Actors, actresses, and production crews could face tricky trips to Elstree Studios if a proposed timetable change goes ahead.

Thameslink, which operate trains running from London to Elstree & Borehamwood station, is planning to alter the timetable in the spring.

A petition has been set up to support Holby City actress Catherine Russell’s bid to stop the changes, gaining nearly 300 signatures.

Thameslink is proposing to remove the 5:48am train from Streatham, where Ms Russell lives, to Borehamwood.

“If they cancel this train, I will be late for work,” the actress, who plays Serena Campbell in the BBC 1 show, said.

Ms Russell has to be at the studios at 7am.

“Filming has to wait if anyone isn’t there on time. The alternative is to get an earlier train at 5:41 but I have to change at Blackfriars. There is only a two minute change so what if there are late runnings?

“The train I get is really busy and I don’t think Thameslink have considered the impact. Even people who are going on to Luton airport with their luggage will be affected.

Ms Russell has leafleted on her train to get as much support as she can but was surprised that so many were “unaware” of Thameslink’s proposals.

The petition on 38 degrees was set up by Jacqueline-Anne McMillan Yarwood, an avid Holby City fan, who is concerned.

She said: “I used to have real trouble travelling into London with early starts and it was an absolute nightmare. I’ve started this campaign so that Thameslink may be more aware.”

A Thameslink spokesperson said: “We are considering removing this service to allow greatly increased frequencies on the main routes into and through central London, where there is an urgent need for more capacity. However, no decision has yet been made.

“We have invited passengers’ views during 21 weeks of consultation, in three phases since September 2016. These were publicised widely and we have received almost 20,000 formal responses.”

You can see the petition here.