The BBC has recently implemented numerous alterations to various programmes as it broadcasts its Winter Olympics coverage. Programmes including Morning Live and BBC Breakfast have been impacted by the sporting contest.

Now, the broadcaster has announced another significant schedule change, as a popular series has been axed from tonight’s (Saturday, February 21) line-up.

Casualty fans will be disappointed to discover that the medical drama is taking a brief hiatus to make way for sports coverage on the channel, although not for the Winter Olympics. Instead, coverage of the Six Nations Rugby Union clash between Wales and Scotland will be shown. The broadcast commenced at 4pm, with kick-off 40 minutes later. Match of the Day’s Gabby Logan will be accompanied by John Inverdale to provide commentary on the fixture in the third round of matches, taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, reports the Mirror.

Casualty will not air on Saturday (Image: BBC/Alistair Heap)

The game will be succeeded by Gladiators at 7.15pm, before Michael McIntyre’s Big Show broadcasts an hour later. New drama The Walsh Sisters, which is adapted from Marian Keyes’s bestselling novel, will then broadcast at 9.15pm, prior to the evening news. Casualty will resume next week (Saturday, February 28).

Fans of the enduring hospital drama have flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay at the programme’s absence tonight. “Gutted there is no #Casualty tonight,” one viewer posted. Another commented: “When you’re told #Casualty isn’t on this week,” accompanied by a sad face emoji.

Tensions have been running high at Holby in recent weeks, following the harrowing sexual assault of Siobhan McKenzie (Melanie Hill). The seasoned nurse was attacked late at night on her way home from work.

Siobhan McKenzie was recently attacked (Image: BBC Studios)

In the upcoming episode, Siobhan discovers that there may be evidence against her assailant. Meanwhile, Kim Chang (Jasmine Bayes) pushes herself to the brink. She begins to worry that she won’t survive a shift when her vision starts to blur whilst treating a patient with a head injury.

But that’s not all: Jacob Masters (Charles Venn) stands by his decision to lodge a complaint against Ashley Sullivan (Hannah Traylen), whilst Teddy Gowan (Milo Clarke) attempts to mediate the dispute. Additionally, Flynn Byron (Olly Rix) is taken aback when an inspection is conducted.