Martin "Ash" Ashford

In his 30’s, Ash worked as a charge nurse at Holby City A+E. He left to teach at a local college after he was acquitted of physically attacking a racist patient, but returned briefly in series ten to marry Laura, a PR officer in the hospital.

In the intervening years Ash retrained as a doctor, eventually passing his exams and becoming a Consultant. Ash and Zoe have differing management styles, but they soon bond in support of each other.

Although his marriage didn’t last Ash has a daughter, Ella. Now she’s a teenager, Ash has put his foot down with her, but she still remains a rebellious and challenging presence in his life and the ED.

Doctor by trade, Ash is a nurse at heart and as such isn’t afraid to go to anyone who he thinks might help in a given situation, which gains him much respect. Ash is no pushover – he has strong opinions and is happy to say the things no one else will say. He’s also a pragmatist and a long-termist – able to see the bigger picture and stay calm in a crisis.