Casualty fans overjoyed as Corrie star favourite joins drama in major shake up

24 January 2024 , 15:10

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Melanie has left her role on Coronation Street as Cathy Matthews

BBC's Casualty has a new face in the department and fans have been left excited.

It was announced last year that Coronation Street star Melanie Hill would be leaving the ITV soap in order to move over to the medical drama. The actress, 62, has been cast as Clinical Nurse manager, Siobhan Mackenzie, a role previously held by Charlie Fairehead (Derek Thompson).

Melanie's character is expected to "ruffle feathers" when she lands in the Wyvern-based hospital emergency department with her "no-nonsense attitude". Announcing her new role, Melanie struggled to contain her excitement as she penned on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Couldn't be more happy. I'm super excited for the year ahead working with such brilliant folks @BBCCasualty @ BBC."

Kirsty Mitchell has teased the arrival of Melanie Hill's character on Casualty (Instagram)

Melanie's character, Siobhan will be known for her no-nonsense attitude (Instagram)

Now, her co-star Kirsty Mitchell who plays Faith Codogan, whose character is returning following a stint in rehab for an addiction to anxiety pills has teased her entrance. Taking to Instagram, Kirsty shared two snaps, posing alongside Melanie on the set of the Holby City emergency department.

Posing in their uniforms, the pair smiled for the camera while giving a behind-the-scenes insight into the set. Writing alongside her upload, Kirsty penned: "Can't wait for everyone to fall in love with @melaniehillbilly #Casualty." Her post which has been liked over 3,000 times was soon flooded with messages of support from fans.

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"Aww fab addition to cast," said one, to which Kirsty replied: "Absolutely!!" A second follower went on to write: "I'm sure we will all love her...as long as Mel is not replacing Faith!" "Brilliant addition to the team. I used to watch Casualty growing up and now I'm a nurse although not in A&E," wrote a third. Another typed: "Can't wait to see her join the team and start laying down the law."

But Kirsty was also keen to share an insight into Faith's role on the programme, with many believing she's a nurse. She responded to one follower: "Faith isn't a nurse. She's an Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP). They work at the level of a middle grade doctor." Speaking about her own role, Melanie previously teased: "She's a supremely competent manager who is firm but fair and expects nothing but the best from her nursing team.

"However, get on the wrong side of her, and she'll make mincemeat out of you! I'm sure she's going to ruffle a few feathers in the Emergency Department."

Casualty airs at 9.20pm on BBC One on Saturday.

Daniel Bird