User:JuneGloom07/Kian

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Kian Madani is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by Ramin Karimloo. He first appeared in the twenty-first series episode "Pleased To Meet You", broadcast on 23 April 2019. Kian is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon.

Casting
In January 2019, the BBC announced that actor Ramin Karimloo had joined the main cast as Kian Madani, who was billed as a former medical school enemy of Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel). Of joining the show, Karimloo stated: "It's really exciting to be joining the Holby City family during their 20th anniversary. Kian is a dynamic and exciting character, and I'm thrilled to be playing him. I'm really looking forward to working with Holby's incredible cast and creatives." The show's executive producer Simon Harper said Karimloo brought a "charismatic energy" to the role and Harper enjoyed watching his character "stirring things up" on Darwin ward. Karimloo expressed his gratitude to the producers for incorporating his arm tattoos into the part, as he had to spend hours having them covered up for his last television role. He also admitted to Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap that he is "a little squeamish", but he thought that it was his emotional side that would see him struggle with Kian's job. He told her, "I'm not a med student, nor will I ever be! I think we forget that surgeons are trained for certain situations, whereas I'm too emotional. I'm a cryer, so I think I'll stick with the acting!"

Characterisation and introduction
Kian is the person you’d want with you if your plane crashed on a desert island. Resourceful, unflappable and with a razor sharp wit, Kian seemingly breezes through life with ease.

Karimloo described Kian as "a dynamic guy", "very hedonistic and sex positive."

Producer Simon Harper found that there was "a really fresh and interesting dynamic" with Kian being a regular surgeon and someone who shares a history with Jac. He thought it would be harder for her to attempt to "bulldoze him in the way she normally does new colleagues". The BBC billed Kian as having a "breezy, irreverent attitude to life", which annoys Jac, but masks a "troubled history". They stated that it could lead to "a power struggle between them".

While announcing Karimloo's casting, Harper teased a potential crossover with fellow medical drama Casualty for Kian. He revealed that the character had a relative working in the Emergency Department. Tyler (Inside Soap) later confirmed that nurse Marty Kirkby (Shaheen Jafargholi) was Kian's cousin. Karimloo also hoped that he would get the chance to film some crossover episodes, adding that it made him even luckier to secure the role of Kian.

Departure
After two years in the role, Karimloo decided to leave Holby City during the twenty-third series, and Kian was killed-off in the twelfth episode broadcast on 22 June 2021. Karimloo told Victoria Wilson of What to Watch that he was "truly thrilled" with Kian's exit and felt fulfilled by having a definitive conclusion to his storyline, as he did not want the door left open for a potential return. Karimloo admitted that he had only intended to stay for one series, but he decided to extend his time with the show as he enjoyed the role. However, he realised that there was nowhere else to go with the character and did not want the plots to get repetitive. He added "Of course, it was sad to say goodbye – but I'm glad I was sad to say goodbye. It's a great way to leave."

Reception
Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap noted the character's good looks, stating: "There have been many dishy Holby doctors who have set pulses racing over the years – and the latest surgeon to join the hospital drama is no exception." Victoria Wilson of What to Watch branded Kian a "likable yet troubled surgeon".