Holby City hero to lose leg

'Holby City' hero Kieran Callaghan is to lose a leg when he is called to Afghanistan as a Territorial Army medic.

The hunky nurse - played by former 'Hollyoaks' star Barry Sloane - will lose the limb as part of a harrowing plot, which will see the character battle to save those fighting on the frontline in the war-torn country.

Barry, who appeared as evil Niall Rafferty in 'Hollyoaks', explained he prepared for the traumatic storyline by talking to real amputee soldiers and hearing about their experiences.

He said: "It was important for me to see some of the guys that had suffered in that way. I wanted the character driven and give him a real goal that he wanted to get better quickly.

"It comes from the wounded guys. They don't sit around and feel sorry for themselves - they are so driven. If they are set a target to be walking in six months, if that's at all possible, that's what they will be doing."

The actor - who is set to be written out of the BBC One drama alongside on-screen love interest Donna Jackson (Jaye Jacobs) next month - hopes real serviceman won't be disappointed by his portrayal of the injured nurse.

Barry added to The Sun newspaper: "I don't know how I would react if I lost a limb - I wouldn't be as strong-willed as these guys. I hope they will find some truth there and won't be disappointed."