Patricia Potter

Infobox actor
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name = Patricia Potter


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birthname = Patricia Caroline Potter
birthdate = birth date and age|1975|3|3
location = England
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notable role = Diane Lloyd in "Holby City"
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spouse = Jim Down
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Patricia Caroline Potter (born 3 March 1975) is an English actress. Best known for her role as Diane Lloyd in the popular BBC medical drama "Holby City", Potter has acted on stage, television, and in film. She married her partner, doctor Jim Down, in May 2007.

Personal life

Potter grew up on a farm in Kent with her father, David, her mother, Viv, and her sister, Kate. She refers to her parents as "the most hard-working, generous and genuine people I know." Discussing her decision to become an actress, she has stated that "It was the only thing I was ever any good at at school and I was lucky enough to have a very encouraging teacher."cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1105312621,29565,|title=Patricia Potter Interview|publisher=Holby Gazette|date=9 January 2005|accessdate=2008-06-11] A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Potter married her partner, doctor Jim Down, on 19 May 2007.cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1179967317,17119,|title=Patricia Potter Weds|publisher=Holby Gazette|date=24 May 2007|accessdate=2008-06-11] In 2006, Potter ran the Flora London Marathon for the Anthony Nolan Trust in 4:53:54, raising over £3,000 for the charity.cite news|url=http://www.womenrepublic.co.uk/entertainment/holby_diane.htm|title=Holby star runs London Marathon|publisher=womenrepublic.co.uk|accessdate=2008-06-11] She said of the experience: "That was my first and my last marathon, I admire anyone who does these runs on a regular basis. Its been very difficult to train with the work schedule at "Holby" and so again, I do appreciate the hard work that goes in to the marathon."cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1145919412,30449,|title=Patricia Completes Marathon|publisher=Holby Gazette|date=24 April 2006|accessdate=2008-06-11] She sang "Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine" and "The Way You Look Tonight" at co-star Tina Hobley’s wedding in December 2006.

Career

On stage, Potter has appeared in theatrical versions of "The Duchess of Malfi", "Much Ado About Nothing", and "Happy End". Her first television role came in 1997, when she played a florist in the third series of ITV drama "Soldier Soldier". Potter has also appeared in "The Bill", "Brookside" and the "Scarlet Pimpernel", as well as the film "Shakespeare in Love". She played herself in Ricky Gervais's comedy "Extras" as an ex-girlfriend of Gervais' character Andy Millman. She said of the role: "It was quite frightening leaving the security of the Holby environment which I know so well and going onto a new set but it was a fantastic experience which I thoroughly enjoyed."cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1169676513,80571,|title=Patricia Potter Interview|publisher=Holby Gazette|date=24 January 2007|accessdate=2008-06-11]

After leaving "Holby City", Potter appeared in BBC Two sitcom "Jam and Jerusalem", before returning to theatre with the play "An Eligible Man". She said of the transition: "I'm in a strange state somewhere between excitement and terror! It's been a long time since I was last on stage so I was worried that I would find it difficult and frightening but actually it's been great fun and I've thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal process. We had our first preview last night which was quite an adrenaline rush!"cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1210106936,1050,|title=Patricia Potter Interview|publisher=Holby Gazette|date=6 May 2008|accessdate=2008-06-11]

Holby City

Potter's most notable role to date was that of Diane Lloyd in BBC medical drama "Holby City". While researching for the "Casualty" spin off, she actually witnessed open heart surgery to enhance her role as a medical employee, deeming the experience "fascinating", and stating: "I think I'd have made a good surgeon in real life as I'm very careful and fussy about making my stitches perfect!" On her favourite storyline in the show, she has explained: "Although it was terribly sad, I really enjoyed Steve's departure form the show - the added trauma of the abortion and Diane's relationship with Steve meant that Diane showed some vulnerability - she's usually very strong - and I enjoyed having a good cry. It was also great to be involved in Alex's Parkinson storyline." Of her former cast members, Potter has said: "Everyone is fun to work with here - we're all really lucky to be amongst such lovely people. I work most regularly with Hugh Quarshie who is brilliant so I'm extra lucky." In October 2006, Potter announced her intention to leave the show after four years. "I have really enjoyed and am still enjoying my time on "Holby", I've had some fantastic storylines, but after 4 years on the show I felt it was time to move on to other projects.cite news|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1160349457,7546,|title=Patricia Potter to Leave |publisher=Holby Gazette|date=9 October 2006|accessdate=2008-06-11] I wanted to move before I became too complacent. You have to weigh up if it's worth leaving a job that you really enjoy to face the unknown".

Filmography

Potter undertook the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day.cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0693333/|title=Patricia Potter|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=2008-06-11] cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/individual/815346?view=credit|title=BFI Films & TV Database POTTER, Patricia|publisher=British Film Institute|accessdate=2008-06-11]

Roles

References

External links

* [http://patriciapotter.co.uk Official Patricia Potter website]
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