Holby City star dies after ventilator is switched off

Twenty-two-year-old Laura Sadler, the star of BBC1's Holby City, died yesterday from injuries she received after falling from a balcony on Sunday morning.

Laura's life-support machine at Charing Cross Hospital in London was switched off yesterday afternoon, and she passed away a short time later.

BBC paid tribute to Ms Sadler, who played Nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC hospital drama.

Lorraine Heggessey, Controller of BBC1, said: "I'm devastated that we have lost such a talented young actress. When I first met Laura on Grange Hill it was clear she had enormous potential. She was a sweet, modest, hard-working girl and will be much missed.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

Mal Young, Controller of Drama Series, said that Laura was a "much-loved, talented and respected actress".

He added: "She brought so much to the role with her infectious enthusiasm, dedication and 100% professionalism.

"Television has lost a talent who had so much more to give. We, and her many fans will miss her greatly.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. I would ask that they be given as much privacy and space as possible at this difficult time.''

Born on Christmas Day in 1980, Laura first attended drama classes when she was five and as a child appeared in television commercials for Renault and Birds Eye.

She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School where she won a number of roles in theatre, radio, film and television.

While appearing at the National Theatre, aged eight, Laura was visited backstage by Dustin Hoffman who wanted to congratulate her on her performance.

Laura appeared in stage productions at the Soho Theatre and Royal Court, in film - starring alongside Julie Walters and Rupert Graves in Intimate Relations - and appeared in a number of television productions including three years as Judi Jeffries in Grange Hill.

She joined the Holby City cast in September 2000 as Junior Staff Nurse Sandy Harper.

At the request of her family and as a tribute to her, Laura will continue to appear in Holby City for the remaining eight episodes she had already filmed.

Laura Sadler received her injuries early on Sunday morning following a 40-foot fall from the balcony of a flat in Holland Park, London. The flat belonged to her boyfriend George Calil, 30, who also plays her on-screen boyfriend.

(MM)