Holby City airs devastating stillbirth as Lofty and Helen lose their baby

From Digital Spy

Holby City's Lofty and Helen had their lives turned upside down in tonight's emotional episode (November 19), as Helen suffered a devastating stillbirth.

In heartbreaking scenes, Lofty and Helen sadly lost their baby after Helen gave birth at just six months.

Tuesday's episode started with Helen (Verity Marshall) revealing to Lofty (Lee Mead) that she didn't want Dom to be involved in the life of their baby, asking Lofty to leave Dom so that they could focus on their own relationship instead.

Outside in the car, a worried Lofty tried to reassure Helen that Dom wouldn't do any harm to their baby.

Helen then admitted that she hadn't felt the baby kicking lately, with Lofty quickly taking her back to the hospital for an emergency scan.

Consultant obstetrician Fleur Fanshawe (Debbie Chazen) took Helen for a scan and, in a few minutes, she delivered the devastating news that she couldn't track a heartbeat.

"The baby has died," Fleur told Helen and Lofty, who were heartbroken that they had lost their baby.

"Everyone's here for you," Fleur continued. "We are all here to support you."

Viewers were devastated too and many sympathised with Lofty and Helen's tragic loss.

Discussing the stillbirth storyline, executive producer Simon Harper previously said: "Holby City doesn't shy away from covering difficult and sometimes, as in this case, very sad issues which can resonate with the audience.

"The loss of the baby is terrible for Helen, and we also felt that the father's perspective is traditionally perhaps overlooked. Lofty and Dom's relationship gives us the chance to explore that. Lee, David and Verity all give beautifully pitched performances in a heartbreaking episode."

Lofty actor Lee Mead also spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to the issue, adding: "After knowing people close to me who have sadly been through a similar experience, I think it's really important and brave for Holby City to shine a light on the reality that some families have to face. I'm really proud to have been a part of it."

Holby City airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC One.

Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby. You can contact the Sands National Helpline on 0808 164 3332, or email helpline@sands.org.uk.

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