Dominic Copeland

Dominic Copeland
Holby City character

David Ames as Dominic Copeland
First appearance "Second Life"
23 April 2013
Portrayed by David Ames
Information
Occupation CT1 (2016–)
F2 (2015–16)
F1 (2013–15)
Family Barry Copeland (father)[1]
Carol Copeland (mother)[2]

Dominic "Dom" Copeland is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actor David Ames. He first appeared in the series fifteen episode "Second Life", broadcast on 23 April 2013. Dom arrives at Holby City hospital as an F1 on Keller Ward being mentored by Antoine Malick (Jimmy Akingbola) and later Sacha Levy (Bob Barrett). The character was originally introduced for several episodes and featured in a storyline with Malick. But producers decided to reintroduce the character on a permanent basis with Dom returning in January 2014.

Dom is a complex character who enjoys causing trouble and creating different personalities to suit his desired outcome of a situation. His manipulative behaviour has seen him lie under oath and attempt to ruin his colleagues careers. His reintroduction signalled a rivalry with Arthur Digby (Rob Ostlere) and a friendship with Zosia March (Camilla Arfwedson). He goes onto develop a close friendship with Arthur that proves significant to his character development. Writers also made changes to his personality by placing Dom alongside senior staff with "strong moral compasses" who help him to become a "better person". The character shares romantic relationships with agency nurse Kyle Greenham (Alan Morrisey) and patient Lee Canon (Jamie Nichols). The latter subjects him to a violent attack which affects his career at the hospital. Critic Anthony D. Langford from TheBacklot.com has often praised the character for not being stereotypical. While other reviews have labelled him "bad" and "sneaky".

Storylines

Dom arrives on Keller Ward while Antoine Malick (Jimmy Akingbola) is in charge.[3] He develops an attraction to Malick and they kiss. But when Malick rebuffs further advances, Dom becomes vengeful. When Malick acts on a DNR on an infamous serial killer, Amanda Layton (Ruth Gemmell), Dom fabricates the version of events.[4] He later lies in court to ruin Malick's career. But when he is found out he is suspended.[5]

Dom returns to work on Keller Ward which causes friction with Malick's friend F2 Arthur Digby (Rob Ostlere). But he quickly befriends FT1 Zosia March (Camilla Arfwedson) who invites him to move in with herself and Arthur.[6] When Arthur is left in charge of Keller, Dom undermines him and gets him into trouble with registrar and mentor Sacha Levy (Bob Barrett). But Dom and Arthur's behaviour sees them both reprimanded by their mentor.[7] When Arthur continues to rival Dom on the ward, he insinuates that he will commit suicide which makes Arthur back off.[8] Dom treats a patient whose mother drowned whilst saving his pet dog. Dom insults Zosia over her dead mother. When she demands to know why he has taken issue, he recants the patient's story claiming that his mother died under the same circumstances.[9] Dom is confronted with an old school friend and he tries to remove him from the ward. Arthur questions him and exposes Dom's lies about his mother. But Zosia is not bothered and only finds him more fascinating.[10] Dom volunteers to do a shift on AAU, fails impress deputy CEO Serena Campbell (Catherine Russell) and spars with CT2 Harry Tressler (Jules Knight). Dom is attacked by a patient using a false identity. He manages to prevent her from leaving the hospital - a move which saves her life and earns respect from Serena.[11]

Development

Casting, characterisation and family

Ames had previously auditioned for a different character but was unsuccessful. Gaining the role of Dominic meant a lot to Ames' family who were already Holby City fans.[12]

“ Troubled and trouble in equal measure, Dom’s a wily schemer who is always working an angle. Intelligent and sharp-witted, he’s actually very sensitive and is easily wounded, often believing himself to be the victim and justifying his actions as self-defence. Fiercely protective of, and generous towards, those he favours, Dom can also be surly and vindictive towards those he feels have betrayed him. When it comes to fact versus fiction, Dom prefers to glamorise. ”
— BBC Online.[13]

Dom is billed as "complicated, unpredictable and deliciously wicked". His manipulative persona is said to make the show more interesting.[13] Career wise Dom is incredibly ambitious.[14] But he is untruthful and has "demons" from past experiences that continue to trouble him. Ames called him a "scheming, cheeky little mongrel" and finds fun in playing the nasty character. He told Lorraine Kelly that "Dominic is a very complex character and he has a lot to prove and he doesn't really hold back on how he goes about doing that."[15][16] Ames believed that there are similarities between him and Dom. He told a reporter from Gay Times that "as a gay man playing a gay man, there’s definitely an element of myself in Dominic’s personality, because one thing I wanted to do with Dominic is to have fun with him."[17]

The character goes on a journey emotionally and through his career at Holby City his personality changes.Ames assessed that originally his character had "questionable morals and standards". But being around senior hospital staff with "such strong moral compasses" he finds a "good path". Through these connections writers developed him into a "better person, a better colleague and a better friend."[18]

In 2015, Julia Deakin was hired to play Dom's mother Carol Copeland. She was described by a writer from Inside Soap as being the "overenthusiastic parent" of her "beloved boy" Dom.[19] She likes to know all of his business and wants to be close to him again. With this Carol secures a job at the hospital cafe. When Carol hears gossip about her son, she confronts him on Keller ward infront of patients. Dom is "mortified" by his mother and they have an "embarrassing row" on the ward. The incident also causes Dom to behave unprofessionally with a patient. Dom has to tell his mother to "mind her own business for once".[19]

Guest role and return

Dom sleeps with Malick, but he is in a relationship with Nathan Hargreave (Jotham Annan).[20] Malick treats murderer Amanda. He grants her wish to not resuscitate after she tells him the location of her final victim. But he finds himself in trouble and the matter gets taken to court.[21] When Malick rejects Dominic's further advances he wants revenge. Malick is questioned over the DNR and expects Dom to validate his statement. Dom uses the opportunity to get Malick in further trouble over the incident.[22] Ames believed that Dom was under much "psychological stress" at this point.[12]

Dom then proceeds to lie under oath to further enact his revenge.[20] Dom claims that Malick delivered Amanda a fatal overdose. To defend himself he is forced to admit that he kissed Dom. Akingbola told a reporter from Inside Soap that "Dominic's crush rebounds on Malick, Nathan has been a rock to him, and now Malick worries that he'll lose the love of his life as well as his job."[21] Ames told a reporter from BBC Online that it was Dom's "inexperience and naivety" that got him in to deep with Malick.[15] But Dom's lies at the coroner's inquest are exposed and he leave Holby City shamed.[15][23] Ames summed up the departure as Dom leaving the show disgracefully under a cloud.[16]

In September 2013, it was announced that Ames had reprised the role. Executive producer Oliver Kent said that his return would "definitely shake things up at Holby City".[20] Ames told a TV Choice reporter that "Dominic is definitely going to spice things up and he's someone who is going to cause a lot of sparks."[14] Dom returned during the episode titled "Intuition", broadcast on 14 January 2014.[23] He "skulked off with his tail between his legs" when he left the hospital shamed. But he returns to try again but this time remain focused on his career. He also damaged his emotional wellbeing in addition to his career.[15] Lying to the jury delivered a "massive blow" to his life and he struggled to regain respect.[14] Ames believed that his character had learned a "valuable lesson" and that Dom would use it to better himself. He warned that while Dom would not be predictable he remained as untrustworthy as ever. Dom will do "whatever it takes" to appear better at everything tries.[15]

F1 repeat

Dom's return to Keller Ward means that he has to contend with Arthur. Malick and Arthur were close colleagues so his return inevitably causes friction.[14] Ames explained that "Dom has a long way to go before Arthur even begins to consider them equals, let alone friends. Arthur is a faithful old Labrador."[15] Arthur wants to prove expose Dom to their mentor Sacha. Ostlere told Kelly that Arthur "is very suspicious about Dominic but he cannot convince Sasha."[16] Sacha believes they are working well together, but this is due to Dom behaving in a manipulative manner. He fakes multiple personas and uses them to suit a desired outcome. Ames namely described a "butter wouldn't melt" attitude shown while in Sacha's presence.[24]

Dom is aware that forming a working relationship with Arthur will be difficult; so he decides to have fun creating tension. Ames told a reporter from What's on TV that "there’s clearly a lot of friction between them and Dom likes to push Arthur's buttons, not least just to entertain himself."[24] One example of Dom and Arthur's rivalry occurs while treating a patient involved in a factory explosion. Sacha places Arthur in charge of Keller and Dom uses the opportunity to make Arthur appear unable to manage the situation. Ames said "Dominic will put his own job above anyone else's job. He'll say whatever needs to be said in order to better himself and his career."[24]

Holby City quickly developed a "best friend" partnership between Dom and fellow F1 Zosia.[25] Arthur warns Zosia about Dom's past. But she takes no notice of Arthur's concerns, befriends him and asks him to move in with her.[23] A What's on TV reporter observed that Dom's "bad boy reputation" managed to impress Zosia.[26] Dom later creates a false account of his mother's supposed death and Arthur exposes his lies. But Zosia is not fazed by the revelation. Jane Simon of the Daily Mirror noted that Dom being a sociopath only served to make him more interesting to the aspiring psychiatrist Zosia.[27] He sees his friendship with Zosia as part of creating his new life. Ames said that they have a "different dynamic" compared to his other working relationships.[12] Ames opined that gay men are often attracted to strong independent women and Zosia is very ambitious. It was therefore a natural development that Dom gravitated towards her. Zosia's interest in psychiatrics means that she likes to observe Dom. But Ames believed that the duo "equally intrigue each other".[12] Dom, Arthur and Zosia were often featured in storylines together and formed a best friend group. In 2015, Producer Simon Harper decided to split up the trio having Dom staying on Keller, Zosia moving to Darwin and Arthur working on AAU. Harper said it was a difficult decision to make and it was discussed at length with executive producer Oliver Kent.[28] But Harper wanted to tell stories reflecting real medical careers. He noted that "as they mature and progress, [they] would go on to their separate disciplines and wards [...] What's great about the changes is that gives them different stories."[28]

Friendship with Arthur Digby

Despite initially being enemies the pair go on to forge a close friendship.[28] In one storyline Dom's father is homophobic and tries to embarrass his son in-front of an audience inside a holiday club. Arthur defends his friend by kissing him on the lips as a showing of support. This led viewers to suspect the show was developing a romance between the two character. But Harper later stated that there were no plans and branded it a "beautiful gesture in support of his gay mate" to challenge homophobia.[28] Ostlere called it a "show of solidarity" and described the pair as "very close friends". He was also glad writers did not develop their friendship into anything more. They were friends without worrying what their sexuality, "It was a really honest portrayal of two friends."[29] Ames viewed it as a "very beautiful bromance". He also praised the realism of gay males having straight male friends. The actor concluded "as a gay man myself, it's always very nice when you have those straight friends who are so beyond comfortable with you that they can act in ways that other people would perhaps question."[30]

The pair were unlikely friends who would "gripe and moan and bitch at each other." He was the best friend that Dom has been searching for, something he had never had before. Ames believed Dom "genuinely felt love and affection" towards Arthur. Dom lives his life in fear of losing people and Arthur is one of the rare examples that the character decided to get close to.[30]

Arthur is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ames said that Arthur's illness "hit Dom very hard". He tries his best to be there and support Arthur.[31] He later dies from the illness and Dom is left to grieve for his best friend.[30] Ames explained that his character tends to suppress his feelings in turmoil. He reverts back to old habits and behaviour that made him unpopular in the hospital. He becomes "very emotionally cut off" refusing to cry and furiously argues with colleagues during a "tumultuous time".[18] Ames concluded that Arthur was Dom's friendly "soul mate". He was "someone who didn't quite fit in, in the same way as Dominic doesn't. They were an unlikely pairing and it's a struggle for him to get over the fact he's lost that."[30]

Relationship with Lee Cannon

Following a brief relationship with agency nurse Kyle Greenham (Alan Morrisey), which was ruined by Dom's untruthfulness,[32] Dom later begins to date a patient named Lee Canon (Jamie Nichols), who was admitted to Keller with bowel cancer.[33] Despite undergoing a successful operation, Dom was forced to tell Lee that another tumour had been found. Lee came to rely on Dom's commitment to him and they shared "a warm moment".[33] Holby City producer Harper named it a "huge story" for Dom, which "ultimately tests his relationship with Arthur".[34] A reporter from the Daily Mirror warned viewers that disappoint would lie ahead for Dom.[35] Dom soon believes that he may have a future with Lee. But he cons Dom and steals from his flat and disappears from his life.[36] Ames told a What's on TV reporter that believed he had found "the one" and felt feelings he had not before. The feelings "probably felt a lot like first love" which was "very intoxicating" and "incredibly attached" to Lee in a short period of time. Ames defended his character adding "I suppose he got swept up in the excitement of it all." Following the robbery Dom is ashamed because he allowed the relationship to develop quick without knowing much about Lee.[37] A preview trailer released via the show's official website revealed that Dom would be attacked by Lee when he returned.[38]

After time off-screen Lee was reintroduced alongside his wife Alison Jones (Elizabeth Cadwallader) who is pregnant.[37] Ames said that Dom is "absolutely dumbfounded", angry and confused because he had genuine feelings for Lee. But he has "the gall" to arrive at Dom's place of work with Alison knowing that he will be working on the ward. Lee warns Dom to keep their affair a secret and is in denial about his sexuality. Dom builds a rapport with Alison and does not want her to feel cheated by Lee like he was.[37] But Alison is not fooled and acknowledges that Lee has had affairs with many men and ends her relationship. Lee is angry and confronts Dom feeling he is to blame. Ames explained that his character "doesn't hold back in telling Lee that he’s a liar, a fraud and someone who has affairs with men." Dom's truthful tirade enthrals Lee who then lunges at Dom and begins a violent attack. Ames said Lee's anger stemmed "out of frustration over not being able to control who he is". Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) tries to intervene in the fight and Lee picks up a knife. They battle to retrieve the weapon from Lee but in the struggle Dom stabs Lee.[37] The police are satisfied that Dom acted in self-defence and clear him of any charges. But Lee makes an official complaint and the hospital are forced to investigate.[39]

In the months that follow the attack Dom struggles at work. Ames assessed that the medic is "still trying to make his peace with what happened." He distracts himself from the issue and realises that he needs to focus on work. Through this he is able to regain some normality. Alison is later admitted to Keller ward with complications in her pregnancy.[31] Her presence makes his encounter with Lee "all very fresh in Dom's mind again". He tries to avoid treating Alison but then decides to deal with the situation. Alison asks for Dom's help to visit Lee and rebuild her family. He wants to know how Lee is but cannot face him. He is annoyed at Alison for relying on him to sort out her marriage. Ames explained that Dom decides to help Alison move on. He tells her that she cannot hold onto the past, advice Dom decides to act on and forget about Lee. The actor added that the story gave Dom "an element of closure" over Lee.[31]

Reception

A What's on TV writer branded Dom a "sneaky, lying medic".[23] Lorraine Kelly described him as "really horrible" but wanted him to stay because show's need a "bay boy" character.[16] Anthony D. Langford from TheBacklot.com that with Dom's affair with Malick was the latter's most interesting romantic storyline. He also praised Holby City for reintroducing Dom and committing to gay story telling.[40] Langford later praised Dom for not being "your earnest cookie-cutter sweet gay guy". He branded him "just bad, manipulative and scheming". The critic also loved how Dom plays innocent over his wrongdoings and bitchy remarks made to Arthur.[41] He predicted that the pair would create "plenty of juicy conflict", noting "Arthur is easily baited and Dom is such a manipulator".[41][42] A North Wales Daily Post writer branded Dom a "big fat liar" and "sociopath".[43] A reporter from What's on TV branded Dom a "scheming" character.[44] Jane Simon from the Daily Mirror said that Dom telling Kyle that Malick is dead was "just another of the massive lies that slip from Dominic's lips with surprising regularity."[32] Anthony D. Langford writing for TVSource Magazine said "I love how we can see how much Dom has changed. So many shows don’t show character growth, but we’ve seen it with Dom."[45]

References

  1. ↑ "Series 17 - 50. At First I Was Afraid". Radio Times. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  2. ↑ Harris, Jamie (10 June 2015). "Holby City teases the arrival of new nurse Cara, Dom's mum and more in summer preview". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  3. ↑ Rob Evans (director), Paul Matthew Thompson (writer) (23 April 2013). "Second Life". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 28. BBC. BBC One.
  4. ↑ Lisa Clarke (director), Jon Sen (writer) (28 May 2013). "Back From The Dead". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 33. BBC. BBC One.
  5. ↑ Rob Evans (director), Nick Fisher (writer) (4 June 2013). "Home". Holby City. Series 15. Episode 34. BBC. BBC One.
  6. ↑ Jennie Darnell (director), Lucia Haynes (writer) (14 January 2014). "Intuition". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 14. BBC. BBC One.
  7. ↑ Amy Neil (director), Natalie Mitchell & Julia Gilbert (writers) (4 February 2014). "Things we Lost in the Fire". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 17. BBC. BBC One.
  8. ↑ David Tucker (director), Paul Matthew Thompson (writer) (25 March 2014). "Green Ink". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 24. BBC. BBC One.
  9. ↑ Graeme Harper (director), Bede Blake (writer) (8 April 2014). "The Win". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 26. BBC. BBC One.
  10. ↑ Graeme Harper (director), Nick Fisher (writer) (15 April 2014). "Cold Heart, Warm Hands". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 27. BBC. BBC One.
  11. ↑ Pip Short (director), Johanne McAndrew & Elliot Hope (writers) (6 May 2014). "My Name Is Joe". Holby City. Series 16. Episode 30. BBC. BBC One.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Griffin, Cheryl. "David Ames interview". holby.tv. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Dominic Copeland". BBC Online. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Dainty, Sophie (9 January 2014). "Holby City's David Ames: 'Dominic's return will spice things up'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Q&A with David Ames". BBC Online. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "Doctor, doctor!". itv.com. (ITV Plc). 25 March 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  17. ↑ Duffy, Nick (4 August 2014). "Holby star David Ames: I used to be clinically overweight, but now I feel comfortable in my own skin". PinkNews. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  18. 1 2 "David Ames: 'Dom can't channel his emotions in Holby, so he just gets very, very angry!'". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 8 June 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  19. 1 2 "Oh, mother!". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (26): 30. 4–10 July 2015.
  20. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (17 September 2013). "Exclusive: 'Holby City' confirms two new characters, Dominic return". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  21. 1 2 "Game over?". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (22): 26. 1–7 June 2013.
  22. ↑ Mullin, Cheryl (28 May 2013). "What's on TV tonight: The Apprentice, Shameless and Holby City". Birmingham Mail. (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Dom returns to Holby!". What's on TV. IPC Media (2): 17. 11–17 January 2014.
  24. 1 2 3 "Holby star David Ames: 'Dom is definitely going to spice things up'". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 31 January 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  25. ↑ "Harry moves in on Amy". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 8 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  26. ↑ "Dominic's back on the wards!". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 14 January 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  27. ↑ Simon, Jane (15 April 2014). SS.-a0364931205 "TV today's". Liverpool Echo. (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (9 October 2015). "Holby City producer Simon Harper reveals more story teasers: 'We'll crack Hanssen open again'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  29. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel. "Holby City's Rob Ostlere reacts to Arthur Digby's emotional exit: 'It sparks a lot of change'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  30. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (10 June 2016). "Holby City's David Ames on Arthur Digby's death aftermath: 'Dominic lashes out and shuts down'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  31. 1 2 3 "Holby's David Ames: When Alison turns up, the 'whole Lee incident' is churned up again". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 25 May 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  32. 1 2 Simon, Jane (30 December 2014). "Today's TV; Pick of the Day". Daily Mirror. (Trinity Mirror via Highbeam Research). Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  33. 1 2 "Dom's new love?". Inside Soap (45): 24. 14–20 November 2015.
  34. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (8 October 2015). "Exclusive: Holby City producer Simon Harper shares story gossip: 'The bitch is back when Jac returns'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  35. ↑ "Holby City BBC1 8pm (Not [...]; Tuesday December 1". Daily Mirror. (Trinity Mirror via Highbeam Research). 28 November 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  36. ↑ "Dom's attacked by his ex!". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 9 February 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  37. 1 2 3 4 "Holby star David Ames: 'Dom's dumbfounded to see Lee again!'". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 3 February 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  38. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (2 December 2015). "Holby City spoilers: First look at Dom in danger in explosive winter trailer". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  39. ↑ "Is Dom doomed?". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (6): 27. 13–19 February 2016.
  40. ↑ D. Langford, Anthony (4 December 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Malick's Final Goodbye on 'Holby City'". TheBacklot.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  41. 1 2 D. Langford, Anthony (22 January 2014). "Langford on Soaps: Sonny Pops The Question on 'Days'". TheBacklot.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  42. ↑ D. Langford, Anthony (29 January 2014). "Langford on Soaps: Dark Times Ahead For Will on 'Nashville'". TheBacklot.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  43. ↑ "We love drama". North Wales Daily Post. (Trinity Mirror). 15 April 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  44. ↑ "Amy gives birth!". What's on TV. (IPC Media). 9 December 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  45. ↑ D. Langford, Anthony (6 June 2016). "Gays of Our Lives: Your Man Is Gay, Girl". TVSource Magazine. (SoSource Media). Retrieved 3 July 2016.

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