Holby City fans sign petition to save long-running TV show after shock cancellation

Holby City has been cancelled after 23 years and over 1,000 episodes. 

The BBC medical drama, which first hit screens as a Casualty spin-off in 1999, will air its last ever episode next March.

In a statement released today, the BBC confirmed the cancellation, explaining, "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." 

The shocking news has devastated fans of the show, many of whom took to Twitter to share their reaction. 

"I can’t believe that!! Such sad news! A show that brought great comfort to me during some real tough times as a teenager," one person posted. 

"#HolbyCity is coming to an end in March? Sad times," another disappointed viewer wrote. 

The news has even prompted one superfan to start a Change.org petition, titled 'Don’t Scrap Holby City.' The appeal, which has a goal of 500 signatures, has already been signed by over 220 people. 

Its opening statement highlights the crucial societal issues raised in Holby City, as well as its representation of the NHS. 

"The show has raised awareness about so many issues of value to the public, whether that's mental health, bereavement, exploring faith or sexuality," the petitioner writes. 

"The pandemic has shown how highly the public value the NHS, and Holby City is an important representation of the work that the NHS does, and the issues the NHS and its staff and patients face."