Arin Smethurst made history when they were cast in Casualty as the show’s first-ever regular non-binary, transgender character.

Casualty said goodbye to a second character in as many weeks tonight when Sah Brockner (played by Arin Smethurst) did their last shift as a paramedic. The character was groundbreaking being the first-ever regular non-binary, transgender character on the long-running BBC medical drama.

Indeed, it was this that brought their story to an end as they got a date for top surgery and handed in their notice much to everyone’s surprise. At the beginning of the episode, they broke the news to Jan Jenning (Diane Botcher) that their surgery had been moved forward and it’s sooner than expected.

Although they explained this would be their last shift, Jacob Masters (Charles Venn) tried to persuade Sah to stick to their original surgery date as they were so short-staffed. While they initially seemed to be contemplating it their next call out changed their mind.

They were called to a hostel with protestors outside. Inside, they found Habid, an injured and anxious asylum seeker who had been accused of harassing someone’s teenage daughter after he was seen hanging around a school.

Habid was wary of the police, but an empathic Sah managed to calm him down and take a look at his injury. However, when they managed to leave the hostel the crowd soon surged around them, trapping the ambulance completely and leaving them unable to move.

Jacob tried to persuade Sah to stay in Casualty (Image: BBC)

Both paramedics were clearly stressed by the situation and unsure what to do, Jacob phoned the ED to check if Habid had been red-carded on the new security system which had been implemented by Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless).

Stevie insisted that she couldn’t let Habid to the ED without his date of birth so she could check him on the system leaving Sah despairing at the new rules which were putting them in danger.

Taking matters into their own hands, Sah put their foot down on the accelerator and dispersed the crowd. Back at Holby ED Sah made it clear to Stevie that the new system is leaving the paramedics vulnerable. It turned out this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Sah spoke to Jan again and stated they were taking the surgery date and putting themselves first. However, Jan promised Sah that the door would always be left open should they choose to return so this may not be the last we see of them although they are gone for now.

Fans were annoyed with Jaocb’s interference and also confused that Sah could leave with no notice, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their feelings.

Sah Brockner had a tricky callout on tonight’s Casualty (Image: BBC)

A user with the handle @SLindborg queried: “Are there no notice periods in the NHS? #Casualty.” @Glen_W84 pondered: “Wait, having surgery means no more job? I’m confused… #Casualty.”

@janemas1989 simply said: “So sad that Sah has left #Casualty.” (sic)

Meanwhile, @thesugarsuga vented her anger at Jacob for trying to get Sah to stay writing: “Jacob you know I love you but p*** off and stay out of Sah’s business please #Casualty.” @KirstyCakes3006 agreed writing: “Jacob can be a complete a** sometimes, it’s not Sah’s fault they’re understaffed #Casualty.”

This latest departure follows last week’s exit of Eddie-Joe Robinson, who played Ryan Firth. The show’s official accounts posted a picture of Eddie-Joe with castmates Sarah Seggari, Anna Chell and Barney Cooper confirming that he had left.