Casualty favourite Duffy will be leaving the BBC hospital drama, with actress Cathy Shipton departing the series
Casualty’s Cathy Shipton, who plays nurse Duffy, is leaving the BBC One drama 33 years after first appearing in it.
Shipton, who has been in over 350 episodes, will make her final appearance on-screen next year.
She first appeared in Casualty’s pilot episode in 1986.
Duffy recently featured in devastating scenes as she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and it wasn’t long before she sparked concern with life-long pal and ex-husband Charlie Fairhead.
Viewers were moved to tears in March when she received her diagnosis, while it was a little later on that she confided in Charlie.
After making mistakes at work as her condition deteriorated, it led to her decision to step down from her role as a nurse at the hospital.
CAPTION: Duffy leaving Casualty after 33 years CREDIT: bbc copyright unknown
Casualty’s Duffy is leaving the show after 33 years (Image: BBC)
Some of her biggest storylines have explored important topics including sexual assault, HIV, suicide, and mental health, with her now tackling a dementia storyline.
Cathy has revealed all on the news, admitting she had great sadness in waving goodbye to the role after over 30 years.
The actress said: “Walking in Duffy’s shoes through the years has taught me so much for which I’ll be forever grateful.
“I’m honoured and humbled to have played this inspiring woman.
Cathy first appeared in Casualty’s pilot episode in 1986 (Image: BBC)
“With sadness, but a sense of completion, l say goodbye.”
The star has made a number of guest stints and returns since she first joined the show, and soon became a fan favoruite.
She recently appeared on This Morning to address the hilarious change in her character’s accent over the years, explaining what happened.
Duffy confided in Charlie about her diagnosis (Image: BBC)
Details concerning her exit have not yet been confirmed, while she will continue to appear in scenes into next year.
In upcoming scenes her character will worry Charlie as she suffers another transient ischemic attack, often referred to as a ministroke.
The storyline was recently listed for a nomination at the Inside Soap Awards 2019.
