Casualty fans fume as BBC medical drama is yanked off air in dramatic shake-up

08 July 2023 , 17:22

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Jodie has been at the centre of drama in recent weeks (Image: BBC)

Casualty fans are not happy that the hit BBC medical drama has been replaced by the Wimbledon tennis tournament this weekend.

Each Saturday, millions of viewers tune in to find out the latest incidents which have happened in the fictional town of Wyvern. But in recent weeks, it's been the life of the staff at Holby City's emergency department which has taken centre stage.

Last week, fans saw Jodie's secret exposed after many believed she was having an affair with Max, the department's clinical lead before they found out she was his daughter. Shortly after, Jodie and her pals headed to a nearby pub to party after she handed in her resignation.

But, like many episodes of the show, it ended in disaster with an explosion taking place with Max running to the venue to rescue his daughter who he believed was inside. However, the doctor was left requiring serious medical help from his colleagues, leaving Jodie completely heartbroken.

Fans had hoped they would be able to tune in to see the aftermath of the disaster but a scheduling change from the BBC meant that this wouldn't be the case.

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Casualty fans are not happy as they'll have to wait another week to watch the show (BBC)

While Casualty normally airs late in the evening, the Wimbledon tennis tournament will be broadcasted until 9.15pm before Champion airs.

Fans have since taken to social media to share their frustrations with one writing: "I just realised that #Casualty is not on and I am sad."

"#Casualty not airing on a Saturday night should be a crime tbh," said a second. While a third commented: "I wish I didn't have to wait a whole week for #Casualty because of Wimbledon."

"When you have to find something else to do because your favourite program isn't on #Casualty," said another.

Next week, the programme will air a format-breaking episode as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show will air a special standalone episode breaking away from the traditional fictional storylines and include real-life medical experts.

Viewers will see Amartya's story unfold after he was involved in a motorbike crash which left him with life-threatening injuries. While fans will see their favourite character onscreen, the programme will also feature commentary from medical staff who discuss the teamwork and collaboration involved with working in an emergency medicine department.

Executive producer, Jon Sen said: "To mark the 75th anniversary we wanted to shine a light on the awe-inspiring work of the doctors, nurses and paramedics who work in the NHS. The episode tells a powerful story that dramatises the skill and immense team-work that goes into helping one patient, Amartya, as he fights for his life. We were thrilled when real medical professionals agreed to be interviewed to offer an insight into the highs and lows of dealing with these cases on a daily basis. In this one-off episode the audience gains a truly authentic glimpse behind the curtain to understand what it feels like to stand in the shoes of NHS professionals

Daniel Bird