John Keenan

John Keenan is a fictional character from the British police drama HolbyBlue, portrayed by actor Cal MacAninch. John is a detective inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Holby South police station. MacAninch was involved in a long casting process for the role, but liked playing a police officer as his brothers are policemen. The character is billed as "fearless" and "straight-talking" with a dedication to his job that damages his marriage to Kate Keenan (Zöe Lucker). John's backstory is explored in series two through the introduction of his abusive father (Kenneth Colley). Casting Actor Cal MacAninch called the casting for the role "a long drawn-out process". He had started rehearsals for a play when he first auditioned for the part, and the play was finished when he learned he had been successful. MacAninch commented, "But it was worth it when I saw the scripts. Any actor would love to play Keenan because he's a great hero." The actor also said that he had always wanted to play a police officer, as his brother were both policemen in real life. MacAninch was initially unaware that the show was a spin-off of medical drama Holby City and stated that if he had known, he might have thought twice about auditioning. However, he realised that the show "stands on its own two feet" and he reiterated that he liked the scripts. MacAninch was contracted for three years. Development John is characterised as a "fearless" and "straight-talking" detective inspector. He is unafraid of "bending the rules" to solve his cases and is dedicated to his job. MacAninch called his character "a great hero". John is married to station reception officer Kate Keenan, portrayed by Zöe Lucker, but his devotion to his job has estranged their marriage. At the end of series one, John is promoted to acting detective chief inspector. He is relieved of the position when Scott Vaughan (Oliver Milburn) is hired, which John is pleased about as he dislikes the paperwork. MacAninch pointed out that Scott has to prove himself to John as his new boss. The character's backstory is explored in series two with the introduction of his father, John Keenan Sr., portrayed by Kenneth Colley. MacAninch noted that John struggles to discuss his upbringing, even with Kate, which creates problems in their marriage. When investigating a domestic abuse case, John relates, having grown up in an abusive household. He then decides to his visit his abusive father in prison.