Jonathan Kerrigan, a name synonymous with the late 1990s era of BBC’s long-running medical drama Casualty, left an indelible mark as the bleach-blond nurse Sam Colloby. While some actors become perpetual fixtures on our screens, others, like Kerrigan, make a significant and memorable impact despite a shorter tenure. His portrayal of Sam Colloby from 1996 to 1999 solidified his place in the hearts of viewers, showcasing a blend of vulnerability, resilience, and groundbreaking representation that resonated deeply with a national audience.
Kerrigan’s journey into the public eye began even before his Casualty debut, making his screen debut in the Chemical Brothers’ 1995 single “Life Is Sweet.” However, it was his arrival in the bustling emergency department of Holby City Hospital that truly propelled him to prominence. At 52 years old today, Kerrigan’s image as the distinctive blonde nurse remains a potent memory for many who followed the series during its formative years. Sam Colloby quickly transcended the typical soap opera character, becoming one of the most beloved figures on the show due to the depth and honesty brought to his storylines.
A pivotal aspect of Sam’s character was his identity as an openly gay man, a significant and often pioneering portrayal on mainstream British television in the late 1990s. This was a period when LGBTQ+ representation was still relatively nascent, and for a flagship BBC drama like Casualty to feature a prominent gay character at the forefront of its narratives was both bold and impactful. Sam’s sexuality was not merely a tokenistic trait; it was intrinsically woven into the fabric of his personal and professional life, forming the basis for numerous compelling and often challenging storylines. These included complex relationship dramas, such as the discovery that a female car crash victim was secretly dating his boyfriend, highlighting the intricate web of personal lives that often converged in the high-pressure environment of the emergency room.
Beyond his personal struggles and relationships, Sam Colloby was frequently at the epicentre of the dramatic medical emergencies that Casualty is renowned for. He was a nurse of considerable skill and courage, often found in high-stakes situations. His character helped to uncover a colleague’s rape, a storyline that underscored the series’ commitment to tackling sensitive and socially relevant issues, demonstrating the dark undercurrents that could exist even within the supposedly professional hospital setting. In other instances, Sam faced direct physical peril, notably when he fell from a hospital balcony, an event that showcased the ever-present danger faced by those working in such a chaotic environment. Yet, he also exhibited profound heroism, as evidenced by his quick thinking and decisive action in saving a young girl’s life by performing an emergency tracheotomy – a moment that not only highlighted his medical prowess but also the life-or-death decisions often made by dedicated healthcare professionals. These narratives cemented Sam’s place not just as a gay character, but as a fully fleshed-out human being navigating the intense world of emergency medicine.
Jonathan Kerrigan portrayed Sam for four seasons, a significant run that allowed for considerable character development and the exploration of complex themes. His departure in 1999, with Sam deciding to pursue a career outside of nursing, marked the end of an era for many viewers. While characters like the legendary Derek Thompson, who portrayed Charlie Fairhead for a remarkable 37 years before his recent retirement, have enjoyed much longer tenures, Sam Colloby’s relatively shorter but intensely impactful presence proved that longevity isn’t the sole measure of a character’s legacy. Sam’s storylines contributed significantly to Casualty’s reputation as a drama that was both entertaining and socially conscious, pushing boundaries and reflecting the evolving landscape of British society.
Following his impactful role in Casualty, Kerrigan demonstrated his versatility as an actor across a range of other notable television series and films. He seamlessly transitioned from the medical drama to police procedural, taking on the role of PC Steve Traynor in ITV’s Merseybeat, appearing in 30 episodes. His career continued its upward trajectory when he joined the beloved 1960s-set Yorkshire drama Heartbeat, where he embodied the character of Sergeant Rob Walker. In a testament to his multifaceted talents, Kerrigan not only starred in Heartbeat but also composed the show’s theme tune, adding a unique dimension to his contribution. His character on Heartbeat was, much like Sam Colloby, frequently at the heart of dramatic narrative arcs, including a compelling affair with Helen Trent, whom he later married. The tragic loss of Helen in an explosion provided one of the show’s most emotionally resonant storylines, further showcasing Kerrigan’s ability to convey profound grief and resilience.
Kerrigan chose to leave Heartbeat in 2007, making way for Joe McFadden to take on a new role in the series. This departure opened doors to an even broader array of projects, illustrating his ambition to explore diverse roles beyond long-running series. He went on to appear in the acclaimed American crime drama NCIS, demonstrating his appeal to an international audience, as well as the BBC drama series In The Club. His film credits include the biographical drama Diana, where he starred alongside Naomi Watts, who portrayed the late Princess of Wales, and The Somnambulists.
In his personal life, Jonathan Kerrigan tied the knot with actress Shelley Conn, known for her role as Lady Mary Sharma in Netflix’s global phenomenon Bridgerton, in 2011. The couple share a son, balancing demanding acting careers with family life. Since their marriage, Kerrigan’s career has remained consistently busy, with further roles including a starring turn in The Five, a ten-part drama for Sky 1, penned by acclaimed American crime writer Harlan Coben. He also made a memorable appearance in Death In Paradise, acting alongside his real-life wife, adding a charming dynamic to the popular crime series known for its celebrity cameos.
Visually, Kerrigan has undergone a transformation from his bleach-blond days as Sam Colloby. Sporting a ginger-brown goatee and brown hair, he looks distinctly different, a change not unlike that observed in his former Heartbeat co-star Nick Berry. This evolution in appearance mirrors his diverse career path, demonstrating his growth and adaptability as an actor. More recently, his presence on screen includes a role as Mark McKendrick in Irvine Welsh’s crime drama Crime, where he starred alongside talents like Dougray Scott and Angela Griffin. He has also popped up in the critically acclaimed historical TV drama series Outlander, portraying Rev Peleg Woodsworth, further cementing his reputation for taking on varied and engaging characters across different genres.
Jonathan Kerrigan’s journey from the beloved Sam Colloby in Casualty to his current array of roles exemplifies a career built on talent, versatility, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. While his Casualty character remains a defining moment for many, his subsequent work has proven that his impact extends far beyond the confines of Holby City Hospital, leaving a lasting impression on British television.