Casualty star Jason Durr appeared on Good Morning Britain today, where he gave an update on his former co-star Derek Thompson after he left his role as Charlie Fairhead 38 years after joining the drama

Derek Thompson recently left his role as Charlie Fairhead 38 years after joining Casualty (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.)

Casualty fans were devastated to say goodbye to Charlie Fairhead after Derek Thompson quit his role after 38 years.

There were fears that Charlie would die in the BBC drama when his character was stabbed, but in his final episode, it was revealed Charlie was OK as his colleagues applauded him when he left the hospital. He did make the decision though to retire and his final scenes saw him leave in the passenger seat of a car with the words “just retired” on the back.

Derek decided to quit the show after 38 years of playing Charlie, and Jason Durr – who starred alongside Derek for six years of his lengthy time on the show – has given an update on how Derek is doing following his exit.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he said: “I haven’t seen him but I have spoken to him and he’s well. I’ve spoken to him since he left and he’s doing really well,” as Ed joked if he was recovering well, after Charlie was stabbed on screen.

Derek and John starred alongside each other for six years (Image: BBC/Alistair Heap)

Jason added of working alongside Derek for a number of years: “Haha yes he is! It was just a joy to work with him for six years. He’s just the loveliest man in the world. To have done something for so many years.”

Susanna Reid then chimed in to say: “I would imagine after 38 years and then not doing it, it would be quite a difficult thing to handle,” with Jason adding: “He’s incredibly adaptable, Derek. I did it for six years and I know what it’s like coming out of a big show like that. You do these shows for a long time but you’ve got a good support structure there. I think he’s gonna be just fine.”

Speaking about his final scenes, Charlie star Derek admitted it was emotional but vowed fans will see him on screens again very soon. “It felt like one of those big emotional moments in your life, like the birth of a child or your wedding… I have utter respect for NHS staff. This final story really does create a realism, which will poke people in the eye and say, ‘This really is painful for these people, and yet they struggle on’… I never envisaged I’d stay 38 years,” he explained to OK!

“I originally signed up for three years, but it soon became apparent what a great character he was to play. Medicine and television have both changed a lot since I started. But the basics are still there – the reception area and desk where people roll up is still performing the same function it did on my first day… no way am I retiring!”