Laura Sadler plays nurse Sandy Harper

BBC One had considered dropping Tuesday's episode, which drew 7.8 million viewers, because Ms Sadler, 22, is still in a critical condition in Charing Cross Hospital after a 40ft fall on Sunday.

The actress plays nurse Sandy Harper in the show, but the episode only featured one scene with her.

Before it was screened at 2000 BST, the BBC broadcast a statement as it showed viewers a picture of the actress.

It said: "Laura Sadler, who plays Sandy Harper in Holby City, is still in a critical condition following a recent incident.

"Laura's family have asked that we show her performance in tonight's episode.

The house is in Holland Park, west London

"Our thoughts are with Laura, her family and friends."

The episode got 400,000 more viewers than last week's.

Earlier, a BBC spokesman told BBC News Online the corporation had considered cutting Ms Sadler's scene from the show, but had decided against it.

The accident took place in Holland Park, west London, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The actress fell from a rear second floor balcony into a basement stairwell.

'Praying'

Her partner George Calil, who plays her drug-dealer boyfriend Sean Hunt in the series, said he was "absolutely devastated".

Mr Calil, 30, had been arrested and questioned about the incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

George Calil: Praying for a "speedy recovery"

He said: "I am absolutely devastated about what has happened to my girlfriend Laura Sadler. She is the love of my life. I am so incredibly upset over this - I just cannot believe what has happened.

Mr Calil added: "I hope everyone will join with me in praying for Laura's speedy recovery.

"My thoughts are with her whole family, particularly her mother, at this very upsetting time."

Her family are at her bedside, and have asked for their privacy to be respected.

Holby City, a spin-off from hospital drama Casualty, is watched by millions of people every week.

Ms Sadler first appeared on television in the children's series Grange Hill.

She has also appeared in a television version of Jane Eyre, Inspector Morse, Intimate Relations, the Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Belfry Witches.