Actress Jo Martin has shared the devastating news that her grand-nephew, Isaiah, has died at the age of just 21 following a battle with cancer. The Holby City star revealed the young man passed away on Christmas morning 2025.
A Heartbreaking Christmas Announcement
The 56-year-old actress, best known for playing neurosurgeon Max McGerry in the BBC medical drama Holby City and The Fugitive Doctor in Doctor Who, took to Instagram on Sunday to share her grief. Posting a photograph of Isaiah, she wrote a poignant tribute describing her 'beautiful Grand Nephew' and confirming he 'left us on Christmas morning'.
Martin's message concluded with the raw emotional statement: 'Truly heartbreaking only 21. Cancer is a b****'. She later used her Instagram Stories to express that her entire family was shattered by the loss and wished they could bring him back.
An Outpouring of Support from Co-Stars and Fans
The announcement prompted an immediate wave of sympathy from fans and famous colleagues across the entertainment industry. Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies responded with a message of comfort, writing 'I’m so sorry darling'.
Fellow Holby City actor David Ames, who portrayed Dominic Copeland, offered his condolences, stating: 'Oh Jo I’m so so sorry. It really is. Sending you so much love'. Amanda Mealing, known for her role as Connie Beauchamp, shared a longer, empathetic message acknowledging Jo's heartbreak and offering the support of her 'huge tribe'.
Actress Zawe Ashton also responded, calling the situation a 'tragedy' and offering prayers for Isaiah's 'safe passage'.
Fellow Doctor Who Star Reflects on Festive Pressure
This personal tragedy for Jo Martin emerges as another Doctor Who icon, David Tennant, recently reflected on the unique pressure of debuting in the iconic role during a Christmas special. The Scottish actor, who first appeared as the Tenth Doctor in the 2005 Christmas episode, described the experience as being under 'a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny'.
In an interview for The Whoniverse Show, Tennant, 54, noted the joy of being 'in everyone's living room on Christmas Day'. He explained that, despite the expectations, embodying the Doctor felt natural due to his lifelong fandom and the quality of Russell T Davies's writing, requiring little discussion about character choices.
This reflection coincides with news that Tennant's 14-year-old daughter, Olive, has been cast to appear alongside him in the second season of the Disney+ drama Rivals, marking their first on-screen collaboration.
The community's support for Jo Martin during this profoundly difficult time highlights the close bonds formed within the acting world, even as the spotlight turns to other nostalgic moments from beloved British series.
