Harry Potter actor Guy Henry joins Holby

Harry Potter actor Guy Henry has signed up for a regular role in Holby City.

The 49-year-old star - soon to play Pius Thicknesse in the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movies - will play new joint Director of Surgery, Henrik Hanssen.

The character first pops up on the popular BBC1 medical drama in October, but Guy has already been filming his early scenes - and seems to have settled in nicely.

He said: "I'm really enjoying playing Henrik Hanssen. It's been great joining a show as well-loved as Holby City, and to create a new character from scratch."

Guy describes Henrik as "a bit of a mystery man" who arrives on the Holby scene quite suddenly, seemingly placed there by The Department of Health to shake up the hosital and make some cuts.

"He's punctilious, pedantic and passionate about his work," the actor added. "But he's not without a twinkle in the eye, and a very dry sense of humour - essential when you have to take on Connie Beauchamp. She may have met her match!

"Actually it's been bloody frightening being the big new boy on set - but thankfully I've found that Holby's reputation for being a kind and friendly place to work is well-justified. The cast and crew are a lovely lot."

Executive producer Belinda Campbell says she's delighted to have persuaded the actor - also well known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare company - to sign up for the show.

She said: "Guy is a great asset to the Holby City cast and we are very excited to have him on board.

"His character will make waves from his very first scene and upset the apple cart of Holby City in more ways than one."