Dan Clifford
| Daniel Clifford | |
|---|---|
| File:DanielClifford.JPG | |
| First appearance | 9x7, 2006 |
| Last appearance | 10x2, 2007 |
| Portrayed by | Peter Wingfield |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | General Surgical Consultant |
Daniel "Dan" Clifford is the name of a fictional character on the BBC television series Holby City. The character is portrayed by actor Peter Wingfield. [1] The character first appeared on-screen on 28 November 2006 in episode It's Been a Long Day - Series 9, Episode 7 of the programme.[2]
Background
Daniel Clifford is a General Surgical Consultant at Holby City Hospital. He was initially employed at Holby on a locum basis, on the understanding he would expose suspected corruption within the General Surgical department. He has been engaged three times, with each engagement ending in the respective fiancées being abandoned on the planned wedding day.
Overview
During his employment at Holby City Hospital, Dan has exhibited consistent egotistical and sexist behaviour. He refers to surgical registrar Jac Naylor by the nickname 'Olive' - a reference to her diminutive stature and comparison to the Popeye character Olive Oyl - and has also commented on the weight of female colleagues Lola Griffin and Diane Lloyd. He is not afraid to question the judgment of his colleagues, and in episode 'Into The Dark' clashed for the first time with the formidable figure of hospital dominance Connie Beauchamp, emerging the victor of the encounter.
Little is known of Dan's past beyond his three failed engagements. Although the nature of their relationship is currently unknown, Dan has a connection with new senior house officer Maddy Young. It was speculated in episode 'Face Value' that the pair may have previously worked together in Middlesex. Dan also has a keen interest in golf, and has had a small golf lawn constructed in the hospital carpark.
Character History
Dan arrived at Holby City early in series nine. His position was initially that of Locum General Surgical Consultant, temporarily replacing Ric Griffin - away undertaking aid work in Uganda. On his first day, he showed a keen interest in kidney patient Pete Golding, who had secretly received an illegal porcine kidney in an operation undertaken by Abra Durant, and, inadvertently, Ric Griffin.
Although Abra, assisted by Acting Sister Kyla Tyson, was temporarily able to cover up the details of the operation, Dan's interest in the matter continued. It was revealed that Dan was covertly working for hospital manager Christopher Sutherland, in order to expose the suspected corruption within the department which had led to Ric Griffin's departure. When Abra began stealing used drugs from the hospital pharmacy to send to Africa, although it took several weeks, Dan eventually caught him out in episode 'The End of the World as We Know It'. Revealing a benevolent streak, Dan admitted an admiration for the wild card surgeon, and allowed him to leave Holby with his record unblemished.
When Maddy Young arrived at Holby City in episode 'Face Value', it was revealed that she and Dan share a history, although what this entails is as yet unknown. Also in this episode, Dan promoted Diane Lloyd to the position of General Surgical Consultant in the wake of Abra's departure. As Diane is now working in the position on a locum basis, it is implied that Dan has accepted a more permanent role within the hospital.
In past episodes, Dan and Diane have shared a mild flirtation. He has, however, made it clear in the past that he does not fare well in long term relationships. This was illustrated by the appearance of his most recent abandoned fiancée, Camilla, who left Keller ward in temporary disarray during Dan's first appearance when she violently reproached him for breaking their engagement on their wedding day, and leaving for their honeymoon alone. However, due to Diane's untimley death in a car accident, Dan's relationship with her cannot progress, however he did not seem particulaly disturbed at the news of Diane's death.
Left suddenly to take a job in France?
References
- ^ "BBC - Holby City - Characters". BBC.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
- ^ "Episode Update Tuesday 28th November". BBC.co.uk. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)