A more obvious comparison with "A Country Practice" was with the addition of actress Penny Cook as "E Street"s leading, anchor character, Doctor Elly Fielding. Penny Cook had previously had a popular run as veterinarian Vicky Dean in "A Country Practice" from the series inception in 1981 through to 1985. After a break of over two years, it was announced in late 1988 that Cook would be returning to television in a brand series in a role created especially for her; Dr Elly in "E Street". Elly was a single Mum to young tomboy Claire (Brooke Mikey Anderson), and they lived in the flat above Elly's surgery. Also, Claire's father and Elly's ex-husband, Dr David Fielding (Noel Hodda), a celebrity TV doctor, would occasionally appear in early episodes, usually to stir up trouble for Elly.