---|---|
| Holby City character | |
 Leslie Ash as Vanessa Lytton | |
| First appearance | "The Spirit Dancing" 13 October 2009 |
| Last appearance | "For the Greater Good" 6 April 2010 |
| Created by | Tony McHale |
| Portrayed by | Leslie Ash |
| Spinoff(s) | Casualty (2021) |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | Chief executive officer |
Vanessa Lytton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Leslie Ash. The character first appeared on-screen on 13 October 2009 in the episode "The Spirit Dancing" - series eleven, episode fifty-two of the programme.[1] Her role in the show is that of chief executive officer of the Holby City Hospital Primary Care Trust, making her the only regular character who is not a medic by profession.[2] Vanessa was created by Holby City's executive producer Tony McHale as a replacement for former CEO Jayne Grayson (Stella Gonet). Ash was cast in the role after a five-year break from acting, due to complications arising from MSSA. As Ash is disabled, Vanessa walks with the aid of a walking stick. Ash has praised Holby City producers for their willingness to cast a disabled actress, though faced some media criticism for accepting the role, as she had previously received £5 million compensation for loss of earnings from the hospital at which she contracted MSSA. Vanessa is a "scheming", "conniving and calculated" executive, whose storylines have seen her clash with several members of the hospital's senior staff. In June 2021, it was announced that Ash would be reprising her role in Holby City's sister show Casualty.
- ^ Rob Evans (director), Chris Murray (writer) (13 October 2009). "The Spirit Dancing". Holby City. Season 11. Episode 52. BBC. BBC One.
- ^ "Holby City - Characters & Cast". BBC Online. Retrieved 23 November 2009.