TV

Holby City: Bob Barrett’s real-life daughter joins show!

Her arrival is part of Sacha's storyline about depression

| Updated:

Actor Bob Barrett got to experience his very own “bring your child to work day” recently when his daughter Francesca got to join him on the set of Holby City.

In fact, it was rather special circumstances as Francesca is an actress herself and had joined the cast of the BBC medical drama as Bob’s on-screen daughter!

Sasha Levy Holby
Sacha has been battling depression (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Strictly’s Richard Coles set for mystery wedding role in Holby City

Bob’s real-life daughter, who is 17, has been cast in the role of Dr Sacha Levy’s estranged daughter Beka.

She will turn up at the hospital in upcoming scenes, and forces the medic to make a big confession.

Although Beka’s arrival throws Sacha into a panic at first, he ultimately decides to open up to her about the difficulties he’s faced with depression.

sasha levy holby
Sacha will open up to his estranged daughter Beka (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Casualty SPOILER: Connie left for dead, Iain jailed and Charlie and Duffy to split!?

Speaking about his daughter joining the show, actor Bob told the Radio Times: “The bosses told me that they were bringing back the character of Rebecca, but that the actress who used to play her was no longer in the business.

“So I asked if Francesca could be seen for the part as I just had a hunch it would really work. So she came in and she was great. She smashed it, and she’s in the show!”

We love our Tuesday night fix of Holby City (Credit: BBC)

Viewers know that Sacha has been battling mental health issues.

When Beka turns up looking for a place to stay for a few nights, Sacha confides in Beka about his depression and is overwhelmed by her supportive response.

Bob added: “By the end of the scene, we’re both in floods of tears. Rebecca says she’ll always be there for her dad and he tells her that she doesn’t know how much this has helped him.

“It’s a big release for Sacha. One of the reasons for his suffering is down to the dislocation he feels from his family. And, up to that moment, he he hasn’t been able to see that people need him.”

https://twitter.com/BBCHolbyCity/status/1070661254547718145

Proud dad Bob went on to admit that he and his daughter are “best friends” and have “never had a cross word in 17 years”.

In other news, Holby has teased the new Winter trailer, which will land on Tuesday (11 December).

Do you tune into Holby City every week? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Helen Fear
TV Editor

Related Topics