Jackson (until episode 21) La Charné Jolly as Elizabeth Tait Patsy Kensit as Faye Byrne (until episode 11) Rosie Marcel as Jac Naylor Edward McLiam as Greg Douglas Sarah-Jane Potts as Eddi McKee (from episode 34) Robert Powell as Mark Williams (until episode 15) Hugh Quarshie as Ric Griffin Luke Roberts as Joseph Byrne (until episode 13) Laila Rouass as Sahira Shah (from episode 18) Recurring and guest characters Roger Barclay as Terence Cunningham (until episode 44) Silas Carson as Sunil Bhatti (episodes 27−52) Fiona Hampton as Lulu Hutchison (episodes 40−47) Daisy Keeping as Lleucu Jones (from episode 43) Niamh McGrady as Mary-Claire Carter Alan Morrissey as Nicky van Barr (until episode 2) Barry Sloane as Kieran Callaghan (episodes 5−21) Reception Critical response The series' opening episode received positive reviews from critics. The Daily Mirror Jane Simon commended Henry's debut, writing that he was "off to a head-start, carrying off the haughty, brisk arrogance of a top consultant." What's on TV selected the episode as the "Top TV" choice of the day, similarly commenting that "Henry has a ball playing Holby new top dog, stealing all the best lines as he adds a wonderful slice of cutting humour to proceedings." The Liverpool Daily Post also selected the episode as recommended viewing for the day of broadcast. Another positive review of Hanssen came from Becky Jones of the Leicester Mercury, who deemed him "the best thing about the programme", with all of the best lines. Rebecca Jordan of OntheBox rated the episode 4/5. She enjoyed Henry's "sarcastic yet strangely affable" character, comparing him to Gregory House for his ability to diagnose patients "nearly as fast as he distributes withering one-liners." Jordan pinpointed Hanssen's appeal as being the "much-needed humour" he brought to the series, as well as the dynamic between Hanssen and Connie, writing that "the volatile rapport between him and Connie is thoroughly engaging and leaves little doubt in our minds that he will quickly become an exciting addition to the show." Jordan also enjoyed the "metaphorical genius" of depicting Faye with blood on her hands following her role in Linden's death. The following episode, "The Short Straw", was also selected as the "Top TV" choice of the day by What's on TV, who commented that "some of the script is a little heavy-handed, but Guy Henry as panto-esque axeman Henrik is particularly good fun". Ratings On 7 December 2010,