The BBC has been forced to defend the future of hospital drama, Casualty, after the much-loved medical show was rumoured to be coming off air in two years’ time

Casualty fans were heartbroken when it was rumoured the hit BBC show was on “life support” and would be off air in two years.

Casualty fans were heartbroken when it was rumoured the hit BBC show was on ‘life support’ (
Image: BBC/Alistair Heap)

Reports suggested the programme, which is the world’s longest-running medical drama, having first aired in 1986, would not be on our screens by 2026 after actors recently signed a contract for another two years. However, the BBC rubbished the claim, saying: “Casualty isn’t going anywhere. The latest recommission is simply part of the normal business cycle.”

The cast is currently filming series 39, but sources claimed that series 40 could be the last, suggesting the actors of the hit BBC soap could soon find themselves out of work. “Never mind on life support, it feels like Casualty has now received its death warrant,” an insider said, adding: “The official messaging is that all is well because the show was recently recommissioned for two more years.

Derek Thompson, who plays Charlie Fairhead, has left Casualty after an incredible 39 years on the show (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

“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,” reportsThe Sun.

It comes after several episodes per season were cut in line with the rise of streaming services. At the time, a spokesperson for the licence-payer-funded corporation stated that they were prioritising “quality over hours” and had made the decision to reduce episodes to maintain quality.

The show, which is set in Holby City Hospital, in the fictional county of Wyvern, in the south-west of England, has featured a whole host of big name stars before they found fame in Hollywood, including Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet and Orlando Bloom.

However, its biggest star for so many Casualty fans has to be Derek Thompson, who played senior charge nurse Charlie Fairhead from the very first episode up until this month. His final appearance aired on March 16, in scenes which left viewers bereft.

The actor announced his shock departure from the programme in May last year, saying: “The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years,” he said, adding: “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.”

However, as one door closes on the ward, another one opens as actress Sunetra Sarker resumed her role as Dr Zoe Hanna for Charlie’s exit scenes. She told the Loose Women panel: “I’m going back for a special double episode because our lovely Charlie who has been there forever is going to leave the show. So I’m going back to make sure I get my last little moment with him.”