Holby City fans were left gobsmacked as legendary character Guy Self returned to the BBC1 hospital drama last night.
The consultant neurosurgeon - played by John Michie - returned to the programme on Tuesday, paying a visit to Jac Naylor who is on death's door as her health deteriorates.
Jac - played by Rosie Marcel - is growing desperate to find a life-saving treatment as her brain tumour gets worse.
The surgeon turned to another professional after pushing hospital staff to breaking point - and it turned out it was legendary Guy.
John hasn't made an appearance on the show since 2020, so it was a nice surprise for fans.
His character and Rosie's made arrangements to meet up at a bar.
As they chatted, Jac curiously asked him if the procedure to remove her brain tumour could be pulled off.
But he was the bearer of bad news, just like other characters in the programme.
He gave her another devastating prognosis, saying: "Up to a point."
Guy added: "Without too much difficulty. You will of course have suffered a massive fatal stroke by the time I was finished, so it does have its drawbacks."
He concluded: "But then you know this already, Jac. You just don't want to accept it – I am genuinely very sorry."
After their chat, Max McGerry showed up and Guy confessed that Max had reached out to him to make Jac see sense.
They both urged Jac to inform her close ones about her situation.
Taking to Twitter to talk about his return, one person wrote: "I don't like him (Guy not John) but we all love a baddie."
Another shared: "There's been one constant of Holby for many years now: no matter what, Guy Self will always find a way to come back. It's kind of comforting to see that stays true up until the end."
"Good to see Guy Self back", penned a third viewer, while another wrote: "Oh my God, it's so good to see you old man!"
Last week, beloved surgeon Michael Spence made a surprise comeback.
And Serena Campbell and Bernie Wolfe made a return to Holby City Hospital in February.
*Holby City airs Tuesdays on BBC1.
