Former University of Northampton student gets job working on scripts of BBC1's Holby City

Gemma Copping, who studied creative writing and drama at the university, will be helping to influence storylines on the popular, long-running show.

Ms Copping said: “Attending the University was the best decision I ever made, not only because of how I developed as a writer, but how I developed as a person. I was supported in every aspect of my life and career, and became self-sufficient and confident.”

Gemma’s first break came when she attended a guest lecture by producers Sarah Best and Stevie Lee, during the University’s Subject Futures Week event in 2014.

Following the lecture, Gemma thanked the producers and was given their business cards. The following day, Gemma got in touch, and shortly afterwards had secured a role as a runner on a film set. She continued to work for Sarah in various roles, picking up industry experience along the way.

She then went on to study television fiction writing at Glasgow Caledonian University, which was funded by a scholarship from Warner Brothers, and used her networking skills to land her Holby City role.

She said: “During my scholarship industry placement I worked for two producers who used to work on Holby City. As soon as I told them I wanted to work on a continuing drama they contacted Holby’s series producer and told him about me.”