The Royal

First Impressions follows Dr David Cheriton, freshly qualified, as he reaches St Aidan’s eager to make a good impression, only to find the staff were not anticipating his arrival. The episode features Julian Ovenden and Michael Starke in starring roles.

First Impressions is a programme presented as a single episode. It is classified under the episode genre and is identified simply as a programme, with the title hinting at the importance of initial encounters. The format follows the conventional structure of a self‑contained televised instalment. The story follows Dr David Cheriton as he steps onto the grounds of St Aidan’s. Freshly qualified and keen to make a strong impression on the staff, he arrives full of confidence. However, once he is there he discovers that the personnel at St Aidan’s were not expecting his arrival, setting up an immediate clash between his ambitions and the reality he faces. The episode features performances by Julian Ovenden and Michael Starke, who are billed as the principal stars. Their involvement anchors the narrative, providing the central on‑screen presence around which the plot unfolds. Overall, the episode centres on the juxtaposition of a newly minted doctor’s desire to impress and the unforeseen circumstance of an unprepared workplace. Dr Cheriton’s enthusiasm meets an unexpected reception, creating a concise but clear premise that drives the action of this short programme.