Vanessa Lytton is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Leslie Ash.

[1] Her role in the show is that of chief executive officer of the Holby City Hospital Primary Care Trust, making her the only regular character who is not a medic by profession.

[2] Vanessa was created by Holby City's executive producer Tony McHale as a replacement for former CEO Jayne Grayson (Stella Gonet).

Ash has praised Holby City producers for their willingness to cast a disabled actress, though faced some media criticism for accepting the role, as she had previously received £5 million compensation for loss of earnings from the hospital at which she contracted MSSA.

Vanessa was created in 2009 by Holby City's executive producer Tony McHale, as a replacement for former CEO Jayne Grayson (Stella Gonet), who departed from the show during its eleventh series.

[3] It was first announced on 18 May 2009 that actress Leslie Ash had been cast in the role, after a five-year break from acting due to complications arising from MSSA.

[7] Ash was not a regular viewer of Holby City prior to her casting, but stated: "I'm actually quite surprised by the powerful women in the show and proud to be one.

"[7] Ash sued Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust for £5 million in damages for loss of earnings after contracting MSSA, arguing that her resulting disability meant she would never win leading TV roles again.

[9] She noted an initial reluctance to enter the hospital set,[9] but found it helpful that she was already acquainted with co-stars Tina Hobley and Patsy Kensit Healy, as well as director Christopher King, who she worked with on ITV drama Where The Heart Is.

"[11] Ash also said that she enjoyed working again, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and being reunited with Derek Thompson (Charlie Fairhead), whom she acted alongside in The Gentle Touch.

Vanessa's first act as CEO is to approve funding for a robotics scheme run by cardiothoracic consultant Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing).

[1] Soon thereafter, she suspends Connie, general surgical consultant Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie) and ward sister Faye Byrne (Patsy Kensit Healy) over the death of Archie Morton (Conor Cremin), Faye's disabled son, unaware that the true culprit in his death is nurse Lauren Minster (Riann Steele).

'"[18] Asked whether he was happy with the reception she had received, Tony McHale told Inside Soap: "I am, but we knew that there would be the odd headline that would have a dig at certain things.

But it has become even more so with the arrival of Leslie Ash, who actually has the same job as Antony Sumara – though it's doubtful he has her trout pout or stiff, barking old sergeant major demeanour.