Mealing: 'Connie should leave on a high'

Holby City star Amanda Mealing has revealed that she is eager not to outstay her welcome on the BBC medical drama.

The actress's strong-willed character Connie Beauchamp has appeared in well over 300 episodes since hitting screens in 2004 and remains a firm favourite with fans.

However, speaking in an interview with DS, Mealing confirmed that she does not want viewers to tire of her alter ego and will be happy to bow out when the time is right.

She explained: "I love Connie but I think that I love her enough to want to leave her on a high. I'd never want to over-saturate her. If we ever get to a point where we've told her story, that's the time to stop."

Asked why Connie is so popular, the 42-year-old replied: "When I started six years ago, there were two or three powerful, independent female characters on television. It's a rare thing for a woman not to be a love interest or a wife in a story.

"I get stopped endlessly by women saying, 'She's a bitch but we love Connie'. Love her or loathe her, you can't ignore her. And in a man's world, she just rules - she cuts them off at their knees."

Holby City reaches its 500th episode on Tuesday at 8pm.

> Click here to read our interview with Amanda Mealing