More 'Holby' chat from Jimmy Akingbola

I recently had a chat with Holby City's newest signing Jimmy Akingbola to hear about his character Antoine Malick, who's about to ruffle more than a few feathers on the show.

Click here to read the main part of the chat, which focuses on Antoine's hot-headed personality and how he's introduced to the hospital.

Alternatively, read on for bonus bits from the new arrival…

Have the producers told you what impressed them so much about your guest stint that made them want to invite you back?
"When I did the role as Tommy King, one of the producers - Peter Bullock - just said that it was a good episode and well done. But once I got the part as Malick, that's when I heard that they had been quite impressed with what I did. Apparently my tape was watched by quite a few people in the offices at the BBC and I think I got the thumbs-up from the majority - it was nice to know that I had that support. I'd just been in [BBC Two comedy] Rev playing Mick, who was a bit of a local crackhead with a big beard, so when I walked through the door looking completely different, I think they were surprised that had been me! But it's good that I've been able to show that range and add some of that comedy experience to the character, because they don't want Malick to be one-dimensional."

What was your first day on set like?
"Walking through the Elstree Studios was a beautiful feeling - just thinking, 'Oh my God, I'm going to be working here!' So that was a great feeling, but I must admit that the nerves were there a bit because obviously I was coming into a show where people had been together for around six to eight years. But the cast are so lovely. You hear about long-running shows where the cast can be a bit cliquey, and not warm and open to new people, but that wasn't the case here."

Is there anyone in particular who gave you a warm welcome?
"Hari, Emma and James were great - I had a lot of scenes with them at first and they were just lovely and so supportive. And I must say a big thank you to David Innes Edwards, who was the director of my first few episodes - he could really see where I wanted to take the character. I think David could tell that I wasn't going full throttle at first because of the nerves, so he gave me a nice tap on the shoulder and told me 'well done' and 'do more, do more'. I think as an actor you sometimes just need that acknowledgement and encouragement. He told me to make it mine and do more, and since then, I haven't looked back! I try to give it everything I can."

Is it rare to get the chance to put your own stamp on a character so much?
"In my experience, it tends to be 50/50. Some shows are quite strict and you can't really do much - you just have to follow what the writer has written. But I've done a lot of comedy and I think they especially encourage it in that. In this role, I've had to just believe in myself and if I get dialogue that's great but not quite how I think Malick would say it, I do try to change it and make it authentic. That's the main thing - it has to be authentic to the character. It's encouraged here, but for me to get the confidence to do that took a couple of days. But to be in a drama like Holby, you have to learn to adapt quickly and be creative, rather than just say the lines."

There's been lots of changes at Holby recently, with new producers and writers joining - does that make it an exciting time to start on the show?
"It is exciting - it's an amazing time to be a part of Holby because there has been a massive change. For example, Guy Henry has just come in and he's fantastic and plays an amazing character. To have someone of his calibre in the show is brilliant. I think when you watch Holby now that Guy Henry has come in and it's all gone HD, the stories are better, the guest cast members are getting better and better, and I think it's just pushing the boundaries. What is sad is that we've lost one or two of the regulars, but it's exciting that we've got new people coming in. If you watch it closely now, the style of the show is changing and I think they're doing really well to keep up with the times. There's shows like Grey's Anatomy that people watch now, but I think that Holby is up there. It has great viewing figures and people get hooked on it!"

Have you had any scenes with Laila Rouass, who appears on screen as Sahira Shah later this year?
"She comes in soon after me, but I haven't had any scenes with her yet, unfortunately. I know that we've got some stuff coming up, though. I've known of her work over the years, and again, it feels like we're losing some great, amazing cast members but when you look over your shoulder, they're bringing in fantastic actors. Laila's character looks like she's going to push the boundaries. I don't know when we're going to cross paths yet, but I'm sure that our characters are going to meet."

Finally, can you give us any more hints when it comes to Malick's secrets?
"All I will say is that he's like Pandora's Box - once you open it, there's a lot of stuff that's going to come out! I don't want to say too much, but it's going to be good - really good!"

Let me know your thoughts on the latest Holby arrival using the usual form below!