Casualty fans were left delighted when a former character returned to the emergency department but things soon took a dramatic twist leaving viewers heartbroken

Charlie Fairhead found himself in danger once again after criminal Kyle Marsh stabbed him (Image: BBC)

Casualty fans have issued a huge warning following devastating scenes airing on the medical drama.

Viewers tuning into the BBC drama were left with a pleasant surprise when actress Sunetra Sarker emerged as a locum doctor in Wyvern’s emergency department, much to the surprise of Dylan Keogh. But it wasn’t a shock for senior charge nurse, Charlie Fairhead, who revealed he and Dr Zoe Hanna (Sunetra) had been out for dinner the night before.

It was announced that Sarker would be reprising her role as Zoe for two episodes, in order to spend time with Charlie before the character departs the soap. Derek Thompson who plays Nurse Fairhead was one of the original cast members from the show which launched on September 6, 1986.

Sunetra Sarker returned to Casualty as Dr Zoe Hanna (Image: BBC)

The first of Charlie’s departure episodes aired tonight, with an official description reading: “Charlie’s life hangs in the balance,” which certainly startled viewers. Despite initially being happy to see Zoe, Charlie’s fate soon takes a drastic turn. Earlier in the episode, fans saw a huge crash involving several cars and a lorry carrying gas canisters. But criminal Kyle Marsh drove straight into the lorry.

His actions caused a major explosion before he was transported to the ED, with Dr Stevie Nash asking why he had a police escort. “He tried to do a runner with a bag of drugs, a big bag,” explained paramedic Teddy. Since being caught, Kyle was unable to deliver the drugs, leaving him at risk from drug lords, with him later commenting that he was probably safer in prison.

Despite this emotional comment, the criminal soon turned violent and attacked a guarding police officer before making a run for the pharmacy and stealing a large amount of prescription drugs, explaining to Charlie it was “life or death”. Charlie, who has previously been held hostage on several occasions attempted to intervene and dropped the drugs on the floor when Kyle pulled out a knife before pushing the blade into Charlie’s stomach.

Charlie’s stabbing saw viewers saying the same thing (Image: BBC)

After noticing that he’d been stabbed, he fell to the floor and fell unconscious as Stevie and Faith rushed to help him after discovering him bleeding out. Fans have since taken to social media, issuing a warning to those who may tune into the drama with their families.

“Just want to say for anyone watching tonight’s episode to not let kids watch it it’s quite bad,” said one fan. A second went on to add: “I agree. We’re watching it now. Horrendous!” Before a third penned: “Brilliant episode though but yes not for the children’s eye.”

Some, however, stated that it could be educational for children to see the stabbing, with one writing: “It’s also good for kids to watch! Many kids don’t understand the danger/damage a knife can do!” Actor Derek 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.”