Donna Jackson

Donna arrives at Holby City Hospital as a staff nurse on the general surgery ward, making a poor first impression by being disorganised and insolent. Mistakenly believing that living with her superior will ensure her an easy time at work, Donna invites herself to move in with nurse Lisa Fox (Luisa Bradshaw-White).{{Cite episode |title=Baptism of Fire |episode-link=Holby City series 6 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Debbie O'Malley (writer), David Jackson (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=16 March 2004 |series-no=6 |number=24}} The two have a strained relationship: within weeks, Donna is evicted for falling behind on her rent,{{Cite episode |title=While the Cat's Away... |episode-link=Holby City series 6 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Jeff Dodds (writer), Karen Stowe (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=27 July 2004 |series-no=6 |number=42}} and when she is later allowed to move back in, she lets bailiffs take Lisa's possessions after failing to keep up her own loan repayments.{{Cite episode |title=Thin Ice |episode-link=Holby City series 7 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Hugh Costello (writer), Fraser MacDonald (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=8 February 2005 |series-no=7 |number=17}} Forced to run a shift in charge of the hospital's Acute Assessment Unit as recompense, Donna struggles to manage and learns a new respect for Lisa.{{Cite episode |title=Another Car Wreck |episode-link=Holby City series 7 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Martin Jameson (writer), Paul Kousoulides (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=1 March 2005 |series-no=7 |number=20}} During this period, Donna has a friendship with midwife Mickie Hendrie (Kelly Adams). Mickie is questioning her sexuality, and the two have sex while drunk.{{Cite episode |title=Deception |episode-link=Holby City series 6 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Carol-Ann Docherty (writer), Michael Offer (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=6 July 2004 |series-no=6 |number=39}} Mickie is disappointed when Donna states that it was just a one-night stand, but they are able to reconcile their friendship.{{Cite episode |title=Inside Out |episode-link=Holby City series 6 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Andrew Holden (writer), David Jackson (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=20 July 2004 |series-no=6 |number=41}} When the general surgery ward is downsized, Donna is forced to reapply for her job. Although she gives a good interview and impresses Lisa, other candidates have more experience, so she is unable to retain her position and has to work as a bank nurse.{{Cite episode |title=Rat Race |episode-link=Holby City series 7 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Jeff Dodds (writer), Nigel Douglas (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=28 June 2005 |series-no=7 |number=37}}

Following a short-lived relationship with physiotherapist Justin Fuller (Ben Richards),{{Cite episode |title=Leap in the Dark |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Andrea Earl (writer), Nick Jones (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=21 March 2006 |series-no=8 |number=23}} Donna moves on to date hospital manager Bradley Hume (Scott Adkins).{{Cite episode |title=I Am Not What I Am |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Bradley Quirk (writer), Peter Rose (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=18 July 2006 |series-no=8 |number=38}} Their relationship is terminated by the discovery that Bradley has been running a pharmaceutical scam, resulting in the death of one of Donna's patients due to a morphine overdose.{{Cite episode |title=Now Or Never |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Andrew Holden (writer), Christopher King (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=26 September 2006 |series-no=8 |number=49}}{{Cite episode |title=Moondance |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Tony McHale (writer), Nigel Douglas (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=17 October 2006 |series-no=8 |number=52}} After entering into a scratchcard syndicate at work, Donna wins £20,000.{{Cite episode |title=Into the Dark |episode-link=Holby City series 9 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Andrew Holden (writer), Indra Bhose (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=30 January 2007 |series-no=9 |number=17}} She refuses to share her winnings with the others and resigns from her job, making plans to travel to Australia. On her last day, a patient with bi-polar disorder steals and re-distributes her money. Donna misses her flight, and is forced to remain in Holby.{{Cite episode |title=Can't Buy Me Love |episode-link=Holby City series 9 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Dan Sefton (writer), Deborah Paige (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=20 February 2007 |series-no=9 |number=20}} She goes on to begin an affair with consultant general surgeon Michael Spence (Hari Dhillon), despite the fact he is married.{{Cite episode |title=Pants on Fire |episode-link=Holby City series 10 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Joe Ainsworth (writer), Dominic Leclerc (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=8 April 2008 |series-no=10 |number=27}} When Michael's wife Annalese (Anna-Louise Plowman) begins working at the hospital as a locum anaesthetist, she suspects that Michael has been unfaithful to her and confronts Donna, who confesses the affair and apologises profusely.{{Cite episode |title=Feet of Clay |episode-link=Holby City series 11 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Michael Levine (writer), Christopher King (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=9 March 2009 |series-no=11 |number=21}}

Donna is shocked when her estranged father Derek (Clarke Peters) is admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cancer.{{Cite episode |title=Body Language |episode-link=Holby City series 11 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Justin Young (writer), Rob Evans (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=14 July 2009 |series-no=11 |number=39}} He dies soon thereafter, and when dealing with his effects, Donna learns that he unknowingly fathered another daughter. Though her half-sister is recently deceased, Donna meets her half-niece Mia (Jada Wallace-Mitchell), who is being raised by her grandmother, Patti (Barbara Drennan).{{Cite episode |title=Myself, Coming Back |episode-link=Holby City series 12 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Nick Warburton (writer), Robert Del Maestro (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=27 October 2009 |series-no=12 |number=3}} Within weeks, Patti also dies, and Donna decides to adopt Mia.{{Cite episode |title=Promises |episode-link=Holby City series 12 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Joe Ainsworth (writer), Robert Bierman (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=27 January 2010 |series-no=12 |number=16}} She and her friend Maria (Phoebe Thomas) compete for a ward sister position on the general surgery ward. Although Maria is the successful applicant, she realises that Donna needs the job in order to support Mia, and withdraws her candidacy so Donna is appointed sister.{{Cite episode |title=Time and Tide - Part 2 |episode-link=Holby City series 12 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Graham Mitchell (writer), Daikin Marsh (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=19 May 2010 |series-no=12 |number=34}} Donna falls in love with agency nurse Kieran Callaghan (Barry Sloane), and is devastated when he is called to serve in Afghanistan with the Territorial Army (TA). Kieran asks her to marry him, but Donna refuses, terminating their relationship with the intention of giving Mia stability.{{Cite episode |title=Don't Go Changing |episode-link=Holby City series 13 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Nick Fisher (writer), Michael Keillor (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=25 January 2011 |series-no=13 |number=15}} When Kieran is injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), Donna reconsiders, supporting him through the amputation of his leg.{{Cite episode |title=No Credit, No Blame |episode-link=Holby City series 13 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Mark Cairns (writer), Jamie Annett (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=1 March 2011 |series-no=13 |number=20}} Upon learning that he will be transferred to a rehabilitation unit in Liverpool, Donna resigns in order to move there with him.{{Cite episode |title=What You Mean By Home |episode-link=Holby City series 13 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Nick Warburton (writer), Jamie Annett (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=8 March 2011 |series-no=13 |number=21}}

When a fuel tanker crashes into the hospital, Donna works alongside ED staff members to treat patients.{{Cite episode |title=Casualty@Holby City - Part One |episode-link=Casualty series 19 |series=Casualty |series-link=Casualty (TV series) |credits= Johanne McAndrew (writer), Michael Offer (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=26 December 2004 |series-no=19 |number=17}}{{Cite episode |title=Casualty@Holby City - Part Two |episode-link=Holby City series 7 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits= Johanne McAndrew (writer), Michael Offer (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=28 December 2004 |series-no=7 |number=11}} A year later, Donna is involved in a car crash en route to the staff Christmas party. She and paramedic Paul "Woody" Joyner (Will Thorp) then inadvertently cause a tunnel to collapse while trying to rescue a trapped baby.{{Cite episode |title= Deny Thy Father - Part One |episode-link=Casualty series 20 |series=Casualty |series-link=Casualty (TV series) |credits=Al Hunter Ashton and Pete Hambly (writers), Paul Harrison (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=24 December 2005 |series-no=20 |number=18}}{{Cite episode |title= Deny Thy Father - Part Two |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Gaby Chiappe (writer), Paul Harrison (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=28 December 2004 |series-no=8 |number=11}} Donna is seconded for a shift to the ED as they deal with the aftermath of a school shooting, which Donna finds a challenge.{{Cite episode |title= Entry Wounds |episode-link=Casualty series 25 |series=Casualty |series-link=Casualty (TV series) |credits= Mark Catley (writer), Paul Murphy (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=4 September 2010 |series-no=25 |number=1}}

Jacobs was cast as Donna immediately after leaving drama school, and considers herself "completely blessed" for having won the role.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Christmas+TV+Guide:+Seasonal+suspense+for+Holby+star+Jaye;+Drama...-a0140076745|title=Christmas TV Guide: Seasonal suspense for Holby star Jaye; Drama Paramedic is left fighting for life following a spectacular car crash in a two-part Casualty@Holby City.|last=Young|first=Graham|date=22 December 2005|work=Birmingham Mail|access-date=20 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023042009/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Christmas+TV+Guide:+Seasonal+suspense+for+Holby+star+Jaye;+Drama...-a0140076745|url-status=live}} She was cast alongside fellow series six newcomer Kelly Adams, as midwife Mickie Hendrie. A BBC documentary entitled Making It at Holby chronicled their casting process, which entailed seven weeks of auditions, including group workshops to allow the series producers to gauge candidates' personalities.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Box:+Gimme,+gimme,+gimme+a+role+in+Holby.-a0114466542|title=The Box: Gimme, gimme, gimme a role in Holby.|last=Laws|first=Roz|date=21 March 2004|work=Sunday Mercury|access-date=15 November 2010|location=Birmingham, England|archive-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221190431/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Box%3a+Gimme%2c+gimme%2c+gimme+a+role+in+Holby.-a0114466542|url-status=live}} Adams originally auditioned as Donna, however the casting directors felt that she would be better suited to Mickie, the quieter character, and "mild mannered" counterpart to Donna's "sassy staff nurse".{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TV+review:+Could+the+con+be+off%3f-a0114570675|title=TV review: Could the con be off?|last=Johnson|first=Emma|date=24 March 2004|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144112/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TV+review:+Could+the+con+be+off%3F-a0114570675|url-status=live}} She and Jacobs were paired together during a three-hour workshop, and the producers detected an "instant spark" between them, leading to their dual casting.{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20041212/ai_n12914247/?tag=content;col1 |title=Star Style: Holby City party girls|last=Vivian|first=Rhiannon|date=12 December 2004|work=Sunday Mirror|access-date=15 November 2010}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}} Following her successful audition, Jacobs was mentored by actress Jan Pearson, who played ward sister Kath Fox.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TV+review:+Welcome+to+Holby+City+newcomers.-a0114529802|title=TV review: Welcome to Holby City newcomers.|date=23 March 2004|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021215503/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TV+review:+Welcome+to+Holby+City+newcomers.-a0114529802|url-status=live}}

File:Donnajackson1.jpg

Jacobs characterised Donna as "a working class tart". Upon her arrival in the programme, Donna was said to be a recent college graduate.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters/profiles/index.shtml?content/_donna/page1 |title=BBC - Holby City - Characters |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018073427/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters/profiles/index.shtml?content%2F_donna%2Fpage1 |archive-date=18 October 2006 |url-status=dead }} Lacking career ambition, she selected nursing as the most exciting role available to her, hoping to meet a wealthy surgeon.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/holbycity/aps/donna.shtml |title=Donna Jackson |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122185036/http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/holbycity/aps/donna.shtml |archive-date=22 January 2011 |url-status=dead }} The BBC stated that, despite her lack of ambition, Donna was likely to succeed on her chosen career path due to her propensity to "land on her feet". On the series' official website, Donna was described as a party girl with a "wild-child reputation". Her negative characteristics included being easily led and materialistic, easily bored, and "outspoken, stubborn and lazy". The website also highlighted her determination to "live life to the full", her fun-loving and straight-talking nature, bravery, honesty and loyalty, and the fact that "her heart's in the right place."{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters-cast/characters/donnajackson.shtml|title=BBC - Holby City - Characters - Donna Jackson|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317124426/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbycity/characters-cast/characters/donnajackson.shtml|archive-date=17 March 2008 }}

{{quote box

|width = 30em

|bgcolor = #c6dbf7

|align = left

|quote = "I've played Donna for six years, and she’s a part of me, but she's changed a lot. She used to be quite comical; she had the bumbling one-liners and she was quite physical – there was a lot of bumping into stuff and falling over, having naughty nookie in confined spaces. Now it's getting a bit more serious. She's adopted a child, her niece Mia, and now that she's a sister, she needs to be more responsible."

|source = — Jacobs, on developments in Donna's characterisation.

}}

Donna's costume initially involved short skirts, tight-fitting tops, multi-coloured hair extensions and a nose-stud. Jacobs, who affected a Bristolian accent for the role, commented that Donna had "no sense of what she should keep covered up." A size 12, Jacobs was not pressured to lose weight for the role, and considered Donna's figure "part of her loveable charm". In early episodes, the character was seen to partake in recreational drug use and arrive for work hungover. Jacobs described her as "everything that you secretly want to be, but can't get away with in normal society", calling her "very gregarious" and immune to maturing. The Guardian{{'s}} Grace Dent deemed her "weak-willed" in a 2006 feature on television medics,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/apr/01/tvandradio.theguide|title=Doctors' orders|first=Grace|last=Dent|author-link=Grace Dent|date=1 April 2006|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 November 2010}} and in 2008, the Daily Mirror{{'s}} Jane Simon branded her unintelligent.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/tv/todays-tv/2008/09/09/holby-city-115875-20730137/|title=Holby City|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=9 September 2008|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=16 November 2010|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605143355/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/tv/todays-tv/2008/09/09/holby-city-115875-20730137/|url-status=live}}

A 2006 review by Simon noted that Donna lacked dedication to her job, and was easily distracted by her love life.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TVToday:+PICK+OF+THE+DAY+HOLBY+CITY+BBC1,+8pm+-+Wing+and+a+player.-a0143465325|title=TVToday: Pick of the Day Holby City BBC1, 8pm - Wing and a player|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=21 March 2006|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=7 March 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081625/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TVToday:+PICK+OF+THE+DAY+HOLBY+CITY+BBC1,+8pm+-+Wing+and+a+player.-a0143465325|url-status=live}} Following an April 2008 interview with Jacobs, the itv.com website for the entertainment show This Morning observed that despite Donna's "chaotic" personal life, she had grown more serious about her work.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/ThisMorning/Entertainment/JayeJacobs/default.html|title=Jaye Jacobs|work=itv.com|publisher=ITV plc|date=3 April 2008|access-date=3 April 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417000754/http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/ThisMorning/Entertainment/JayeJacobs/default.html |archive-date= 17 April 2008}} Ultimately, adopting her half-niece Mia forced Donna to grow up, focussing on her career by attaining promotion to ward sister and accepting the resultant responsibilities. Reflecting on Donna's development in January 2011, Jacobs observed that she had changed a great deal from her early days, when she was used as a comical character with "bumbling one-liners", into a serious, more responsible person.

When Donna returned in 2017, Jacobs billed her character as "flirty, brash and ballsy", while Simon Harper, the show's acting executive producer, described Donna as "sparky [and] irreverent". Jacobs told Jessica Ransom of What's on TV that although Donna has matured since her departure in 2011, she is "still just Donna Jackson". She summarised Donna as "such a floored, quirky, mental character."{{cite news|last1=Ransom|first1=Jessica|title=Holby's Jaye Jacobs: 'Donna Jackson has some skeletons in her closet!'|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/holby-city/holby-city-news/donna-jackson-returns-478866/|access-date=26 February 2018|work=What's on TV|date=20 June 2017|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054635/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/holby-city/holby-city-news/donna-jackson-returns-478866/|url-status=live}} Jacobs confirmed that Donna continues to be flirtatious upon her return, because it is in her personality. Sarah Deen, writing for the Metro, branded the character a "flirty, feisty whirlwind" and described her as "ballsy and bubbly".{{cite news|last1=Deen|first1=Sarah|title=Jaye Jacobs talks about her Holby City return and why Donna gets on the wrong side of Fletch|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/27/jaye-jacobs-talks-about-her-holby-city-return-and-why-donna-gets-on-the-wrong-side-of-fletch-6736160/|access-date=28 February 2018|work=Metro|date=27 June 2017|archive-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303225538/http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/27/jaye-jacobs-talks-about-her-holby-city-return-and-why-donna-gets-on-the-wrong-side-of-fletch-6736160/|url-status=live}} Reflecting on Donna's character development between leaving and returning, Jacobs commented, "Before she was a girl in her 20s who was very focused on love and men, and now she has two children so her life is a lot more child-focused." She added that Donna tries to focus on her maturer lifestyle while maintaining the lifestyle she had when she was younger. Jacobs stated that Donna's costume reflected that and opined that her dress sense had "regressed" since her departure. A BBC Online contributor characterised Donna as "a sassy, fun-loving nurse and a breath of fresh air."{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3qMpwlMwmhT3PFqlLq9Nykk/donna-jackson|title=Donna Jackson|publisher=BBC|access-date=17 March 2018|date=16 March 2018|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316161045/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3qMpwlMwmhT3PFqlLq9Nykk/donna-jackson|url-status=live}} They stated that Donna is able to voice her opinions because she speaks in a comical tone. The reporter added that Donna returned to the nursing profession "a little worldlier" than before.

File:Clarke Peters Edinburgh 2010.jpg

Donna was raised by her grandmother Shirley (Lynda Baron), who appears in the series eight episode "Bad Blood".{{Cite episode |title=Bad Blood |episode-link=Holby City series 8 |series=Holby City |series-link=Holby City |credits=Martin Jameson (writer), Richard Platt (director) |network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=29 August 2006 |series-no=8 |number=44}} Clarke Peters, star of American drama series The Wire, was cast as her estranged father in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_8045000/8045497.stm|title=Wire star to appear in Holby City|date=12 May 2009|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 May 2009|archive-date=15 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515123443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_8045000/8045497.stm|url-status=live}} He appeared from 14 July to 11 August 2009, suffering from cancer of the splenic flexure, pancreas and abdominal wall.{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/news/wire-star-clarke-to-join-holby-city/5797 |title=Wire star Clarke to join Holby City |date=12 May 2009 |work=What's On TV |access-date=12 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220082909/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/news/wire-star-clarke-to-join-holby-city/5797 |archive-date=20 February 2012 }} Jacobs was "thrilled" by Peters' casting, and reported that his first appearance rendered the programme's crew "star-struck" for the first time in her five years on the show. His appearance allowed Donna to confront her father over his abandonment of her as a child, and rendered her devastated upon learning that he had accepted his impending death.{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/soaps/Holby+City-55284.html|title=Jaye Jacobs' Star-struck Castmates|date=3 August 2009|work=Female First|publisher=First Active Media|access-date=20 February 2011|archive-date=4 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804184635/http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/soaps/Holby+City-55284.html|url-status=dead}} Peters assessed that his appearance had an "enormous impact" on Donna,{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/interviews/a-quick-chat-with-the-wires-clarke-peters/6273|title=A quick chat with The Wire's Clarke Peters|date=2 July 2009|work=What's on TV|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=2 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402011302/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/interviews/a-quick-chat-with-the-wires-clarke-peters/6273|url-status=live}} explaining that his role allowed the audience to discover more about her life, as: "This is a way to get into these characters rather than just seeing them as one-dimensional characters, dealing with whatever happens at Holby." Producers Diana Kyle and Tony McHale intended the storyline to reveal a new side to Donna, depicting her attempting to cope, in contrast to the "smiling party girl" viewers were familiar with.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/interviews/a157363/tony-mchalediana-kyle-holby-city.html|title=Tony McHale/Diana Kyle ('Holby City')|last=Green|first=Kris|date=29 May 2009|work=Digital Spy|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=11 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611114145/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/interviews/a157363/tony-mchalediana-kyle-holby-city.html|url-status=live}}

Following her father's death, Donna adopted her half-niece Mia. Discussing the development in the context of her 2010 Casualty appearance, Jacobs explained that it made her ED shift particularly stressful as "she now has little Mia to look after – if anything happens to Donna, Mia is completely on her own." She expanded that, "The stakes have really moved on for Donna over the last couple of years. She's had to accept some responsibility and it's not now just about which man she's going to sleep with next".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/08_august/17/casualty3.shtml|title=Casualty – interview with Jaye Jacobs|date=17 August 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=20 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820044746/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/08_august/17/casualty3.shtml|url-status=live}}

Perennially "unlucky in love",{{cite web |url=http://thismorning.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/true-love-holby-city |title=True love in Holby City |last1=Horan |first1=Ocean |work=itv.com |publisher=ITV plc |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=7 March 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314193159/http://thismorning.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/true-love-holby-city |url-status=live }} Donna fits the tart with a heart stereotype.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/m-going-miss-drama/article-3256961-detail/article.html|title=I'm going to miss all the drama, says Holby City 'tart-with-a-heart'|date=24 February 2011|work=Western Gazette|access-date=7 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227080249/http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/m-going-miss-drama/article-3256961-detail/article.html|archive-date=27 February 2011}} Her numerous romances during her tenure earned her the nickname "Nurse 'Action' Jackson".{{cite web|url=http://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/view/31156/Interview-Barry-Sloane-and-Jaye-Jacobs/|title=Interview: Barry Sloane and Jaye Jacobs|date=18 January 2011|work=OK!|publisher=Northern & Shell|access-date=20 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322094733/http://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/view/31156/Interview-Barry-Sloane-and-Jaye-Jacobs/|archive-date=22 March 2012|url-status=dead}} In 2004, she had a lesbian liaison with Mickie. The scene in which they kissed was edited to half its original length after being deemed too explicit for pre-watershed broadcast.{{cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-149723700|title=My lesbian kiss was naughty..but nurse|first=Jon|last=Wise|work=The People|date=20 August 2006|access-date=15 November 2010|location=London, England|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701085022/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-149723700/my-lesbian-kiss-was-naughty-but-nurse-exclusive-holby|url-status=dead}} Later that year, Jacobs stated that her ideal storyline would be for Donna to find a good man and gain a promotion, hoping she would find someone who would treat her well and help her give up her recreational drug habit. Her love interests included physiotherapist Justin Fuller, registrars Ed Keating (Rocky Marshall) and Mubbs Hussein (Ian Aspinall), manager Bradley Hume, senior house officer Sean Thompson (Chinna Wodu), and a love triangle with married consultant Michael Spence and his cardiothoracic colleague Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing).{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/04/28/holby-city-s-jaye-jacobs-on-playing-sex-mad-staff-nurse-donna-115875-20397600/|title=Holby City's Jaye Jacobs on playing sex mad staff nurse Donna|last=Raymond|first=Clare|date=28 April 2008|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=11 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111120042/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/04/28/holby-city-s-jaye-jacobs-on-playing-sex-mad-staff-nurse-donna-115875-20397600/|url-status=live}} Although Michael did not initially disclose to Donna that he was married, Jacobs stated that her character was aware of this "deep down", but was unfortunately unperturbed. He treated her badly, to the point that he would only have sex with her in a toilet stall;{{cite web|url=http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/jaye-jacobs-holby-city|title=Jaye Jacobs, Holby City|date=1 March 2011|work=TV Choice|publisher=H Bauer Publishing|access-date=7 March 2011|archive-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009174230/http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/jaye-jacobs-holby-city|url-status=dead}} nonetheless Jacobs assessed that Donna was in love with him, believing him to be "the one" and different from her previous lovers, branding her deluded in this respect.

In a November 2007 article for the Daily Mirror, television critic Jim Shelley described Donna as a "nymphomaniac", though qualified his comment with the addendum "to be fair, sex addiction is a job requirement in Holby."{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/archive/tv-archive/shelleyvision/2007/11/13/keep-taking-the-tablets-holby-115875-20099220/|title=Keep taking the tablets, Holby..|last=Shelley|first=Jim|author-link=Jim Shelley (TV critic)|date=13 November 2007|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605093436/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/archive/tv-archive/shelleyvision/2007/11/13/keep-taking-the-tablets-holby-115875-20099220/|url-status=live}} His Mirror colleague Simon branded Donna supremely unsubtle in her pursuit of Michael, deeming her "unsinkable",{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly:+We+love+drama+-+HOLBY+CITY+BBC1,+8pm+(9pm+Scotland).-a0176448110|title=We love telly: We love drama - Holby City BBC1, 8pm (9pm Scotland).|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=11 March 2008|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051529/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly:+We+love+drama+-+HOLBY+CITY+BBC1,+8pm+(9pm+Scotland).-a0176448110|url-status=live}} and in a later piece for The Guardian, Shelley commented on Donna's proclivity for sleeping with senior staff members at inopportune moments, to the detriment of patient care.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/feb/20/television1|title=TV Dinners|work=The Guardian|date=20 February 2009|access-date=15 November 2010}} She was dubbed "man crazy" by Tina Miles of the Liverpool Echo, and "shameless" by the Mirror{{'s}} Clare Raymond, who noted that she would "stop at nothing to snare a rich doctor".

Despite her numerous sex scenes, Donna did not have a genuinely romantic storyline until beginning a slow-burning romance with agency nurse Kieran Callaghan in late 2010.{{cite journal|title=Sad to leave? I was sobbing on my last day.|last=Moon|first=Katy|date=11 March 2011|page=40|journal=Inside Soap}} She initially disliked him, suspecting him of shirking his work duties, and at one point requested that he never return to her ward.{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news//2010/12/03/former-hollyoaks-actor-barry-sloane-speaks-about-his-new-holby-city-role-50061-27759495/|title=Former Hollyoaks actor Barry Sloane speaks about his new Holby City role|last=Miles|first=Tina|date=3 December 2010|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=7 March 2011}} Jacobs assessed that Donna was attracted to him, but would not allow herself to accept it at first, having had so many failed relationships with men ill-suited to her.{{cite interview |last1=Jacobs |first1=Jaye |subject-link=Jaye Jacobs |last2=Sloane |first2=Barry |subject-link2=Barry Sloane |interviewer=Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford |title=True love in Holby City |url=http://thismorning.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/true-love-holby-city |type=interview video |work=This Morning |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=7 March 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314193159/http://thismorning.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/true-love-holby-city |url-status=live }} They went on to begin a relationship, with Jacobs describing Kieran as "Donna's dream come true", and co-star Sloane deeming the two a "great match". Their relationship was impeded by Kieran's commitment to the TA and tour of duty in Afghanistan. Sloane felt that Kieran did not sufficiently explain the extent of his involvement with the TA, and assessed that Donna failed to understand his "soldier mentality", stating that their problems stemmed from a mutual stubbornness.{{cite journal |last1=Moon |first1=Katy |date=7 January 2011 |title=Kieran feels that it's his duty to go away to Afghanistan |journal=Inside Soap |issue=52 |page=41 }} Following Kieran's deployment, television magazine What's on TV noted a change in Donna's demeanour, observing that she had "soured" in contrast to her former "bubbly" friendliness.{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/coming-next/an-all-new-not-so-nice-nurse-donna-returns/9020 |title=An all-new, not-so-nice Nurse Donna returns |date=18 January 2011 |work=What's on TV |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830030155/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/coming-next/an-all-new-not-so-nice-nurse-donna-returns/9020 |archive-date=30 August 2012 }} Kieran lost a leg in an IED explosion. In the aftermath, he and Donna reunited, before moving away together.

By the time she returns, Donna has become a footballer's wife after marrying footballer Jared Baptiste (Leon Lopez). Jacobs explained that Donna and Jared share a difficult relationship since Donna has "married into a lifestyle without realising it." Donna and Jared have a child, Amber Baptiste, which Jacobs thought was nice for Donna's character development. Donna considers Mia and Amber her top priority; on this, BBC Online contributor commented, "She would do anything to give her two girls all they need in life." Deen (Metro) observed that Donna has adopted "a new flashy lifestyle" since leaving Holby. Jacobs stated that despite her matured lifestyle, Donna would continue to be flirtatious. She also confirmed that Donna would not have a love interest, which she disliked. The actress hoped that Donna would be given a love interest after becoming reestablished within the series.

Donna has appeared in two editions of Casualty@Holby City—crossovers with Holby City{{'s}} sister show Casualty, which is set in the hospital's emergency department (ED). In the first such crossover, originally broadcast in December 2004, Donna works alongside ED staff members when a fuel tanker crashes into the hospital.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Best+shows+on+TV+this+Christmas:+TWENTY+BELLS+A-RINGING.-a0125288374|title=The Best shows on TV this Christmas: Twenty Bells A-Ringing|last=Methven|first=Nicola|date=25 November 2004|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021215519/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The%20Best%20shows%20on%20TV%20this%20Christmas%3A%20TWENTY%20BELLS%20A-RINGING.-a0125288374|url-status=live}} She reappears in the fourth edition of Casualty@Holby City, originally broadcast in December 2005, when she is involved in a car crash en route to the staff Christmas party. She and paramedic Paul "Woody" Joyner (Will Thorp) then inadvertently cause a tunnel to collapse while trying to rescue a trapped baby.{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/22/christmas_one.shtml|title=BBC Television Christmas highlights 2005|date=22 November 2005|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808025504/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/22/christmas_one.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 2010, Donna appeared in Casualty itself, for the launch of the show's twenty-fifth series.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s18/casualty/interviews/a227198/oliver-kent-series-producer-casualty.html|title=Oliver Kent (Series Producer, 'Casualty')|last=Green|first=Kris|date=14 June 2010|work=Digital Spy|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=24 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924054514/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s18/casualty/interviews/a227198/oliver-kent-series-producer-casualty.html|url-status=live}} She was included in the episode at the request of its writer, Mark Cately. Casualty{{'s}} series producer Oliver Kent deemed her "hilariously funny" and "one of Holby{{'s}} best characters".{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s18/casualty/news/a228848/casualty-plans-more-holby-crossovers.html|title='Casualty' plans more 'Holby' crossovers|last1=Kilkelly|first1=Daniel|author2=Green, Kris|date=17 June 2010|work=Digital Spy|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-date=20 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620234811/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s18/casualty/news/a228848/casualty-plans-more-holby-crossovers.html|url-status=live}} During the episode, the ED staff work through the aftermath of a school shooting. Jacobs explained that Donna finds the shift difficult and is "really quite scared", as she is used to working with routine rather than emergency patients. In contrast to her typical disorganisation and laziness, Donna is forced to work hard and "put herself on the line" to keep up with the other staff members. Jacobs appears as Donna in a two-part crossover episode with Holby City{{'s}} sister show, Casualty, originally broadcast in March 2019.{{cite episode|title=Episode 26|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00031hd|series=Casualty|series-link=Casualty (TV series)|credits=Writer: Michelle Lipton; Director: Steve Brett; Producer: Rebecca Hedderly|network=BBC|station=BBC One|airdate=2 March 2019|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224063248/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00031hd|url-status=live}}

Jacobs departed from Holby City in 2011, wanting to "broaden [her] horizons" after seven years in the programme.{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/interviews/jaye-jacobs-why-ive-quit-holby/11968|title=Jaye Jacobs: 'Why I've quit Holby'|date=2 March 2011|work=What's on TV|access-date=7 March 2011|archive-date=4 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104145123/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/interviews/jaye-jacobs-why-ive-quit-holby/11968|url-status=live}} The thirteenth series saw the departure of many regular cast members,{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/03/03/holby-city-actress-jaye-jacobs-i-was-scared-to-leave-the-show-but-it-helped-me-find-a-man-115875-22963135/|title=Holby City actress Jaye Jacobs: I was scared to leave the show but it helped me find a man|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=3 March 2011|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=7 March 2011|archive-date=5 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305231859/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/03/03/holby-city-actress-jaye-jacobs-i-was-scared-to-leave-the-show-but-it-helped-me-find-a-man-115875-22963135/|url-status=live}} and the arrival of a group of new ones, including Guy Henry,{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/news/harry-potter-actor-guy-henry-joins-holby/9979|title=Harry Potter actor Guy Henry joins Holby|date=16 August 2010|work=What's on TV|access-date=16 August 2010|archive-date=6 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106050710/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/holby-city/news/harry-potter-actor-guy-henry-joins-holby/9979|url-status=dead}} Laila Rouass,{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/news/a286458/laila-rouass-joins-holby-city.html|title=Laila Rouass joins 'Holby City'|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=7 November 2010|work=Digital Spy|access-date=7 November 2010|archive-date=8 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108225159/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/news/a286458/laila-rouass-joins-holby-city.html|url-status=live}} and Jimmy Akingbola.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s19/holby-city/news/a290016/new-registrar-cast-in-holby-city.html|title=Exclusive: New registrar cast in 'Holby City'|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=26 November 2010|work=Digital Spy|access-date=5 January 2011}} Jacobs deemed it "a new era with a new cast", one which she was not part of, and stated that the time felt right to leave. She had some input in her exit storyline, the focal point of which was Donna's relationship with Kieran, as they moved away to begin a new life together. Jacobs relayed feedback she had received from the general public with regards to how Donna should leave, and this was incorporated into her departure. The actress felt personal pressure to get Donna's last scenes right, wanting to give the best performance possible. She found the filming "overwhelming", explaining "it was incredibly emotional and intense, and it made it all very hard, and raw. [...] It wasn't until later that I realised I'd put myself under a hideously stressful situation, and that I should just be enjoying the experience." She stated: "I've absolutely loved playing Donna. I know that I'm going to look back very fondly on the time I had with her. I really got to know the character, and she had so many facets and was always fun to play."

Jacobs reprised her role as Donna in 2017 and the character returns in Spring 2017. Donna claims that she is returning to the nursing profession as a "Good Samaritan", following her marriage to a footballer. However, it was teased that her reasons for returning may not be true. Jacobs missed the character and was pleased to return to the role, commenting, "Donna and I have unfinished business." Harper was glad that Jacobs decided to return and called her return "thrilling".{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/holby-city/holby-city-news/lee-mead-return-lofty-holby-city-451732/|title=Lee Mead to return as Casualty character Lofty... on Holby City!|last=McLennan|first=Patrick|date=10 February 2017|publisher=What's on TV|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213173428/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/holby-city/holby-city-news/lee-mead-return-lofty-holby-city-451732/|url-status=live}} Jacobs decided to reprise the role after assessing what she could bring to the character and realising how it could be "exciting" to Donna in this stage of her life. Jacobs signed a year-long contract after agreeing to return.{{cite news|last1=Kilkelly|first1=Daniel|title=Holby City star Jaye Jacobs reveals how long she's back for as Donna Jackson returns|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/news/a831690/holby-city-spoilers-jaye-jacobs-donna-jackson-return/|access-date=28 February 2018|work=Digital Spy|date=26 June 2017|archive-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303231219/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/news/a831690/holby-city-spoilers-jaye-jacobs-donna-jackson-return/|url-status=live}} She found it easy to relax back into the cast and found it comforting.

Donna returns following the death of F1 Jasmine Burrows (Lucinda Dryzek) when the hospital's mood is low. Deen (Metro) thought that Donna's forthright personality would be "the last thing the Holby staff need at the moment". Donna tries to lighten the atmosphere, although her upbeat persona is found to be inappropriate in the circumstances. Jacobs explained that Donna is "trying too hard" and that she "wants it all to work out so badly" because she enjoys being at the hospital. Donna's behaviour causes her to clash with Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher (Alex Walkinshaw), the ward manager of the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU), where Donna is based. Jacobs explained that Donna and Fletch clash when she fails to listen to Fletch's instructions. The actress enjoyed portraying the tension between the characters and preferred it to Donna being everyone's friend. Jacobs and Walkinshaw previously starred together on Waterloo Road as a married couple so they share a good relationship. The actress also confirmed that Donna and Fletch would not begin a relationship.

The reasons for Donna's return are unexplained for several episodes. However, Donna returns richer than she departed, which Jacobs thought was "very unlike Donna". The actress confirmed that Donna has developed "skeletons in her closet" after leaving Holby, which she brings with her when she returns. Donna has a close relationship with Ric Griffin (Hugh Quarshie), who acts as a father figure to her. Jacobs liked that Donna had one already established friendship when she returns.

In June 2021, it was announced that Holby City had been cancelled after twenty-three series.{{cite news |last1=Stolworthy |first1=Jacob |title=Holby City cancelled: Casualty spin-off axed by BBC after 23 years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/holby-city-ending-bbc-statement-b1858146.html |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=The Independent |date=2 June 2021}} Story producer Ben Wadey told Calli Kitson from Metro that the story team had to create suitable endings for all the regular characters.{{cite news |last1=Kitson |first1=Calli |title=Holby City story producer explains the challenges that came after show axe |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/03/27/holby-city-story-producer-explains-challenges-that-came-after-show-axe-16322611/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Metro |date=27 March 2022}} Jacobs was sad about the show's cancellation and struggled to leave her character behind.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Holby City star Jaye Jacobs teases final episode and reveals favourite Donna story |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a39538924/holby-city-spoilers-jaye-jacobs-final-episode-donna-memories/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=26 March 2022 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324192615/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a39538924/holby-city-spoilers-jaye-jacobs-final-episode-donna-memories/ |url-status=live }} She named Donna's relationship with her father Derek as her favourite storyline. Jacobs filmed the final episode in December 2021, and it was broadcast in March 2022.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=How will Holby City end? Spoilers, return teasers and everything you need to know |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a38694778/holby-city-ending-spoilers/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=8 January 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325232538/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a38694778/holby-city-ending-spoilers/ |url-status=live }} Speaking to Kitson, Jacobs and Walkinshaw theorised that a spin-off series for their characters could be created.{{cite news |last1=Kitson |first1=Calli |title=Holby City stars discuss a Fletch and Donna spin-off after show ends |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/03/22/holby-city-stars-discuss-a-fletch-and-donna-spin-off-after-show-ends-16197309/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Metro |date=22 March 2022 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920153424/https://metro.co.uk/2022/03/22/holby-city-stars-discuss-a-fletch-and-donna-spin-off-after-show-ends-16197309/ |url-status=live }}

In her final story, Donna become disillusioned with the NHS after struggling to cope with "an untenable workload".{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Holby City - has Donna Jackson left the show? |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a39011847/holby-city-has-donna-jackson-left-jaye-jacobs/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=8 February 2022 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324205651/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a39011847/holby-city-has-donna-jackson-left-jaye-jacobs/ |url-status=live }} The story climaxes when Donna quits her job with immediate effect, having been offered a better job working in the private sector. Writers included scenes of Donna deliberating her decision to leave the NHS with Bernie Wolfe (Jemma Redgrave), who was guest starring in an episode. Jacobs did not appear in multiple episodes as a result of the story, returning prior to the show's finale. Donna appears again for the show's final three episodes. In her return, Donna asks Dominic Copeland (David Ames) to rehire her after realising that the private sector does not suit her.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=9 huge Holby City spoilers for next week|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a39382908/holby-city-spoilers-jac-donna-madge/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=9 March 2022}} Across these episodes, Donna is involved in a story focusing on the treatment of vicar Lexy Morrell (Jenny Howe), a long-standing recurring character. Her appearance in the finale revolved around her support of Lexy as she undergoes surgery.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Holby City offers first look at final episode in 16 spoiler pictures |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/g39512274/holby-city-spoiler-pictures-jac-aftermath-final-episode/?slide=1 |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324222152/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/g39512274/holby-city-spoiler-pictures-jac-aftermath-final-episode/?slide=1 |url-status=live }}

On 23 March 2023, it was announced that Jacobs would join the regular cast of Casualty, reprising her role of Donna.{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=Casualty confirms return for Holby City's Donna Jackson – and announces four new characters |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a43391968/casualty-spoilers-donna-jackson-returns-new-characters/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=23 March 2023 |archive-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721192735/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a43391968/casualty-spoilers-donna-jackson-returns-new-characters/ |url-status=live }} The character is reintroduced as the new clinical nurse manager of the ED, having been reassigned from the surgical wards. Of her casting, Jacobs commented, "I am thrilled to be joining such a legendary show". Donna returns in the thirty-seventh series episode "Welcome to the Warzone", originally broadcast on 8 April 2023.{{cite web |title=Casualty: Season 37 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-gcehtj/casualty-season-37/ |website=Radio Times |access-date=26 March 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121151902/https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-gcehtj/casualty-season-37/ |url-status=live }} Having previously guest starred in Casualty, Jacobs joined with preconceived ideas about the drama. However, she admitted to being surprised as it operates differently to Holby City.{{cite magazine |last1=Ellis |first1=Sarah |title=Crime & punishment? |magazine=Inside Soap |date=16-22 September 2023 |issue=37 |pages=48–49}} The show's story team plotted Donna at the centre of a new story when she causes a crash and lies about it. Jacobs struggled with the story as she did not believe it supported Donna's characterisation. The story concludes with Jacobs' departure from the series. In the narrative, Donna is sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Casualty - Has Donna Jackson left the show? |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a45154582/casualty-has-donna-jackson-left-jaye-jacobs/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |date=16 September 2023}} She departs in the series 38 episode "Too Much, Too Young", first broadcast on 16 September 2023.

Jacobs won the "Best Emerging Talent" accolade at the 2005 Screen Nation Awards for her role as Donna.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4426062.stm|title=Hotel Rwanda star scoops honour|date=10 November 2005|publisher=BBC|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=20 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220220457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4426062.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://unitedagents.co.uk/jaye-jacobs|title=Jaye Jacobs|publisher=United Agents|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=6 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006071248/http://unitedagents.co.uk/jaye-jacobs|url-status=live}} She was also nominated for the "Best Newcomer" award at the 2004 National Television Awards,{{cite web|url=http://www.holby.tv/cgi-bin/News/fullnews.cgi?newsid1090257684,13172, |title=National TV Awards |work=Holby Gazette |date=19 July 2004 |access-date=15 November 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and the "Favourite Female TV Star" Screen Nation award in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/screen-nation-nominations-announced/|title=Screen Nation nominations announced|last=Allen|first=Annika|date=3 November 2008|work=Flavour Magazine|access-date=19 July 2010|archive-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916211356/http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/screen-nation-nominations-announced/|url-status=live}} Discussing public reaction to her character, Jacobs stated that real nurses enjoyed her "man-eating antics", and were envious that Donna got away with wearing so much make-up. She commented, "I've never met anyone who has been sensitive about Donna throwing herself at men. The women I meet seem to appreciate her tactics." In the aftermath of the Donna/Mickie storyline, the BBC banned its actresses from appearing in raunchy photo-shoots, after Jacobs and Adams were photographed in intimate poses while dressed in nurses uniforms for various "lads' mags".{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2004/09/19/beeb-babes-cover-up-98487-14658213/ |title=Beeb Babes Cover-Up |first=Danielle |last=Lawler |work=Sunday Mirror |date=19 September 2004 |access-date=6 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313190233/http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2004/09/19/beeb-babes-cover-up-98487-14658213/ |archive-date=13 March 2008 }}

In November 2007, Shelley deemed Donna one of Holby City{{'s}} few "really good, realistic, characters". He named Peters' casting as Donna's father his "Worst TV moment of the year" in 2009,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/shelleyvision/2009/12/my-awards-of-the-year.html |title=My awards of the year |last=Shelley |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Shelley (TV critic) |date=28 December 2009 |work=Daily Mirror |access-date=16 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916224624/http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/shelleyvision/2009/12/my-awards-of-the-year.html |archive-date=16 September 2012 }} however found their relationship "deeply moving".{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/shelleyvision/2009/07/this-weeks-shelley-o-meter-4.html |title=This week's Shelley-o-meter |last=Shelley |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Shelley (TV critic) |date=27 July 2009 |work=Daily Mirror |access-date=16 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731155012/http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/shelleyvision/2009/07/this-weeks-shelley-o-meter-4.html |archive-date=31 July 2009 }} Donna's farewell speech to Derek was again called moving by both a reviewer for the Liverpool Daily Post,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/What+to+WATCH.-a0205316614|title=What to Watch|date=8 August 2009|work=Liverpool Daily Post|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051608/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/What+to+WATCH.-a0205316614|url-status=live}} and Simon,{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/tv/todays-tv/2009/08/11/holby-city-bbc1-8pm-115875-21587597/|title=Holby City - BBC1, 8pm|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=11 August 2009|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=16 November 2010|archive-date=13 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113181915/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/tv/todays-tv/2009/08/11/holby-city-bbc1-8pm-115875-21587597/|url-status=live}} though she had previously despaired at Donna's optimism despite Derek's terminal prognosis.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+Surgical+spirit.-a0204957241|title=We love telly; Surgical spirit.|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=4 August 2009|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051557/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+Surgical+spirit.-a0204957241|url-status=live}} The following year, What's on TV named Donna one of their favourite characters, praising her for taking a stance against Director of Surgery Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) in defence of her fellow nurses.{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/todays-top-tv/holby-city/29373 |title=Holby City |date=16 November 2010 |work=What's on TV |access-date=16 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402011322/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/todays-top-tv/holby-city/29373 |archive-date=2 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} Harper considered Donna "one of the most popular and iconic Holby characters ever".

Donna's relationship with Michael proved unpopular with critics. In an editorial discussing the boundaries between fiction and reality, The Guardian{{'s}} Scott Murray and Barney Ronay declared their love for Donna, commending the way she "always has time for people" and recommending that she stay away from Michael as she deserves better.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/28/sport.thefiver|title=NME Editor Conor McNicholas; and Holby City Staff Nurse Donna Jackson |last1=Murray |first1=Scott |author2=Ronay, Barney|date=28 March 2008|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 November 2010}} Bree Treacy of RTÉ.ie believes that Michael had better chemistry with Donna than with his wife Annalese, however similarly commented that he did not deserve Donna, never having seen her as more than "a notch on his stethoscope". Following her promotion to ward sister, Treacy hoped that the series producers would give Donna a man who would see her "as more than just a good time girl."{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0702/blog_tv_tvwatch.html |title=Connie's a goner on Holby |last=Treacy |first=Bree |date=2 July 2010 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |access-date=2 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025155457/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0702/blog_tv_tvwatch.html |archive-date=25 October 2012 }} Simon criticized Donna for failing to observe correct organ donation protocol in an attempt to win Michael's affection, commenting that she had "thrown her own heart willynilly at the first good-looking doctor she s[aw] with an ego the size of Texas."{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly%3A+Pick+of+the+day+-+DONNA%27S+ALL+HEART+HOLBY+CITY+BBC1%2C...-a0177007770|title=We love telly: Pick of the day - Donna's all heart, Holby City BBC1, 8pm (9pm Scotland).|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=25 March 2008|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=21 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521042111/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We%20love%20telly%3A%20Pick%20of%20the%20day%20-%20DONNA%27S%20ALL%20HEART%20HOLBY%20CITY%20BBC1%2C...-a0177007770|url-status=live}} She later branded her "selfish to a fault" for her negative reaction to Kieran's posting to Afghanistan,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+PICK+OF+THE+DAY.-a0250171836|title=We love telly; Pick of the Day|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=1 March 2011|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=7 March 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081724/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+PICK+OF+THE+DAY.-a0250171836|url-status=live}} but opined that Kieran "makes a far more suitable partner for her" than Michael did.

Several of Donna's pivotal episodes were selected as recommended viewing by critics. "Myself, Coming Back", the series ten episode in which she goes on a road-trip and discovers the existence of her niece, Mia, was named a televisual highlight by the Daily Mirror,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+PICK+OF+THE+DAY.-a0210564461|title=We love telly; Pick of the Day|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=27 October 2009|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051616/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly;+PICK+OF+THE+DAY.-a0210564461|url-status=live}} Birmingham Post,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+Day.-a0210564766|title=Pick of the Day|date=27 October 2009|work=Birmingham Post|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051632/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+Day.-a0210564766|url-status=live}} and Liverpool Daily Echo, with the latter publication deeming it "refreshingly different" following the "doom and gloom" of preceding episodes.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/What+to+WATCH.-a0210397283|title=What to Watch|date=24 October 2009|work=Liverpool Daily Post|access-date=21 February 2011}} Many regional newspapers named "Promises", in which she decides to adopt Mia, a "pick of the day",Publications include:

• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217500172|title=Pick of the day|work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217495367|title=Pick of the day|work=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217512825|title=Pick of the day|work=Evening Gazette|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|location=Middlesbrough, England|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051717/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217512825|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217501664|title=Pick of the day|work=Evening Chronicle|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051721/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick%20of%20the%20day.-a0217501664|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217495610|title=Pick of the day|work=Liverpool Daily Post|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051740/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217495610|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217517222|title=Pick of the day|work=Liverpool Echo|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051748/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick%20of%20the%20day.-a0217517222|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217495918|title=Pick of the day|work=The Journal|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|location=Newcastle, England|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051812/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+of+the+day.-a0217495918|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Double+dose+a+real+tonic+for+soap+fans;+Drama+Holby+City+(BBC+One,...-a0217499932|title=Double dose a real tonic for soap fans; Drama Holby City (BBC One, 8pm)|work=Birmingham Mail|date=27 January 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023051819/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Double+dose+a+real+tonic+for+soap+fans;+Drama+Holby+City+(BBC+One,...-a0217499932|url-status=live}} and Sarah Morgan of the Daily Record cited Jacobs' appearance as Donna in the premiere episode of Casualty{{'s}} twenty-fifth series as a positive example of the BBC "pull[ing] out all the stops to make sure the first edition in this latest run is something of a cracker."{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Best+of+this+week%27s+TV.-a0236356894|title=Best of this week's TV|last=Morgan|first=Sarah|date=4 September 2010|work=Daily Record|access-date=21 February 2011|location=Glasgow, Scotland|archive-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109204041/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Best+of+this+week%27s+TV.-a0236356894|url-status=live}} Ransom (What's on TV) looked forward to Donna's return, commenting, "We can't wait to see her get stuck back in to all the action!"

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3qMpwlMwmhT3PFqlLq9Nykk/donna-jackson Donna Jackson] at BBC Programmes

{{Holby|Holby}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Donna}}

Category:Fictional Black British people

Category:Television characters introduced in 2004

Category:Fictional nurses in soap operas

Category:Holby City characters

Category:English female characters in soap operas