Chrissie Williams: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox character |
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| first = "[[Holby City series 3#ep55|The Road Less Travelled]]"<br />5 June 2001 |
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| last = "[[Holby City series 16#ep689|Merry-Go-Round]]"<br />19 November 2013 |
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| last = "[[Holby City (series 16)#ep689|Merry-Go-Round]]"<br />19 November 2013 |
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*Nurse Consultant |
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| occupation = Nurse Consultant<br />Keller Senior Ward Sister<br />(prev. AAU Ward Sister, Clinical Matron, Darwin Ward Sister) |
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*Senior Ward Sister |
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*Ward Sister |
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*Clinical Matron |
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| ⚫ | '''Christine "Chrissie" Williams''' (also '''Levy''') is a fictional character from the |
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| ⚫ | '''Christine''' "'''Chrissie'''" '''Williams''' (also '''Levy''') is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama ''[[Holby City]]'', played by [[Tina Hobley]]. She first appeared in the [[Holby City series 3|third series]] episode "The Road Less Travelled", broadcast on 5 June 2001. Hobley decided to leave ''Holby City'' and Chrissie's final appearance occurred in the [[Holby City series 16|sixteenth series]] episode "[[Holby City series 16#ep689|Merry-Go-Round]]", which was broadcast on 19 November 2013. |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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Chrissie first appeared in the final episode of the [[Holby City series 3|third series]] of ''Holby City''. The episode was titled "The Road Less Travelled" and was originally broadcast on 5 June 2001.<ref name=episode>{{cite episode|title=The Road Less Travelled|series=Holby City|series-link=Holby City|credits=Writer: Andrew Rattenbury; Director: [[Paul Wroblewski]]; Producer: Caroline Levy|network=[[BBC]]|station=[[BBC One]]|airdate=5 June 2001}}</ref> Executive producer [[Mal Young]] approached Hobley about the possibility of joining ''Holby City'' and she stated her interest. Young created the role especially for Hobley because he thought a "bitchy" role was suited to her.<ref name=insidesoap1>{{cite journal |last1=Brand |first1=Claire |title=Tender loving care? |journal=[[Inside Soap]] |date=29 September - 12 October 2001 |issue=189 |page=35 |publisher=(Attic Futura UK)}}</ref> Chrissie was also created to replace the vacant Ward Sister role following the departure of [[Julie Fitzjohn]] ([[Nicola Stephenson]]).<ref name=insidesoap1/> Chrissie is introduced via the show's cardiothoracic ward, Darwin. Of Chrissie's creation, Hobley told Claire Brand from ''[[Inside Soap]]'' that "I told Young I want to do it and he created this creature, which is quite frightening really."<ref name=insidesoap1/> From her debut, writers showcased Chrissie's professional aspirations as she takes control of her ward. Hobley described Chrissie as "extremely good at her job", she "runs a very efficient ship" and she believed that Chrissie was "the best nurse at Holby City".<ref name=insidesoap1/> |
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On 30 June 2013, it was announced that Hobley would be departing ''Holby City''.<ref name="Daniels">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/news/a494450/holby-city-exit-for-tina-hobley.html|title='Holby City' exit for Tina Hobley|last=Daniels|first=Colin|date=30 June 2013|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> The actress commented "Being a part of the Holby family for the last 12 years has been an experience I will treasure forever but it's time to explore some new challenges. I have loved playing Chrissie Williams for the past 12 years but I'm also looking forward to getting my teeth in to some other characters and new roles."<ref name="Daniels"/> Chrissie's on-screen exit was broadcast later that year.<ref name="Daniels"/> |
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==Storylines== |
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<!-- ATTENTION! PLEASE READ BEFORE EDITING! Try to keep this section brief. Not every plot detail needs to be added here, especially since the show is currently ongoing. --> |
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Chrissie believes she is the daughter of Chief Executive Officer [[Mark Williams (Holby City)|Mark Williams]], and former staff nurse [[Characters of Holby City#Tricia Williams|Tricia Williams]], although unbeknownst to her, she is actually the biological daughter of Frank Williams, Mark Williams' father, who raped her mother. Upon her arrival at Holby City Hospital, Chrissie clashed with several of her colleagues, including Sandy Harper and [[Characters of Holby City#Jasmine Hopkins|Jasmine Hopkins]]. Chrissie expected a high standard and made it clear that she would tolerate nothing less - reprimanding Sandy harshly for occasionally being a few minutes late for her shifts. |
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Early in [[Holby City (series 4)|series four]], Chrissie began an affair with married Cardiothoracic Consultant [[Characters of Holby City#Alistair Taylor|Alistair Taylor]]. He soon became besotted with her and ignored Chrissie's repeated attempts to rebuke him. Chrissie attempted to sever relations between them and was saved by Obstetrics Consultant [[Characters of Holby City#Owen Davies|Owen Davies]] when Alistair attempted to restrain her physically. Chrissie's relationship with Owen developed alongside her affair with Alistair. Owen and Chrissie had known each other for a while and had a brief affair, which almost ended Owen's marriage. Almost as soon as she ended her affair with Alistair, she started flirting with Owen again and tried to lure him away from his wife. Owen initially resisted but soon gave in and they slept together but were caught by Owen's daughter, Katie. Katie told her mother what she had seen and Laura threw Owen out but she struggled to get on with Katie, and resisted making any commitment to Owen - although she did agree to move in with him. They got engaged in series five but despite this, Chrissie had an affair with Cardiothoracic Registrar [[Characters of Holby City#Ed Keating|Ed Keating]]. When she discovered that she was pregnant, she wasn't sure who the father was. This was accidentally revealed to Owen by his colleague, [[Characters of Holby City#Mubbs Hussein|Mubbs Hussein]], and he ended their relationship. Chrissie stayed with [[Characters of Holby City#Lisa Fox|Lisa Fox]], before moving in with her mother, Tricia, who had recently returned from Spain. Unfortunately Chrissie went into premature labour and Owen had to deliver the baby by [[caesarean section]] but she was born with brain damage so Chrissie only had a few minutes with her before she died. Owen ordered a paternity test after the birth but threw the results away without looking at them. Chrissie later told Owen that she wanted a divorce so Owen began an affair with her mother, Tricia. Although Owen and Chrissie briefly reunited in early [[Holby City (series 6)|series six]], Chrissie ended the relationship again when she discovered his affair with her mother and had a one-night stand with Mubbs. |
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Chrissie's relationship with her mother was, for a long time, marred by her affair with Owen. After taking a refresher course, Tricia began working as a nurse at the hospital but it took Chrissie a long time to forgive her. When she discovered Tricia had breast cancer, Chrissie went to London to track down her estranged father, Mark, and persuade him to come to Holby. Relations between her parents were initially poor - however, in time the pair reconciled, and attempted to rebuild their marriage. |
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During this period, Owen began dating General Surgical Registrar [[Characters of Holby City#Diane Lloyd|Diane Lloyd]]. Chrissie was jealous, especially after they got engaged and enticed Owen to sleep with her the day before the wedding. Disappointed that he had married Diane, Chrissie left things for almost a year between her and Owen. She had a brief affair with Michael Beauchamp - husband of current Clinical Lead [[Connie Beauchamp]], and was instrumental in aiding Connie to bring about his downfall after it was revealed Michael had purposely let [[Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|VRSA]] into the hospital, resulting in the death of a young girl. When Owen's marriage to Diane became strained, Chrissie pursued him once more and it seemed that she had won when Owen left Diane for her. However, the death of his ex-wife, Laura, meant that he had to provide a stable home for his daughter, Katie, so Owen resigned from the hospital and told Chrissie that his daughter had to come first. After losing Owen, Chrissie's life was dominated by her parents' relationship and she learned that Mark is not her father, causing another rift with her mother. To this day, Chrissie is unaware that Mark is her half-brother as Tricia was raped by Mark's father, [[Minor characters in Holby City#Relatives 2|Frank Williams]]. The pair only began to reconcile when, after her parents' remarriage, Chrissie discovered Tricia's cancer had returned. She was initially angry at being kept in the dark but accepted her mother's decision, following a heart to heart with Diane. Tricia and Mark set off on a second honeymoon, ecstatic that Tricia was in remission again but they were involved in a car crash en route. Chrissie was devastated when later that day, Tricia succumbed to her injuries, and they were asked to switch off her life support. After her mother's death, Chrissie came to increasingly rely on the support and friendship of Cardiothoracic Registrar [[Sam Strachan]]. The pair became quite close, however their blossoming relationship was damaged when Sam told her that he was the father of Connie Beauchamp's child and finding fourteen-year-old prostitute Jade McGuire in Sam's bed. Weighed down by events since her mother's death, Chrissie took a leave of absence and returned in episode 'Deep Dark Truthful Mirror', her future at the hospital and her relationship with Sam, remains to be seen. |
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In December 2007, sexual health nurse Tim attacked three people with a cross bow - shooting Faye, Zoe and [[Martha Hope]]. Chrissie was the only member of staff to witness this. Martha and Faye survived the shooting but Zoe didn't make it. Martha and Chrissie found themselves trapped in a lift - the lift was disabled during the aftermath of the shooting. In the lift, Martha had bled and Chrissie promised her that she will do something about her brother James's court sentence, which led Mark to be a witness. Later, Chrissie and the security officer found Tim on the stairs, feeling remorseful. Chrissie took the crossbow from him and he later committed suicide. |
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However, Chrissie's controlling manner causes "catty" arguments with fellow ward sister, [[Kath Fox]] ([[Jan Pearson]]). Writers also created a "strange attraction to married men" for Chrissie.<ref name=insidesoap1/> This was demonstrated when Chrissie develops an attraction to [[Alistair Taylor (fictional character)|Alistair Taylor]] ([[Dominic Jephcott]]) and her liking of [[Anton Meyer]] ([[George Irving (English actor)|George Irving]]).<ref name=insidesoap1/> Hobley revealed that Alistair "doesn't know what's hit him" and she thinks Meyer "is God". She added that Meyer comes to "like Chrissie a lot" and is shocked by her confidence around him. Hobley concluded that when Chrissie arrives she has "a lot of baggage" from her past and wants a "fresh start". Chrissie soon discovers that her penchant for married men could threaten her new beginning.<ref name=insidesoap1/> |
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On 5 February 2008, Chrissie was taken hostage by her ex-boyfriend, [[Stuart McElroy]], who slashed her face with a scalpel. He gagged her while he stitched her wound. However, Chrissie knocked over a tray, which Connie heard and was rescued by Connie. On 12 February, Chrissie went into hiding and Stuart tried to convince Connie that Chrissie had slashed her face herself. Connie wasn't fooled, however, and persuaded Chrissie to help set him up. Chrissie was sitting in Connie's office when Stuart walked in. Stuart apologised for his actions and confessed, unaware that the conversation was recorded and made a run for it, so Sam and the security guard went after him. After catching him, Sam punched Stuart to the ground and Stuart was arrested. Connie told Chrissie that she will be scarred for life. |
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Chrissie decided to leave Holby, to clear her head after the attack and returned in January 2009. She wasn't pleased to see her father's relationship with [[Daisha Anderson]], questioning the nature of it. After Daisha allowed her sister to take her baby son home to the Philippines, Daisha, thanks to Chrissie, also questioned Mark's feelings for her and moved out. |
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When [[Sacha Levy]] ([[Bob Barrett (actor)|Bob Barrett]]) discovers that his daughter Rachel Levy (Imogen Byron) is diagnosed with leukaemia, she needs a bone barrow transplant. Sacha wants his and Chrissie's son, Daniel Levy to get tested to see if he is a suitable donor match. Chrissie is reluctant and Sacha decides to carry out the test regardless of her decision.<ref name=sacha1>{{cite web |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title='Holby' star: 'Sacha will risk marriage' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a484306/holby-citys-bob-barrett-sacha-will-risk-marriage-for-his-child/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Magazines UK]]) |access-date=3 May 2022 |date=24 May 2013}}</ref> Barrett told a ''[[What's on TV]]'' reporter that the story highlighted Chrissie and Sacha's incompatibilities. He noted that while Sacha really loves Chrissie "they are not soulmates", they disagree a lot and are "very different".<ref name=sacha1/> Chrissie's stance on Rachel's illness shows their differences because "to Sacha, family is family, no matter what". Sacha can only think of Rachel's wellbeing and wants to be a "good parent" to her. Barrett claimed that Sacha would give his life for his children and readily risks his marriage with Chrissie to save Rachel.<ref name=sacha1/> |
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When junior doctors, [[Oliver Valentine|Oliver]] ([[James Anderson (English actor)|James Anderson]]) and [[Penny Valentine (Holby City)|Penny Valentine]] ([[Emma Catherwood]]), joined the hospital, Oliver makes friends with Daisha and Chrissie. He and Chrissie have a brief relationship which ends by mutual agreement but Chrissie discovers she is pregnant. Unfortunately she miscarries not long afterwards, and is later challenged Mark to find her a man and she will find him a woman. A few months later, Chrissie is pregnant by new doctor [[Sacha Levy]] but seems to be embarrassed by him. When she falls ill, Sacha calls Paradis Bloom, a fantastic midwife. As Chrissie's condition deteriorates, her baby boy is born by emergency C-section. Sacha asks Chrissie if she would meet his mother, which she does. She also meets his daughters, Rachel and Beka, but they drive Chrissie up the wall. Chrissie names her son Daniel Levy Williams and says that Sacha can see him whenever he wants and that he is part of their family but she isn't. Chrissie then gets the all clear and went on maternity leave. Chrissie returned in November 2010 and started flirting with [[Greg Douglas (Holby City)|Greg Douglas]] ([[Edward MacLiam]]) and went on a night out with him whilst Sacha looked after the baby but that soon ended. |
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Barrett noted that Chrissie's difference of opinion stems from Daniel being her biological child and Rachel is not. In addition the situation is "very hard for her" because of her past experiences losing a child.<ref name=sacha1/> Barrett added that the story would divide viewer opinion. He concluded that "all I can ask, as an actor, is that people see the reason why Sacha wants to get Daniel tested - that he's so desperate for Rachel to live that he thinks it's a risk worth taking."<ref name=sacha1/> Sacha discovers that Daniel has a heart condition which he conceals from Chrissie. He believes she will not go ahead with the procedure with the added risks. After the procedures are successful, Chrissie discovers the truth. Chrissie is shocked at Sacha's deception and it leaves their marriage ruined. Chrissie then decides to spend time in Australia with Mark.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Victoria |title=Don't leave me, Chrissie! |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/events/dont-leave-me-chrissie |website=[[Whattowatch.com]] |publisher=([[Future plc]]) |access-date=3 May 2022 |date=14 June 2013}}</ref> |
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A patient called Patrick Wright goes into surgery and nearly dies, due to [[Jac Naylor]]'s ([[Rosie Marcel]]) mistake. Jac had an interview that day and was determined to get the job, so she changes his INR result from 4 to 1.4, trying to make Chrissie look incompetent which leads to a complaint being made against her and Chrissie. Chrissie takes it badly and became closer to Sacha. Chrissie is cleared and promoted to Nurse Consultant, with Orthopaedic Consultant [[Dan Hamilton]] (Adam Astill) as her mentor. They begin dating when Dan's rugby friend is admitted with a nasty knee infection, caused by steroid shots administered by Dan. When Chrissie and ward registrar [[Antoine Malick]] ([[Jimmy Akingbola]]) find out about this, they are both annoyed. When Sean's surgery isn't as straight forward as expected, he is left with a limp. Dan gets frustrated and in the locker room, fights with Malick, but ends up kissing him. He then runs to Chrissie and drags her into the On-Call Room for sex. Dan and Malick continue to argue on the ward and when Dan takes credit for Malick's work, Malick punches Dan leaving him with a cut on his face. Chrissie is determined to find out what happened and when she finds out about the punch, she tells Hanssen. Dan and Malick then have to explain themselves. Dan comes out gay on his and Chrissie's wedding day, humiliating her. However, she soon realises when Sacha tries to cheer her up that she is the man for him, and they start a relationship. |
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On 30 June 2013, it was announced that Hobley would be departing ''Holby City''.<ref name="Daniels">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/news/a494450/holby-city-exit-for-tina-hobley.html|title='Holby City' exit for Tina Hobley|last=Daniels|first=Colin|date=30 June 2013|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=([[Hearst Magazines UK]])|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> The actress commented "Being a part of the Holby family for the last 12 years has been an experience I will treasure forever but it's time to explore some new challenges. I have loved playing Chrissie Williams for the past 12 years but I'm also looking forward to getting my teeth in to some other characters and new roles."<ref name="Daniels"/> Chrissie's on-screen exit was broadcast later that year.<ref name="Daniels"/> Hobley revealed that she was happy with Chrissie's exit storyline. She praised the "amazing" writers for creating "a natural end, but a very positive one" for Chrissie.<ref name=departure>{{cite web |last1=Sperling |first1=Daniel |last2=Kilkelly |first2=Daniel |title='Holby' star praises Chrissie exit plot |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a497756/holby-city-tina-hobley-chrissies-exit-story-is-excellent/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Magazines UK]]) |access-date=30 April 2022 |date=11 July 2013}}</ref> Hobley had wanted Chrissie to receive a happy ending because she was "loved" by fans. She added that ''Holby City's'' production team had hired guest stars to aid Chrissie's departure.<ref name=departure/> Producers decided not kill the character off so Hobley could return. Hobley added that "it's every actor's dream for the producers not to kill off the character they've played for so long! They've kept the door open and also given Chrissie a great, positive exit."<ref name=departure/> Hobley filmed her final scenes as Chrissie in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tina Hobley tells Hello! why she is quitting Holby City |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2013070113289/tina-hobley-hello-exclusive/ |website=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]] |access-date=3 May 2022 |date=1 July 2013}}</ref> |
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They quickly become engaged, and marry in the following Autumn. However, soon after, Sacha is stabbed and put in a serious condition. Chrissie and Malick manage to save him, and he is soon back to himself. Sacha is devastated to learn that his daughter Rachel has leukemia, and Chrissie struggles to support him. She is unhappy when it is discovered that Daniel is the only bone marrow match for Rachel, and Sacha uses him without Chrissie's knowledge despite the risks involved. After a rocky few weeks, they separate and Chrissie leaves for Australia with Daniel. |
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Chrissie's final stories involved [[Michael Spence (Holby City)|Michael Spence]] ([[Hari Dhillon]]) and guest character Eve Warburton (Bethan Rose Young).<ref name=wot1>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Victoria |title=Will Chrissie leave Holby with Michael? |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/events/will-chrissie-leave-holby-with-michael |website=[[Whattowatch.com]] |publisher=([[Future plc]]) |access-date=30 April 2022 |date=12 November 2013}}</ref> Chrissie and Michael consider a romance following a kiss. Eve is admitted to the hospital after suffering acid burns to her face. Chrissie asks Michael to treat Eve's condition because it reminds her of Stuart's scalpel attack. Hospital politics prevent the best treatment for Eve which prompts Chrissie to leave the hospital to take on a Nursing consultant role elsewhere.<ref name=wot1/> |
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She returns a few weeks later without telling Sacha that she is back, and confides in her colleague [[Michael Spence (Holby City)|Michael Spence]] ([[Hari Dhillon]]) that she has found a lump in her breast. Further tests reveal that she has breast cancer. Sacha becomes suspicious that Chrissie and Michael are having an affair, but is devastated when he discovers the truth. He later returns home with Chrissie to show Daniel a stable family; however, their separation continues. |
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==Reception== |
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In July 2015, Chrissie calls Sacha and his new girlfriend, [[Essie Harrison]], to inform them she has gotten engaged to a man named Todd, and thus Daniel would be gaining a new stepfather. |
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Victoria Wilson from ''[[What's on TV]]'' summed Chrissie's time in the series as "eventful" and more so in her final stories.<ref name=wot1/> In 2022, Wilson and Elaine Reilly from the magazine chose Stuart holding Chrissie hostage and attacking her with a scalpel in their top five moments in the show's history.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wilson |first1=Victoria |last2=Reilly |first2=Elaine |title=Memorable moments |journal=[[What's on TV]] |date=26 March – 1 April 2022 |issue=12 |pages=15 |publisher=([[Future plc]])}}</ref> Writing for [[Whattowatch.com]], Wilson included Chrissie at number tenth in her ''Holby City'' "Top 10 greatest characters of all time" feature. Wilson assessed that Chrissie has "high standards" in her professional and love life and that her many affairs made her "the hospital's resident man-eater."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Victoria |title=Holby City: Top 10 greatest characters of all time! |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/features/holby-city-greatest-characters-of-all-time |website=[[Whattowatch.com]] |publisher=([[Future plc]]) |access-date=3 May 2022 |date=24 March 2022}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters-cast/characters/chrissiewilliams.shtml Chrissie Williams] at [[BBC Online]] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100117001835/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters-cast/characters/chrissiewilliams.shtml Chrissie Williams] at [[BBC Online]] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222557/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/primetime/holby_city/whos_who/chrissie_williams Chrissie Williams] at ''[[What's on TV]]'' |
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[[Category:Holby City characters]] |
[[Category:Holby City characters]] |
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[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2001]] |
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2001]] |
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[[Category:English female characters in soap operas]] |
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[[Category:Fictional nurses]] |
[[Category:Fictional nurses in soap operas]] |
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Latest revision as of 15:01, 24 November 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2014) |
| Chrissie Williams | |
|---|---|
| Holby City character | |
 | |
| First appearance | "The Road Less Travelled" 5 June 2001 |
| Last appearance | "Merry-Go-Round" 19 November 2013 |
| Portrayed by | Tina Hobley |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation |
|
| Family | Mark Williams (half-brother) Tricia Williams (mother) Frank Williams (father) |
| Spouse | Owen Davis (2004) Sacha Levy (2012–14) |
| Children | Amanda Williams Daniel Levy-Williams Rachel Levy (step-daughter) Rebecca Levy (step-daughter) |
Christine "Chrissie" Williams (also Levy) is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Tina Hobley. She first appeared in the third series episode "The Road Less Travelled", broadcast on 5 June 2001. Hobley decided to leave Holby City and Chrissie's final appearance occurred in the sixteenth series episode "Merry-Go-Round", which was broadcast on 19 November 2013.
Development
[edit]Chrissie first appeared in the final episode of the third series of Holby City. The episode was titled "The Road Less Travelled" and was originally broadcast on 5 June 2001.[1] Executive producer Mal Young approached Hobley about the possibility of joining Holby City and she stated her interest. Young created the role especially for Hobley because he thought a "bitchy" role was suited to her.[2] Chrissie was also created to replace the vacant Ward Sister role following the departure of Julie Fitzjohn (Nicola Stephenson).[2] Chrissie is introduced via the show's cardiothoracic ward, Darwin. Of Chrissie's creation, Hobley told Claire Brand from Inside Soap that "I told Young I want to do it and he created this creature, which is quite frightening really."[2] From her debut, writers showcased Chrissie's professional aspirations as she takes control of her ward. Hobley described Chrissie as "extremely good at her job", she "runs a very efficient ship" and she believed that Chrissie was "the best nurse at Holby City".[2]
However, Chrissie's controlling manner causes "catty" arguments with fellow ward sister, Kath Fox (Jan Pearson). Writers also created a "strange attraction to married men" for Chrissie.[2] This was demonstrated when Chrissie develops an attraction to Alistair Taylor (Dominic Jephcott) and her liking of Anton Meyer (George Irving).[2] Hobley revealed that Alistair "doesn't know what's hit him" and she thinks Meyer "is God". She added that Meyer comes to "like Chrissie a lot" and is shocked by her confidence around him. Hobley concluded that when Chrissie arrives she has "a lot of baggage" from her past and wants a "fresh start". Chrissie soon discovers that her penchant for married men could threaten her new beginning.[2]
When Sacha Levy (Bob Barrett) discovers that his daughter Rachel Levy (Imogen Byron) is diagnosed with leukaemia, she needs a bone barrow transplant. Sacha wants his and Chrissie's son, Daniel Levy to get tested to see if he is a suitable donor match. Chrissie is reluctant and Sacha decides to carry out the test regardless of her decision.[3] Barrett told a What's on TV reporter that the story highlighted Chrissie and Sacha's incompatibilities. He noted that while Sacha really loves Chrissie "they are not soulmates", they disagree a lot and are "very different".[3] Chrissie's stance on Rachel's illness shows their differences because "to Sacha, family is family, no matter what". Sacha can only think of Rachel's wellbeing and wants to be a "good parent" to her. Barrett claimed that Sacha would give his life for his children and readily risks his marriage with Chrissie to save Rachel.[3]
Barrett noted that Chrissie's difference of opinion stems from Daniel being her biological child and Rachel is not. In addition the situation is "very hard for her" because of her past experiences losing a child.[3] Barrett added that the story would divide viewer opinion. He concluded that "all I can ask, as an actor, is that people see the reason why Sacha wants to get Daniel tested - that he's so desperate for Rachel to live that he thinks it's a risk worth taking."[3] Sacha discovers that Daniel has a heart condition which he conceals from Chrissie. He believes she will not go ahead with the procedure with the added risks. After the procedures are successful, Chrissie discovers the truth. Chrissie is shocked at Sacha's deception and it leaves their marriage ruined. Chrissie then decides to spend time in Australia with Mark.[4]
On 30 June 2013, it was announced that Hobley would be departing Holby City.[5] The actress commented "Being a part of the Holby family for the last 12 years has been an experience I will treasure forever but it's time to explore some new challenges. I have loved playing Chrissie Williams for the past 12 years but I'm also looking forward to getting my teeth in to some other characters and new roles."[5] Chrissie's on-screen exit was broadcast later that year.[5] Hobley revealed that she was happy with Chrissie's exit storyline. She praised the "amazing" writers for creating "a natural end, but a very positive one" for Chrissie.[6] Hobley had wanted Chrissie to receive a happy ending because she was "loved" by fans. She added that Holby City's production team had hired guest stars to aid Chrissie's departure.[6] Producers decided not kill the character off so Hobley could return. Hobley added that "it's every actor's dream for the producers not to kill off the character they've played for so long! They've kept the door open and also given Chrissie a great, positive exit."[6] Hobley filmed her final scenes as Chrissie in September 2013.[7]
Chrissie's final stories involved Michael Spence (Hari Dhillon) and guest character Eve Warburton (Bethan Rose Young).[8] Chrissie and Michael consider a romance following a kiss. Eve is admitted to the hospital after suffering acid burns to her face. Chrissie asks Michael to treat Eve's condition because it reminds her of Stuart's scalpel attack. Hospital politics prevent the best treatment for Eve which prompts Chrissie to leave the hospital to take on a Nursing consultant role elsewhere.[8]
Reception
[edit]Victoria Wilson from What's on TV summed Chrissie's time in the series as "eventful" and more so in her final stories.[8] In 2022, Wilson and Elaine Reilly from the magazine chose Stuart holding Chrissie hostage and attacking her with a scalpel in their top five moments in the show's history.[9] Writing for Whattowatch.com, Wilson included Chrissie at number tenth in her Holby City "Top 10 greatest characters of all time" feature. Wilson assessed that Chrissie has "high standards" in her professional and love life and that her many affairs made her "the hospital's resident man-eater."[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Writer: Andrew Rattenbury; Director: Paul Wroblewski; Producer: Caroline Levy (5 June 2001). "The Road Less Travelled". Holby City. BBC. BBC One.
- ^ a b c d e f g Brand, Claire (29 September – 12 October 2001). "Tender loving care?". Inside Soap (189). (Attic Futura UK): 35.
- ^ a b c d e Dainty, Sophie (24 May 2013). "'Holby' star: 'Sacha will risk marriage'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ Wilson, Victoria (14 June 2013). "Don't leave me, Chrissie!". Whattowatch.com. (Future plc). Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Daniels, Colin (30 June 2013). "'Holby City' exit for Tina Hobley". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ a b c Sperling, Daniel; Kilkelly, Daniel (11 July 2013). "'Holby' star praises Chrissie exit plot". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 30 April 2022.
- ^ "Tina Hobley tells Hello! why she is quitting Holby City". Hello!. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Wilson, Victoria (12 November 2013). "Will Chrissie leave Holby with Michael?". Whattowatch.com. (Future plc). Retrieved 30 April 2022.
- ^ Wilson, Victoria; Reilly, Elaine (26 March – 1 April 2022). "Memorable moments". What's on TV (12). (Future plc): 15.
- ^ Wilson, Victoria (24 March 2022). "Holby City: Top 10 greatest characters of all time!". Whattowatch.com. (Future plc). Retrieved 3 May 2022.