Michael Spence (Holby City)

Michael Spence
Holby City character
Hari Dhillon as Michael Spence in 2008
First appearance	10x06, "Unfinished Symphony" 20 November 2007
Created by	Tony McHale
Portrayed by	Hari Dhillon
Information
Occupation	Head of the Surgical Admissions Unit (2010-present) Director of Surgery (2009-2010) Consultant general surgeon
Spouse(s)	Annalese Carson
Children	Meena Spence Jasmine Spence Milly Spence Charlie Spence

Michael Spence is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Hari Dhillon. The character first appeared on 20 November 2007, in the episode "Unfinished Symphony" - episode six of the show's tenth series. Dhillon had formerly appeared in the show on a recurring basis in a more minor role, as Dr. Sunil Gupta, between 2001 and 2003.

Development

Casting

The character was initially constructed as an English public schoolboy, with less of a "bad boy" persona than he would ultimately exhibit on screen.^[1] Actor Hari Dhillon had a chance encounter with a Holby City casting director whilst in London, who suggested to him that he might be right for a part in the show. Dhillon was living in America, but as the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike was ongoing at the time, his wife Lara had suggested that they leave to find work elsewhere before the impending birth of their child. Dhillon submitted a tape, and the next day was asked if he was interested in the role. Given the circumstances, he has described his casting as a "beautiful stroke of luck".^[2] Dhillon had previously appeared in the show as minor character Sunil Gupta for six episodes after leaving drama school.^[3] He does not believe that this role contributed to his casting as Michael, but instead worried that it would work against him.^[4] In auditioning for Michael, Dhillon used his own accent, rather than the English accent originally envisioned for the character. He explained that he "put [his] own twist on what [he] thought Michael Spence should be like." Executive producer Tony McHale and series producer Diana Kyle accepted his take on the character,^[4] and tailored the role towards his accent.^[1] Michael became an Asian character with an Indian/Christian background and the ability to speak Punjabi.^[3] Dhillon has stated: "Most producers would have just thrown my tape in the trash, considering that I wasn't able to give them their original vision of the character, but I really admire the way they were willing to build on what I was able to bring to Michael."^[4]

Characterisation

Describing Michael's personality, the official Holby City website states: "Being a doctor defines Michael. Surgery is his first love, it's the only time he feels true emotion."^[5] Dhillon believes that Michael is "a very idiocyncratic character" and "not overly sincere in that 'I'm just trying to save a life' way." He described: "He's very objective about himself - as though he is slightly outside of himself in situations - a slight ironic disposition. Half the time I think he says things just to watch the reaction. He's direct, honest, morally ambiguous, unapologetic. He certainly thinks and behaves outside the normal parameters of behaviour, which is challenging to many characters."^[4] Dhillon and Michael share a similar background. Michael grew up in India, moved to America, and now lives in England,^[4] while Dhillon grew up in San Francisco, spent nine months in India aged six, and also now lives in England.^[3] Explaining the impact of this on Michael's characterisation, Dhillon stated: "I think that type of background has a certain effect on people - I think we both share a slight ironic detachment from the world we are in. Sometimes it feels like you are an objective observer in your own life, like you are on the outside looking in. I don't feel overly identified with a particular country, I feel pretty comfortable in a number of different environments, and I think he does as well."^[4] Dhillon feels that Michael has a "self-destructive perverse streak", and believes that his world is limited to his work and family. He commented: "if you took one of those things away, you would cut out half of his personality. There's not much outside of that. He’s very muscular in his medical intellect but his emotional depth, or range, has almost withered. He's learning life's lessons late and in a hard way."^[2]

Relationships

Michael is introduced as being married with three daughters,^[5] however immediately upon arriving at Holby City Hospital, he becomes embroiled in potential relationships with both staff nurse Donna Jackson (Jaye Jacobs) and surgical registrar Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel). He had an affair at his previous hospital, and left as he wanted a "clean slate". Dhillon believes that flirting with other women is in Michael's nature, but that he arrives in Holby seeking a fresh start, so initially turns down Donna's advances.^[6] When questioned on whether the spark between Michael and Jac would lead to anything more, Dhillon conceded: "Probably. This is Holby City, after all! And Michael's an old dog, so to speak."^[6]

In 2008, Michael became involved in a love triangle storyline with Donna and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing). He flirted with Connie, and had sex with Donna in a toilet stall to which Jaye Jacobs says she was hoping Donna would get somewhere a bit more glamourous^[7] Jacobs explained of Donna's affair with Michael: "Donna knows he's married deep down, although he hasn't actually told her, but unfortunately that doesn't stop her. It carries on for a while and Donna thinks he's the one, she is in love with him and he's different from all the others - she's deluded."^[8] She opined that Michael was at least treating Donna a little better than her previous love interests.^[9]

In October 2008, it was announced that Anna-Louise Plowman had been cast as Michael's wife Annalese, who would be arriving in Holby City as a consultant anaesthetist.^[10] Dhillon believes that while Michael and Annalese have their differences, they are "complements to each other [...] they understand one another, and have a deep, loving relationship." In a 2008 interview with the Holby Gazette, Dhillon stated: "I'm starting to realize that Annalese is the one person in the world - along with his children - that Michael truly loves. It may seem strange to a lot of fans, but Michael is a real family man - nothing is more important to him than his family - they make him feel secure, safe, and most importantly, successful. For Michael, there is nothing beyond family and medicine. It would be unimaginable to Michael to envision a world without his wife. He certainly would never try to hurt Annalese deliberately, but he just loves attention from women."^[4]

Series producer Diana Kyle revealed to entertainment and media website Digital Spy that in early 2009, Annalese would discover Michael's past affairs, sending her "way off course".^[11] After discovering Michael's infidelity, Annalese accidentally killed a patient during surgery. Plowman became pregnant during the filming of the storyline, so was written out of the series temporarily, leaving both Michael and her job. The plotline was left open-ended, allowing Plowman to return after taking maternity leave.^[12] She returned briefly to the programme in series eleven, when the couple's daughter Milly (Darcy Cannon) was admitted to hospital seriously injured.^[13] Michael and colleague Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) saved Milly, and he and Annalese began rebuilding their relationship.^[14] Off-screen, Annalese gives birth to a son, Charlie, and in the opening episode of series twelve, Michael announced that he had become a father for the fourth time.^[15] On 4 June 2010, Kyle told Kris Green of Digital Spy that Plowman would again be reprising her role as Annalese, commenting: "The last time we saw her on screen there was practically no prospect of a loving reunion but they compliment each other wonderfully. Annalese will be returning, but unfortunately someone else may come between her and Michael so I can't guarantee a loving reunion."^[16] Annalese returned on 15 June 2010, breaking up with Michael after their marriage counselling proved unsuccessful.^[17]

Storylines

Michael arrives at Holby City Hospital in episode "Unfinished Symphony". He begins his first day being beaten up in the hospital carpark, an attack staff nurse Donna Jackson discovers is related to his departure from his previous hospital, where he had an affair with a member of the nursing staff.^[18] Donna, and Surgical registrar Jac Naylor both vie for Michael's attention,^[19] and although he is unimpressed with Jac's underhand tactics, he and Donna begin a casual flirtation.^[20] In episode "Stolen", Michael reveals that the hospital has built a new private ward for him, to be known as HolbyCare.^[21] He attempts to convince colleague Ric Griffin to join him, and although Ric initially resists on ethical grounds, financial difficulties cause him to change his mind and agree several weeks later, in episode "The Extra Mile".^[22] Michael and Donna continue their flirtation throughout this period, and eventually kiss in episode "No Cars Go".^[23] However, they are interrupted by a phonecall from Michael's wife, Annalese, and he later brushes Donna off.^[24] Although them initially not getting on, the episode "labour of love" sees Jac and Michael casually flirting and both walking in on each other half naked. They are about to head out to lunch when they are interrupted by the new anaesthetist, Michael's wife Annalese. In August 2009, Michael was promoted to Director of Surgery.

Reception

The character's good looks were a focal point of early reviews, with Holby City series producer Diana Kyle describing Michael as "dishy [...] good-looking and sexy",^[25] and Hanna Davies of What's On TV adding that the character is "gorgeous".^[6] In September 2009, The Asian Today observed that he had become "an integral part" of the drama, "as well as acquiring an army of female fans in the process."^[3] Discussing public reaction to his character, Dhillon stated: "I get every reaction imaginable. It's what makes playing Michael a riot. [...] I find that people tend to have very strong opinions about him, and I also find that people have very detailed opinions regarding Michael, from his behaviour, attitude, even his dress sense."^[4] In 2009, Dhillon was nominated for the "Best Drama Performance" award at the National Television Awards for his role as Michael.^[3]

Reviewing the episode "Thursday's Child", Bree Treacy of RTÉ.ie wondered if Michael's separation from Annalese would lead to a romance with Connie, commenting: "Romance is not usually a word you associate with Connie but she and [Michael] do seem to enjoy a bit of banter and it might be good to see a relationship which could mix their obvious attraction for each other with their constant need to stab each other in the back."^[26] Treacy later observed:

I think Michael is a far more interesting character solo than with Annalise [sic]. He seems to have great chemistry with which ever character he is paired with on a given week. At times he seems to have far better chemistry with Jac, Connie and/or Donna than the aforementioned curly-haired one so no major loss there.

—Bree Treacy, RTÉ.ie^[27]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "This Morning". Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby (presenters), Hari Dhillon (interviewee). This Morning. ITV. ITV1. 22 June 2010.
2. ^ ^{a b} "Hari Dhillon, Holby City". TV Choice. H Bauer Publishing. 22 June 2010. http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/hari-dhillon-holby-city. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Hari Dhillon – Holby City and the National Television Awards". The Asian Today. Urban Media. 23 September 2009. http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=1584. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
4. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h} "Hari Dhillon Interview". Holby Gazette. 28 October 2008. http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1225154017,34428,. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
5. ^ ^{a b} "BBC - Holby City - Characters - Michael Spence". BBC Online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters-cast/characters/michaelspence.shtml. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
6. ^ ^{a b c} Davies, Hanna (20 November 2007), "Hands off, he's mine!", What's On TV (IPC Media): 19 
7. ^ Raymond, Clare (28 April 2008). "I have only ever asked a boy out once.. he turned me down because he was gay". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+have+only+ever+asked+a+boy+out+once..+he+turned+me+down+because+he...-a0178339614. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
8. ^ "Jaye Jacobs". itv.com. ITV. 3 April 2008. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080417000754/http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/ThisMorning/Entertainment/JayeJacobs/default.html. Retrieved 3 April 2008. 
9. ^ "Video Exclusives - Jaye Jacobs" (video). BBC Online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/video/index.shtml?videoid=jaye. Retrieved 4 August 2009. 
10. ^ "Two new faces for Holby City". Bristol Evening Post. Northcliffe Media. 24 October 2008. http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/entertainment/new-faces-Holby-City/article-426110-detail/article.html. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
11. ^ Green, Kris (31 December 2008). "'Holby City' 2009 Teasers". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/scoop/a138646/holby-city-2009-teasers.html. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
12. ^ "Holby actress quits to have a baby". What's on TV. IPC Media. 24 March 2009. http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/news/holby-actress-quits-to-have-a-baby/5377. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
13. ^ "Can Michael save his daughter's life?". What's on TV. IPC Media. 7 July 2009. http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/story-so-far/can-michael-save-his-daughters-life/5599. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
14. ^ "BBC - Holby City - Episode Guide - 7 July 2009". BBC Online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/episodes/latest_07072009.shtml. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
15. ^ "The Hands that Rock the Cradle, Part 1". Tony McHale (writer), Christopher King (director). Holby City. BBC. BBC One. 26 Oct 2009. No. 1, series 12.
16. ^ Green, Kris (4 June 2010). "Diana Kyle (Series Producer, 'Holby City')". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/interviews/a223398/diana-kyle-series-producer-holby-city.html. Retrieved 19 June 2010. 
17. ^ "Holby City Tuesday 15 June". BBC Online. BBC. 27 May 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2010/wk24/tue.shtml#tue_holbycity. Retrieved 28 May 2010. 
18. ^ "Unfinished Symphony". Holby City. BBC. 2007-11-20. No. 6, season 10.
19. ^ "Someone to Watch over Me". Holby City. BBC. 2007-11-27. No. 7, season 10.
20. ^ "Mirror Man". Holby City. BBC. 2007-12-04. No. 8, season 10.
21. ^ "Stolen". Holby City. BBC. 2008-01-15. No. 14, season 10.
22. ^ "The Extra Mile". Holby City. BBC. 2008-02-12. No. 18, season 10.
23. ^ "No Cars Go". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-11. No. 22, season 10.
24. ^ "Long Dark Night". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-12. No. 23, season 10.
25. ^ "Ask the Boss!", Inside Soap (Hachette Filipacchi Médias): 41, 6 November 2007 
26. ^ Treacy, Bree (16 June 2010). "Is anyone watching Holby?". RTÉ.ie. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0616/blog_tv_holbycity.html. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
27. ^ Treacy, Bree (2 July 2010). "Connie's a goner on Holby". RTÉ.ie. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0702/blog_tv_tvwatch.html. Retrieved 2 July 2010. 

External links

• Michael Spence at BBC Online
• Michael Spence at the Internet Movie Database