“In the hearts of his colleagues”

Here is the last scene by Mark Priestley in his final episode on All Saints.

To air next week, the conclusion of the storyline for Nurse Dan Goldman is remarkably well translated by producers. It is part of an episode that will see no less than four characters arrive or leave the Seven soap.

It also includes a group scene where the staff at All Saints General Western Hospital learn that Nurse Goldman won’t be returning.

Channel Seven drama chief John Holmes, speaking for the first time about the tragedy, told the Daily Telegraph the group scene was filmed two days after cast and crew were told of Priestley’s death.

“The cast and crew have been so professional since that day and been getting on with business, but that’s all they can do really,” he said yesterday.

“Everyone has been so upset, but it affected everyone differently – some blocked it out, others dwelled.

“But as soon as they see Mark in different scenes, it all comes back and they remember a vibrant, funny and talented man and it shocks them, they feel a terrible sadness that he took his own life.

“But Mark will be in in the hearts of his colleagues and the show itself forever.”

“Clearly the material has added weight because everyone privvy to the situation realises that the material carries extra weight for everybody involved,” Holmes said.

“When you are shooting those scenes after an event such as Mark’s death, the weight becomes far more poignant.”

“Mark was obviously troubled and he did cause us a lot of angst in production, but if he started a day he would finish a day and was very professional,” Holmes said.

“He always shot his scenes, and in the lead up to his final scenes – even though he must have been going through personal hell – his performance in every scene is nothing but professional.

“But a happy hour of television it isn’t.”

Source: Daily Telegraph