After nearly four decades at the heart of British television drama, Casualty is preparing for one of the most significant transformations in its history. As the series approaches its landmark 40th anniversary, the BBC has confirmed that the show will leave Holby behind and move production to a new Welsh setting. For fans who have followed every heart-stopping emergency and emotional storyline within Holby ED, this marks both the end of an era and the start of a bold new chapter.

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The end of Holby

Since 1986, Casualty has been rooted in the fictional Holby City Hospital. It’s where viewers said goodbye to legends like Charlie Fairhead, watched Connie Beauchamp’s fierce leadership, and grieved unforgettable losses from Noel to Cal Knight. Holby has become synonymous with the show itself, an emblem of its grit, chaos, and compassion.

But Series 40 will reportedly be the final run set in Holby, making this Christmas and the episodes that follow especially poignant. Every scene will carry the weight of history, reminding fans that they are witnessing the last stories to unfold in a location that has defined generations of characters.

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A new home in Wales

Once the Holby chapter closes, Casualty will transition to a new hospital setting based in Wales. The production shift has been confirmed as part of the BBC’s commitment to regional storytelling, ensuring that the show continues to evolve while keeping its identity fresh.

Though the fictional name of the new hospital hasn’t yet been revealed, the move suggests a new beginning for the show. With fresh surroundings, updated sets, and possibly new departments, fans can expect a reinvention of the ED experience.

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What it means for the characters

The move to Wales doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the current cast. Dylan Keogh, Iain Dean, Stevie Nash, Faith Cadogan, Nicole Piper, Rash Masum, and Flynn Byron are all confirmed for Series 40. Their storylines will bridge the gap between Holby and the new setting, giving viewers continuity while allowing space for reinvention.

• Dylan Keogh may be written as the glue holding the team together during the transition, continuing his role as mentor after Charlie’s departure.

• Iain Dean faces personal crossroads — could a new city finally give him the fresh start he needs after years of trauma?

• Faith Cadogan remains a wildcard; her fractured personal life may mirror the uncertainty of the move.

• Flynn Byron’s controversial run as Clinical Lead could end with the shift, opening the door to a new figurehead in Wales.

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A bold gamble for the 40th year

For a show approaching its 40th anniversary, this decision is a gamble. Loyal fans may worry about losing the familiarity of Holby, while others see it as the perfect opportunity to inject new energy.

If history is anything to go by, Casualty thrives on reinvention. Major cast turnovers, shocking exits, and bold new arcs have kept it alive for decades. Moving the show physically and narratively could re-establish its reputation as the BBC’s flagship drama.

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The verdict

The end of Holby marks the close of a chapter that has spanned nearly 40 years of British television history. But with a move to Wales, new storylines, and the chance to reimagine the ED for a new era, Casualty is once again proving that it knows how to evolve.

Fans may grieve the loss of Holby, but the heart of the show has always been its characters — their courage, their flaws, and their ability to survive anything. As Casualty moves into 2026, that heart beats stronger than ever.