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

Now, the broadcaster has announced another significant alteration, as a popular series has been pulled from tonight’s schedule (Saturday, February 21).

Casualty fans will be disappointed to discover that the medical drama is taking a brief hiatus to make way for sports programming on the channel, although not related to the Winter Olympics.

Coverage of the Six Nations Rugby Union fixture between Wales and Scotland will be shown instead. The programme commenced at 4pm, with the match kicking off 40 minutes afterwards, reports the Mirror.

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Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan will be accompanied by John Inverdale to provide commentary on the third-round encounter, taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Following the rugby, Gladiators will air at 7.15pm, before Michael McIntyre’s Big Show broadcasts an hour later. New drama The Walsh Sisters, adapted from Marian Keyes’s bestselling novel, will then air at 9.15pm, before the evening news bulletin. Casualty will resume next Saturday (February 28).

Supporters of the long-standing hospital drama have expressed their disappointment on X (formerly Twitter) about 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 devastating sexual assault of Siobhan McKenzie (Melanie Hill). The seasoned nurse was attacked late at night as she travelled home from her shift.

In next week’s instalment, Siobhan discovers that there could be evidence to identify her attacker.

Elsewhere, Kim Chang (Jasmine Bayes) drives herself to the breaking point physically. She grows concerned she may not complete her shift when her eyesight begins failing, whilst treating a patient suffering from a head injury.

There’s more drama to come, as Jacob Masters (Charles Venn) stands by his decision to lodge a formal complaint against Ashley Sullivan (Hannah Traylen), whilst Teddy Gowan (Milo Clarke) attempts to resolve the dispute. Additionally, Flynn Byron (Olly Rix) is surprised when an inspection is carried out.