Save Holby City petition gets over 24,000 signatures as fans beg BBC not to cancel the show
A PETITION begging the BBC not to cancel Holby City has already racked up over 24,000 signatures.
Desperate fans have launched the online appeal after it was confirmed that the medical drama is being axed after 23 years on air.
The was launched by a heartbroken viewer soon after, and it's hurtling towards its target of 25,000 signatures.
At the time of writing, the petition has 24,009 people backing it.
The creator desperately wrote in its description: "Holby City has millions of weekly viewers, and has won hundreds of awards. It is also one of the most diverse dramas on the BBC - bringing stories of real people across society, from all backgrounds and experiences.
"The combination of permanent characters and single episode characters offers a huge range of storylines, highlighting important issues and experiences in medicine and society.
"The show has raised awareness about so many issues of value to the public - whether that's mental health, bereavement, exploring faith or sexuality.
"If like me and my family, you care so much about this program please share and sign this petition.
"The pandemic has shown how highly the public value the NHS, and Holby City is an important representation of the work that the NHS does, and the issues the NHS and its staff and patients face.
"Sign this petition to urge the BBC not to scrap Holby City."
Holby City was initially created as a spin-off from BBC's Casualty by Tony McHale and Mal Young, and premiered in 1999.
It became a huge hit with fans as it followed the drama of the staff who work in Holby City Hospital.
Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed that the popular show will air its final scenes in March 2022.
They said in a statement: "We are incredibly proud of Holby City but it’s with great sadness that we are announcing that after 23 years, the show will end on screen in March of next year.
"We sometimes have to make difficult decisions to make room for new opportunities and as part of the BBC's commitment to make more programmes across the UK, we have taken the difficult decision to bring the show to a close in order to reshape the BBC's drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.
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"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at BBC Studios and all the cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 1999.
"Holby has been a stalwart with audiences, delighting millions of viewers each week and winning hundreds of awards with a compelling mix of cutting edge medical stories and explosive personal stories.
"We look forward to working with the team over the coming months to ensure that when it ends, Holby goes out on a high."
Furious fans vowed to boycott the BBC in response to the shock decision, while past and present cast members were quick to take to social media to pay moving tribute to the programme.