BBC bosses deny claims that a long-running drama 'is set to end'
Casualty bosses have shut down claims the medical drama could be "done" in two years.
Recent reports claimed that the cast of the hit BBC soap could soon find themselves out of work, despite recently signing a new contract for the next two years. The show, which launched in 1986 has racked up millions of dedicated viewers each week who would have no doubt been disappointed.
In recent weeks, fans have seen the decline of clinical lead consultant, Dr Stevie Nash, who was arrested for unlawfully injecting another patient with medication prescribed for another patient. Meanwhile, Faith Cadogan's relationship with paramedic and her former boyfriend Ian Dean deteriorates after he reveals her daughter made a move on him.
Charlie Fairhead's exit will air across the next two weeks (BBC)Currently, the cast of the show is filming series 39 but sources claimed that series 40 could have been the last. "Never mind on life support, it feels like Casualty has now received its death warrant," a source told The Sun. They went on to say: "The official messaging is that all is well because the show was recently recommissioned for two more years.
"But when that new round of contracts were signed, the feedback was 'two years, then we're done'. To be honest, no one was very surprised, the writing has been on the wall for a while now." But shutting down speculation, BBC bosses said: "Casualty isn’t going anywhere.
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"The latest recommission is simply part of the normal business cycle." It comes after several episodes per season were cut in line with the rise of streaming services. At the time, a spokesperson for the license-payer-funded corporation stated that they were prioritising "quality over hours" and had made the decision to reduce episodes to maintain quality.
Sunetra Sarker will be reprising her role as Dr Zoe Hanna (TV Grab)In scenes which will air this weekend and next, senior charge nurse Charlie Fairhead, who was an original member of the cast from when the show launched on September 6, 1986, will soon be departing. His final scene will air on March 16, 38 years after he joined the medical drama.
Actor Derek Thompson announced his departure in May last year, leaving fans heartbroken. "The time has come for me to hang up Charlie's scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years," he said. Derek added: "Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse – Pete Salt.
"Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring to Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgment that we all see and love in Pete, and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life."
But while Charlie is leaving, one major character is set to return to the fictional town of Wyvern's emergency department. Actress Sunetra Sarker will resume her role as Dr Zoe Hanna. Ahead of her return, Sunetra stated she wanted to have her "last little moment" with Charlie.
Casualty returns to BBC One at 9.20pm on Saturday.
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