“They’ve woven it really beautifully.”

Casualty star Elinor Lawless has explained the big Charlie and Stevie twist in Saturday’s episode (March 16).

Spoilers for the highly-anticipated scenes have revealed that flashbacks will explore how Charlie came to meet Stevie before their career paths collided in Holby.

This is shown as Charlie reflects on a momentous day in his career in the ’80s, while fighting for his life in real-time after his stabbing.

BBC

While the finer details are being kept strictly under wraps, it has already been confirmed that this will be Charlie’s final episode, following Derek Thompson’s decision to leave the role after 38 years.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Elinor – who plays Stevie – explained: “This was something that we kind of explored when we had an initial meeting with the writers at an earlier point.

“We talked about this potential crossover, and I think it’s something that the audience is going to find interesting. I think they’ve woven it really beautifully actually with what they’ve done.”

BBC

Elinor added: “To be part of his storyline was a real privilege. People have grown up watching this man grow up as well over the course of 38 years. He has built and developed and maintained this character.

“I remember saying this to Derek as well but he has lived through the changes in our industry over the last 38 years and he’s witnessed the changes in the medical sector and in medicine. I think that’s amazing and to be an integral part of his exit was a real honour.”

Saturday’s episode will also see Stevie face a standoff against former ED consultant Zoe Hanna, who has returned for Charlie’s final storyline.

BBC

“Sunetra [Sarker, who plays Zoe] came in to produce a couple of episodes before, which was amazing and we have remained friends since”, Elinor explained.

“Working with her on this was a a total dream, and watching Sunetra, Will Beck [Dylan] and Derek together – there’s a vanguard there that came before. There was that scene in last week’s episode where they come together and you can see it on Stevie’s face, like, ‘what is this?’.

“They’re kind of a vanguard of the hospital and with those three actors there is a wealth of experience. You learn a lot by watching people like that.”