Stevie Nash, a central figure at Holby City hospital, may be a fictitious character, but the actress portraying her leads an equally captivating life off-screen.

Known for playing the emergency medicine consultant Stevie since 2021, Elinor Lawless has shared insights into her personal health struggles which she had kept under wraps for an extensive period.

This festive season, Elinor will take centre stage as Stevie in a major standalone special episode geared around blood. The episode aims to bring the urgent need for transfusions to light and commemorates the real stories that inspired it.

Recently, the actress shed light on her own medical history, revealing her battle with a congenital heart condition. Sharing her experience, Elinor said: “I had a congenital heart condition when I was a kid. I had open heart surgery when I was seven and because of that, I can’t give blood and it bothers me.

“It’s something so beautifully straightforward that we can do for each other and in that situation I was relying on other people to do the thing that I can’t do. I’m here because somebody decided to go to a blood bank that day – that’s just mind boggling.”

As a mother, Elinor shares her concern that her young son, eight year old Joe, may at some point need a blood transfusion. She confessed: “I have a little boy and the idea of losing a loved-one simply because there’s not enough of the thing that would make an instant difference – that’s stuff of horror. I’m grateful that people are doing this up-and-down the country and this episode is a vehicle to help give a message gently, but also to say thank you without shoving it down people’s throats.”

In Elinor’s opinion, dramas like Casualty shine by capturing individuals “at their most vulnerable”.

Reflecting on her own experiences, she recalls: “I was in and out of hospital loads as a kid so I’m au fait with things like cannulas. I remember that time vividly and you remember the level of care. I remember being in the ambulance on the way to surgery and the amazing nurses – Hazel and Ann were my go-to nurses – and the fantastic Dr Craig and Dr Gladstone. Even at that age I was aware I was in good hands. Now I’m all fixed up. Regular check-ups till 21 sorted me out.”

Professionally, Elinor’s other half is actor Peter Basham, known for his stints in EastEnders, the James Bond film Skyfall, detective series Sherlock, and blockbuster Inception.

The couple faced a challenging period when Peter and Elinor endured an additional 10 day stay in hospital after the premature arrival of little Joe. She shared her personal experience with the NHS, saying: “My little boy was in hospital for ten days and I saw how accomplished and adept the staff are. They looked after my little boy like a nest egg. I have a huge amount of respect for the NHS and it’s an honour to get to create these amazing characters and tell these amazing stories. And for the last couple of years the NHS has been a tour de force. I feel so privileged to be part of a show that shines a light on that.”