As BBC One medical drama Casualty prepares to say goodbye to its longest-appearing character Charlie Fairhead, played by Derek Thompson, one star has announced she will be returning to the show for Charlie’s final episodes. Talking on Loose Women, Sunetra Sarker revealed she will be returning to Casualty.

Sunetra played Dr Zoe Hanna who became the clinical lead on the show. The 50-year-old announced her news on the ITV daytime show saying: “I can’t give too much away but I do get asked about this a lot and this week I was in hospital but not as patient. I might have gone back to a certain hospital that I used to work at, a while ago, called Holby City Hospital.

“I am going back to Casualty for a special job after about, it must be seven years. I left in 2016 so it’s been a while… I’m going back for a special double episode because our lovely Charlie who has been there forever is gonna leave the show. So I’m going back to make sure I get my last little moment with him, so that was a really nice thing this week. I’ve been filming with them and oh my gosh, I tell you what, working at the NHS I really salute the real people who do it because even pretending you do it, there is so much to learn, so much to know.”

After 37 years playing Charlie, Derek is leaving Casualty. He is the medical drama’s longest-serving cast member and the only remaining character from the first episode in 1986.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 

His final scenes, now featuring Sunetra back as Dr Zoe, are expected to air in 2024. During her time in Casualty, Sunetra also took part in Strictly Come Dancing. For details of the Strictly 2023 line-up click here. You can keep up to date with the latest  TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.