Casualty returned on Saturday with a BBC special that celebrated 75 years of the NHS.

Casualty viewers were left divided by its BBC NHS special with some claiming to “turn off” the programme.

While some fans were left “sobbing” by its tribute, others admitted to being confused by the show’s format shake-up.

The one-off special not only featured the show’s normal storyline but also cut to commentary from real-life doctors and nurses on the frontline.

The cameras followed the team on a typical day at the emergency department.

The programme opened with a crash that left a motorcyclist trapped under a van and saw paramedic Theodore “Teddy” Gowan (played by Milo Clarke) working with other members of the emergency services to free him.

Casualty: The NHS special left viewers divided (Image: BBC)

Back at the hospital, Donna (Jaye Jacobs) is faced with an obnoxious and drunk patient.

While Stevie (Elinor Lawless) had to break the news to the parents of a man that had died.

However, during the episode, the drama cut to real-life nurses and paramedics talking about what it’s like working on the frontline.

Some viewers were unsure of the concept and many took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Casualty: The drama cut to real life paramedics (Image: BBC)

@WhyMyBody defended: “The people moaning are missing the point of this episode. It’s supposed to be chaotic. #Casualty.”

@Valkerr8 simply replied: “It’s boring. I’ve paused it.”

@lmJustFrank complained: “WTF? Who’s he? This is ridiculous. I’m turning off. #Casualty.” (sic)

“Episode ruined,” @mywelsharchive went on to fume.

@HaconKaren added: “Not enjoying tonight’s episode at all. Mixing drama with interviews: rubbish!#Casualty.”

However, despite the criticism, other viewers were loving the special with @muIderitsme tweeting: “I’m actually really enjoying the documentary-style interludes. I’m glad this show can still play with the format and mix it up #casualty.”

@kellycrumpton94 shared: “This is making my heart ache sometimes I forget that it’s not just a soap and that people within the NHS really do have to deal with stuff like this in real life the hard work and commitment they all put in, they deserve the world #Casualty.”

@KarenF040383 asked: “Why am I crying at casualty already #Casualty.”