User:M.Mario/sandbox:Doctors Draft

The following is a list of characters who first appeared in the BBC soap opera Doctors in 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the series' producer Peter Eryl Lloyd. The first main character to be introduced was Mandy Marquez, a love interest for Freya Wilson. February saw the introductions of Akono Mezu, a student who moves in with Mrs Tembe and Joe Carmichael, the son of Daniel and Zara. Martin Millar arrived in April, part of the storyline for the departure of Julia Parsons. Howard Bellamy arrived in May, a replacement for Julia, and Jas Khella, a friend of Kevin Tyler's, arrived at the Mill in August. Harrison Kellor returned in September, along with the introduction of Alex Redmond, and Emma Reid will appear in October, a replacement for Elaine Cassidy, who recently departed.

Mandy Marquez
Dr. Mandy Marquez played by Danielle Henry made her first appearance on 10 February 2012. Mandy is a love interest for Freya Wilson (Lu Corfield). Mandy is introduced as a bridesmaid to Cherry Malone (Sophie Abelson). Freya later begins to develop feelings for Mandy, and the two meet up. Mandy, at first, is not sure whether she likes Freya as she is bisexual, though later begins to like her, and the two go out for dinner. The following week, Freya takes part in a football game, and Mandy comes to watch. When Mandy gets there, the team is a player short, so Mandy is asked to play. They win, and Mandy asks Freya back to her house.

Development
Mandy begins a relationship with Freya. Lloyd told Katy Moon of Inside Soap that he believed Freya needed to grow up and have a "mature relationship" with meaning. He added that Freya's crush on Cherry and her fling with Kevin Tyler (Simon Rivers) were a direct result of Freya searching for stability. However, Mandy is left to contend with Freya's prevailing feelings for Kevin. Corfield opined that the dynamic of the three characters was "glorious" and that Mandy is not sure where she fits in. Freya reassures Mandy, but "there's still such a pull towards Kevin" which she fails to hide. Corfield revealed that Freya and Mandy's romance would face problems in future episodes. Freya is "useless" in relationships because she is "petrified" that something will go wrong as she has never been treated well. While Corfield felt that the pair setting up home was moving too fast, in the long-run it would benefit Freya. She added that Freya would mess things up "quite wonderfully" which sets the scene of the relationship that will not run smoothly. It was noted that a Doctors storyline never usually develops without problems. Like Corfield; Henry also believed Freya's "love-hate relationship" with Kevin could cause issues.

Although, their relationship has positive traits which help Freya. Mandy is characterised as "honest" and "very upfront", which works out well for the indecisive Freya. Mandy's "straight-down-the-line" attitude and dislike to overcomplicate a situation; results in her just wanting to be with Freya. Mandy does not foresee the possible problems that Freya does. In one storyline, Freya promotes her blog on a radio station and gets ridiculed for her bisexuality. Mandy interrupts the broadcast to help Freya, which sets the theme of Mandy acting as her support network. Henry later told Kilkelly that she thought Doctors did a "really good job" of making their character's sexuality incidental. She branded the realism of their lesbian relationship a rare occurrence on television - adding that they made a departure from the stereotypes and dramatisation associated with gay characters, adding "I think Doctors have done a really good job [...] I think Mandy and Freya's sexuality is just incidental a lot of the time - they're just two people who have a lot in common and really love each other. At the core of it, that's the most important thing". Freya and Kevin were revealed to be involved in a fire storyline leading to them both being seriously injured. After an argument with Kevin, Freya goes around to his house to find it on fire. Freya decides to enter the building in an attempt to save Kevin. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said that there would be a "shock ending" to the episode which would leave an "agonising" three week wait to see if they survive. He later reported that Kevin survives the blaze, but Freya dies in hospital leaving Mandy "grief-stricken". However, despite the departure of Corfield, producer Peter Eryl Lloyd confirmed that Henry would stay in the show adding that she is "a great addition to the cast", and that she has "made an impression in her own right". He also teased that Mandy has got "some great storylines coming up".

Akono Mezu
Akono Mezu played by Emmanuel Idowu, made his first appearance on 13 January and departed on 3 February 2012.

Akono appears when the church asks Mrs Tembe (Lorna Laidlaw) if she would give Akono a home whilst he studies at Letherbridge University. She accepts, enjoying Akono staying, as they are both Christians. He is given a tour of the university by Jack Hollins (Nicolas Woodman), though begins to question whether he wants to stay in England when he sees Jack's friend Sarah Trevllin (Kate Malyon) drunk. He begins to question his beliefs as he learns of Sarah's history of rape, and that she is missing her university lectures, and considers returning to Nigeria. Akono begins to develop feelings for Mrs Tembe, though she does not feel the same way about him. Later on, Akono kisses her. Mrs Tembe is shocked by this, and asks Akono to move out.

Jane Rackham from the Radio Times stated that Akono "certainly had an eyebrow-raising introduction to the staff at the Mill yesterday", saying it was a "brave decision to let Jack give him a taste of student life", but it was unfortunate that "the first person they met was Jack’s uni friend Sarah".

Franklyn Ward
Franklyn Ward played by Steven Meo, made his first appearance on 10 February and departed on 14 February 2012. He is due to return on 23 October 2012.

Franklyn appears for the wedding of his best friend Daniel Granger (Matthew Chambers) to Cherry Clay (Sophie Abelson). He arrives for the wedding as a best man to Daniel, but when Daniel's main best man disappears, Franklyn has to step in. Once the wedding is over, Franklyn leaves.

Joe Carmichael
Joe Carmichael played by Harisson and Lily-Sue Horbury, Emily and Lewis Whitehouse or Olivia and Oscar Wilson, is the son of Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot-Walsh) and Daniel Granger (Matthew Chambers), who is born on 13 February 2012. When Zara goes into premature labour, Joe is delivered by Cherry Malone (Sophie Abelson). The baby is fine, and Cherry, Kevin Tyler (Simon Rivers) and Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan) arrive to see the baby. Zara and Daniel decide to call the baby Joe, after Daniel's uncle, Joe Fenton (Stephen Boxer). Zara and Daniel take Joe home, but when Daniel goes back to work, Zara finds it hard to cope without Daniel, so calls Marina Bonnaire (Marian McLoughlin) for help.

Development
Speaking to Digital Spy, Dermot-Walsh talked about how she prepared for Zara's labour scenes saying, "It was very daunting, really - especially as we know that so many people watching Doctors are people who are staying at home with their children. It will be fresh in their memories, so I didn't want to do it wrong! But of course, when you start researching, you discover that it's different for every woman - and if you ask people about giving birth, everybody will say something different. I've been preparing for it for a long time, though, as it's what my character has wanted ever since she came into the show. That was nearly three years ago, so to finally get the thing that I've played her as wanting for so long was quite emotional to shoot." On calling the baby Joe, she said, "I think it's really appropriate, because Daniel's father figure was Joe Fenton (Stephen Boxer), who was on the show for years and was the patriarch of Doctors for a long time. So that's a very significant name for Daniel, and I think it's very loving of Zara that she doesn't insist on calling the baby something like Lysander or Demetrius - as she'd teased him that she would!" Dermot-Walsh also stated that it has been "amazing" working with babies. The character of Joe departed in August 2012, as Dermot-Walsh was expecting a baby and left to go on maternity leave. Producer Peter Eryl Lloyd said that Zara's exit storyline would air in August 2012 and would take Joe with her. However, Zara and Joe will return in the "festive season", adding that "she has to take Joe with her and have a reason to come back".

Martin Millar
Martin Millar played by Miles Anderson, is a love interest for Julia Parsons (Diane Keen), who first appears on 3 April 2012, before departing on 18 May 2012. Martin first appears when Julia parks her car in front of his garage, so he has to move the car. Martin asks Julia out on a date, though at first she declines, she later goes with Martin, and the two begin a relationship. Julia worries that Martin is hiding things from her, so her and Elaine Cassidy (Janet Dibley) set a trap for him, so that if he is hiding things, they'll find out. Elaine begins talking to Martin, saying that her name is 'Alicia'. She comes on to him, but he rejects her, so Elaine phones up Julia to confirm that Martin does love her. The next day, Imogen Hollins (Charlie Clemmow) asks Julia if she has googled Martin. She does so, and finds out that Martin is an arsonist. Julia confronts him about this, though he states that he was cleared, a former employee accused him of this, as he had just been fired by Martin. He is not sure whether he can stay with Julia, as she does not trust him. A week later, Julia phones Martin, to apologize. The two go on a date, but Martin sees Elaine. As she does not want Martin to know who she really is, Elaine and Julia pretend that Elaine is 'Alicia' and that the two have never met. The three have dinner together, but are joined by The Mill's security guard Barry Biglow (David Perks) who has feelings for Julia. Elaine explains the circumstances to Barry, missing out the fact that Julia is on a date with Martin. Barry later finds out, running out the restaurant. Martin runs after him, and accidentally pushes him in the river. Barry then tells Martin that 'Alicia' is really Elaine, Julia's colleague, which leaves Martin angry. Martin later reveals that he has had five wives, and that he had a daughter with his third, Sarah. Julia is stunned by this, and rejects Martin. She meets up with Martin again, but when Martin says that he wants to retire and move to Wales, she once again rejects him, as she does not want this. He tries to persuade Julia to come to live with him to Wales, though she once again declines. Julia is angry that he keeps asking, so Martin drives her home. They keep arguing about this, and whilst they are, their car crashes with another vehicle, and they are both knocked unconscious. Martin and Julia survive, and the two embrace. Julia's son Patrick (Alan McKenna) arrives, wanting to take her to his house, so she can recover. However, after thinking about whether or not she wants a future with Martin, she decides she does, and goes to live with him in Wales.

Development
Martin was brought into the soap to coincide with the departure of Julia, after Keen made the decision to leave the soap after nine years. Digital Spy said of Martin's first appearance; "Fans should also keep an eye out for a possible new love interest for Julia when she gets to know garage owner Martin Millar in a few weeks' time. It sounds like there's lots on the way for Julia in the next few weeks". Keen said of Martin's and Julia's relationhip; "She's fighting it all the way, because she's had so many disastrous relationships in her life, so now she tends to take the negative point of view towards how something will turn out. Martin's really great because he won't take any nonsense and he's not taking no for an answer. He's forcing Julia to really give it a shot, and she needs that. She's obviously very attracted to him, too, so they could be very good together". Of the car stunt she said that it was filmed "on a mad, stormy, windy, rainy day". She called the stunt "phenomenal" and "amazing" saying, "In the end the scenes looked incredible because of that. It was very exciting for everybody, as we don't often get to do stunts like that on Doctors".

Doctor
"Doctor" played by John Dalziel, appeared on 15 May 2012. Dalziel made a cameo appearance, therefore his character was not named, nor was he credited for his role. Dalziel, often known as "JD", is a DJ for Free Radio Coventry & Warwickshire. He appears when he rushes to the aid of Bazza Rogers (Nason Crone). Of his role he said, "It was exciting to be on the set of one of the country's biggest soap operas. I'd say that my interpretation of the character was very convincing but I certainly wouldn't fancy being a real doctor, there would be far too much blood".

Howard Bellamy
Dr. Howard Bellamy played by Ian Kelsey, is the new practice manager and made his first appearance on 28 May 2012. Howard first appears when introduced by Heston Carter (Owen Brenman) as the new replacement of Julia Parsons (Diane Keen) as the new practice manager. Howard was a last minute applicant for the job and asked for a big salary in comparisson to the other candinate Mrs Tembe (Lorna Laidlaw). However, Howard is chosen as there is a re-accreditation at The Mill, needing someone to take charge throughout this. Howard divides opinion between the team, as Kevin Tyler (Simon Rivers) begins to like him, however Freya Wilson (Lu Corfield), Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot-Walsh) and Elaine Cassidy (Janet Dibley) dislike him, compared to Julia.

Development
Kelsey's casting was announced on 7 May 2012. Kelsey was cast in replacement after Diane Keen who played Julia Parsons, decided to leave the show. Of how the role came about Kelsey said, "I went to an audition and was given three scenes which were very, very different from each other. As I was looking at the scenes and working on them, I could see that each one showed a different side of Howard. That made it a gem to audition for, because if you get something like this, you can really go for it." Kelsey added that Howard is an "extreme character" and that there was pressure about taking over from Keen's role but added; "They are big shoes to fill, but hopefully I can do it". Producer Peter Eryl Lloyd said that he knew the character of Howard would be "loathed" when he first arrived, "everyone's missing Julia and we deliberately decided to go in a completely different direction with her replacement". "I love what Ian's doing and I think the audience will come to realise that Howard isn't quite the ramrod disciplinarian he seems - there's a lot more to Howard than that. It's exciting because there's so much to find out about him, and he's going to be loosened up, whether he likes it or not!".

I've spoken to a real-life practice manager and she said, 'You have to manage and manipulate every different doctor in a different way - your relationship with every doctor is different'. That's happened in Howard's relationships with the characters, which is interesting. Each character has a different relationship with Howard, which is brilliant for me, because it means that I can bounce off people differently. A lot of the characters are a bit unsure about him. There's loads of different angles and routes to go down with Howard.

Described as a "confident, divorced ex-army captain", Howard is said to have "highly different and strict outlook on working life" in comparison to Julia. Digital Spy reported that he "looks set to ruffle feathers at work". The BBC described him on his official BBC profile as "disciplined", "highly organised" and "emotionally repressed". The BBC said that Howard "loves a good project, leading his team like they are part of his old military unit". It finished, "Although he seems quite serious, Howard's mocking twinkle shows that he does have a softer side. He is very ambitious and enthusiastic, and is keen for the Practice to succeed but Howard is also hiding a secret from his colleagues". On why Howard chose to join the National Health Service, "He's now decided that he wants to get his hands mucky and that's why he wants to be the practice manager at The Mill. He wants to try his hand at leadership again, so he comes in and starts to lead everybody like they're part of his old military unit - which is quite hilarious!". In an interview with Digital Spy, Kelsey said of Doctors; "It's a lovely environment to work in, with a great cast and crew. It's quite easy to settle into something when it's such a laugh to work on! There's great banter between the cast and crew all day long. It's just a load of old mates thrown in a studio with lights and cameras, and everyone cracks on and has a laugh". In a poll conducted by Digital Spy, the five main soaps in the United Kingdom, EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Doctors storylines were judged by viewers of the website, with the Doctors storyline of Howard's arrival coming last with 3.8% of the vote.

Jas Khella
Dr. Jas Khella played by Vineeta Rishi, is a police surgeon, who makes her first appearance on 21 August 2012. Jas appears at the Mill when the surgery are holding interviews for a new employee. Jas is interviewed by Heston Carter (Owen Brenman) and Howard Bellamy (Ian Kelsey), and the interview proves successful. Jas arrives at the Mill later on, and is surprised to see her friend Kevin Tyler (Simon Rivers) working there, knowing him as they went to the same medical school. Jas asks Kevin if she can sleep at his house as she is struggling for cash. Kevin refuses at first, but laters agrees. Jas is displeased that the job at the Mill is only temporary, so begins to look for other jobs. Jas finds a job as a waitress, and begins working there, making a friendship with colleague Grace Jacobs (Naomi Battrick). She later moves into a bedsit. Grace suffers an allergic reaction, causing Jas to use her medical skills to save Grace. Jas later quits her job, not being able to be a doctor and waitress at once.

The character and casting of Rishi was announced on 11 August 2012. Jas was described as "honest" and "refreshing". Jas has a connection to already established character Kevin Tyler. Producer Peter Eryl Lloyd had previously said in an interview that a "young female doctor" would be arriving, saying that Jas would be involved in a "big, dark storyline" where Jas "will take us into that rather dark world, from a female perspective". Rivers said that they would be form a "relationship" saying that, "As the new character Jas has come into the show and she's an old medical friend of Kevin's, we've got a relationship forming there, where there's a bit of banter!".

Grace Jacobs
Grace Jacobs played by Naomi Batrrick, is Jas Khella (Vineeta Rishi) colleague at the cafe she works at, as a waitress. She and Jas become friends, and when Jas's colleague at the Mill, Kevin Tyler (Simon Rivers) arrives, he begins flirting with Grace, which ultimately fails. When manager of the Mill Howard Bellamy (Ian Kelsey) arrives in the cafe, Jas hides from him, pleading Grace not to tell him that she is there, as Jas does not want Howard to find out that she is working in the cafe. Grace believes that Jas is in a relationship with Howard, though that she is cheating on him with Kevin, which Jas lets her believe. Grace suffers an allergic reaction, causing Jas to use her medical skills to save Grace. Jas later quits her job, not being able to be a doctor and waitress at once. Grace returns a month later, after Jas needs a reference to get a full time job at the Mill, after a placement for a full time doctor opens. Howard interviews Grace, where she speaks badly of Jas, so Howard decides not to give the full time job to her.

Upon her return in October, the BBC stated that Grace would "throw a spanner in the works" for Jas. Digital Spy also said that for Jas, "Grace proves to be her downfall".

Alex Redmond
Alex Redmond played by Stuart Laing, made his first appearance in Fallout: Part 1, which aired on 17 September 2012. and departed in Fallout: Part 5, which aired on 21 September 2012. Alex appeared in a three episodes in the main series, as well as five spin-off episodes, which aired on the red button. The red button episodes are an extension of the main episodes. Alex first appears when he follows Elaine Cassidy (Janet Dibley) to her home. Alex explains to Elaine that his wife, Kate, had an affair with Elaine's ex-boyfriend Harrison Kellor (James Larkin), who killed Lauren Porter (Alexis Peterman). Alex wants to know if Harrison killed Kate, as she went missing after the affair. Elaine agrees to meet with Alex, and the two talk at the Mill. Alex is sure that Harrison murdered Kate, although there is no evidence to support this. Elaine wants nothing to do with Harrison nor Alex, so makes Alex leave the Mill. A journalist, Helen Callaway (Jade Williams) phones Alex, wanting an interview about Harrison and his wife Kate. Elaine finds out that Harrison did not kill Kate, and that she is still alive. Alex does not believe Elaine and threatens her to tell him the truth, and tells Elaine how he killed Helen, and plans to do the same to Elaine. However, Elaine persuades him not to kill her, before he is arrested. Before leaving, Alex tells Elaine that Helen is actually alive and tries to apologise to Elaine, but she rejects him.

Laing's casting was announced in a news release of Harrison Kellor's return, a major character who appeared towards the end of 2011. Alex is the husband of one of Harrison's possible victims, when his wife had an affair with Harrison,she went missing after the affair ended. Alex asks for Harrison's former lover Elaine Cassidy's help, putting Elaine in a "difficult position". A statement said, "Discovering that Alex's wife went missing after an affair with Harrison, Elaine is forced to consider that he may have killed other women too. Plagued by phone calls from Harrison in prison, will Elaine be able to confront her former lover and resist his charms?". Series producer Mike Hobson finished in saying, "Lauren's murder was one of Doctors most popular storylines, and this Red Button event picks up on one of the show's most chilling villains, building across the week to a dramatic conclusion". The storyline also saw the departure of Elaine from the soap.

Emma Reid
Dr. Emma Reid played by Dido Miles, is a replacement for Elaine Cassidy (Janet Dibley), who made her first appearance on 2 October 2012.

It was first announced that Miles was to play a new regular character on her official credits in June 2012. Described as "attractive", "more than qualified", and set to "cause quite a stir" by Digital Spy, Miles's casting was confirmed on 23 September 2012. Emma is introduced as knowing Howard Bellamy (Ian Kelsey), but when she arrives, her and Howard both "clearly decide not to acknowledge that they know each other at all". Although Emma is only meant to be a temporary replacement, The Mill is suffering from staffing issues, so Howard is "forced to accept defeat", despite him not being pleased that Emma has arrived. On her official BBC profile, it describes Emma as "fun", "flirty", "teasing" and "selfish", adding that she uses "charm to get what she wants". It carrys on, "Mother to Chris and wife to the ailing Sam, her difficult relationship with her son is a constant thorn in her side, since she feels that she was never the best wife or mother. Her husband, Sam has sanctioned her to have flings. Emma doesn’t wear a wedding ring to work which can cause confusion – something she enjoys".

Chris Reid
Chris Reid played by Nathan Wright, is introduced as the son of Emma Reid (Dido Miles) who is to make his first appearance on 23 October 2012.

It was first announced that Wright was to play a new regular character on his official credits. Digital Spy confirmed Miles's casting on 14 October 2012. Chris is introduced as the son of Emma, and is a newly graduated doctor. Emma suggets to Howard Bellamy (Ian Kelsey) that Chris could be a replacement to the recently departed Cherry Clay (Sophie Abelson), to which Howard agrees. On his official BBC profile, it describes Chris as "dedicated", "earnest", "stubborn" and "resentful", adding that his relationship with his mother "is already complicated", never understanding his parent's marriage. It finished in saying, "He felt neglected by his mum, which as a result Chris is much closer to his paraplegic father", stating that his mother "can never do anything right".

Colin and Laura Mowbray
Colin Mowbray and Lisa Mowbray played by Steve Money and Lisa Riley, are a couple who will appear on 1 November 2012.

On 5 October 2012, it was announced that Riley, best known for her role in Emmerdale, and Money, were both to appear in Doctors. Riley will play the role of Lisa a "tragic would-be mother". The couple arrive at Letherbridge Police Station, where they meet Lynette Driver (Elizabeth Rider) and Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan) and report that the Sofia, the child they are adopting, is missing. However, Driver and Jimmi learn that the adoption process "wasn't as legitimate as it first seemed". Show bosses stated that this discovery will "open up a shocking new investigation that threatens to shake some of Doctors' most loved characters to the core". Digital Spy called this an "intense new storyline" for Doctors.