Colette Sheward

Colette Sheward
Holby City character
Louise Delamere as Colette Sheward
First appearance	"16x08 Fait Accompli" 3 December 2013
Last appearance	"17x04 Chaos in Her Wings" 4 November 2014
Portrayed by	Louise Delamere
Information
Occupation	Director of Nursing Services

Colette Sheward is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Louise Delamere. She first appeared in the series sixteen episode "Fait Accompli", broadcast on 3 December 2013. Colette serves as the Director of Nursing Services at Holby City. Delamere was approached for the role and not required to audition. Colette is characterised as a "headstrong" and "compassionate" career woman who fiercely defends her team of nursing staff. Delamere decided that Colette should not have children to represent independent woman. But her solitary trait often leaves her isolated. Colette was introduced as an old friend of CEO Guy Self (John Michie). He offers the job without interviewing her which attracts internal scrutiny. Colette's role at the hospital demands respect from those in nursing roles. While she also maintains influence to reprimand doctors and consultants operating mistreating nurses. Jane Simon of the Daily Mirror predicted viewer popularity for Colette. She liked her brash persona and reporters from Inside Soap and What's on TV called her a "no-nonsense" character.

On 28 August 2013, the BBC released a statement detailing Delamere's casting as Colette Sheward. They revealed that the character would be introduced as the Director of Nursing. Billed as "tough-talking, politically incorrect, funny and loyal", Colette's inclusion would see the show's nursing team garner her fierce support. Delamere stated that she was pleased to join Holby City as such a "surprising and funny character". She was not required to audition for the role as she was directly approached by the production team. The actress was unsure that she wanted to role until she read the character breakdown. Colette's witty personality appealed to Delamere and she took the role on.

In October 2014, Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap confirmed that Delamere would be leaving the show.

Colette is characterised as a smart and compassionate nurse with a sense of humour. She conducts herself with a headstrong approach. But she is a "dark horse" with firm boundaries and refuses to let others get too close. Delamere told Kirsty Nutkins of the Daily Express that she is foremost a career woman and a "bit of a warrior". She makes it her duty to defend and speak in favour the hospital's nursing staff. But Colette demands respect from those who rank below her even if they are unwilling to show her any. Delamere explained that this trait "leads to some quite interesting confrontations." Colette holds high regard for authenticity in her staff because she dislikes phoniness. She tends to inspire while leading her team - but her solitary manner and reluctance to ask for help can make her feel isolated. Despite her strong personality, Colette is not "strident or bitchy".