Regular show doctor Alicia Munroe (played by Chelsea Halfpenny) will face the most traumatic time of her life when she is raped by fellow Doctor Eddie McAllister(played by Joe Gaminara)

Chelsea Halfpenny’s character Alicia Munroe is raped by a fellow doctor on the show (Image: TV Pic)

Casualty will shock fans with an emotive rape storyline when one of its doctors is raped by a work colleague.

Regular show doctor Alicia Munroe (played by Chelsea Halfpenny) will face the most traumatic time of her life when she is raped by fellow Doctor Eddie McAllister(played by Joe Gaminara).

Casualty, which is nominated for a Bafta this weekend, have consulted with Rape Crisis England & Wales before beginning work on the upcoming scripts.

The storyline will see Doctor Munroe, who has been in the show since 2015, wake up after an alcohol fuelled evening with fellow doctors and during a series of flashbacks from the drunken evening, realise that she did not give her consent to sexual activity.

The storyline will follow Alicia for six weeks as she struggles to deal with what has happened to her.

Chelsea Halfpenny, who plays Alicia said: “I’ve felt a distinct sense of responsibility for this storyline from the moment Lucy Raffety, our Series Producer, informed me we were going to explore it here at Casualty. I think now, more than ever, it is so important that we use our platform to highlight such an issue.

Chelsea Halfpenny on the show (Image: 11)

“Through the sensitive writing, dedicated and passionate directing, and utmost love and support from each and every cast, crew and production member, I believe that we have dealt with the storyline authentically and respectively, and I hope it helps anyone that is, or has been through anything of this nature”.

Chelsea has now filmed the scenes and they will air later this month and in June as a continuing storyline.

Katie Russell, spokesperson for Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: “Sexual violence can be a difficult topic to handle sensitively on television, not least of all because of the number of common myths and stereotypes that it’s vital programme makers are aware of and avoid perpetuating.

“It’s important to remember too of course that sexual violence is much more widespread than many people realise so there will inevitably be victims and survivors of rape, child sexual abuse and sexual assault in the audience for any show, for whom this kind of content could be particularly distressing or even triggering.

“This is why its crucial programmes make viewers aware of upcoming storylines like this, as Casualty is doing, so victims and survivors can choose whether or not to watch.

“At the same time, continuing dramas like Casualty aim to reflect important issues in society and people’s lives and,sadly, sexual violence is a reality for many, so to shy away from it completely would seem conspicuous and even potentially run the risk of reinforcing the idea that it’s a ‘taboo’ topic.

Casualty won Best Drama at the NTAs last year (Image: ITV)
“This storyline looks at the central issue of consent, which must be given fully and freely for any and every sexual act by someone with the capacity to do so. Consent can never be assumed; it should be actively sought and enthusiastically given. Anything less is an act of sexual violence. Casualty has made efforts to explore this topic responsibly and carefully and we hope it helps to raise vital awareness and understanding.”

Casualty is medical drama but has a rich history of tackling difficult issues since it began in 1986. The show celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2016 and although this storyline may shock some fans it’s regularly highlights important and challenging topical issues in contemporary Britain.

Simon Harper, Executive Producer Casualty and Holby City, added: “Casualty has never shied away from portraying tough, contemporary issues – and in this particular era it felt especially important that we explore this subject. The storyline not only dramatises the devastating effect on Alicia, but also does not shy away from thorny and complex questions about the nature of consent and perception in a way that may well divide the audience.

“I’m immensely proud of the team for their work on this powerful storyline, and in particular Chelsea, who will blow the audience away with her stunning, heart breaking performance. I’m also very grateful to Rape Crisis for all the advice and help they have been giving us in bringing the story to the screen in a way that I hope is authentic and responsible.”