The BBC has confirmed Holby City actress Jaye Jacobs will be joining the cast of Casualty. Jaye's character Donna Jackson will be returning to the emergency department alongside four new characters, including one played by Bradley Walsh's son, Barney Walsh.
Barney, who recently had roles in Death in Paradise and The Larkins, will join the BBC One and iPlayer drama alongside Anna Chell, Sarah Seggari and Eddie-Joe Robinson. The four new stars will appear in the long-standing medical series as new nursing recruits in April.
They will be accompanied by Holby's fun-loving nurse, turned ward sister, Donna Jackson, who returns to the hospital to take on a new challenge. Viewers haven't seen Jaye's character in almost a year after Holby City ended for good in March 2022.
Speaking about being cast in Casualty, Jaye said: "I am thrilled to be joining such a legendary show." But who are the new Casualty cast members and what roles will they play? Here's what you need to know.
Barney Walsh as Cameron
Barney takes on the role of accident-prone Cameron, which isn't a quality that's often desirable when working in an Emergency Department. Woefully lacking in self-confidence and a perpetually terrified fish out of water, Cam arrives at Holby to realise he might have bitten off more than he can chew.
Barney said: "It's been an incredible experience to join the cast of Casualty alongside Anna, Sarah, JJ and Eddie. It’s a real joy to come to work every day and play Cam. I can't wait for the viewers to meet nurse Cam as he arrives at Holby and very quickly realises he might have bitten off more than he can chew!"
Anna Chell as Jodie
Anna, who has starred in ITV's The Bay, joins as quick-witted and outgoing Jodie, whose plans for a fresh start at the hospital are soon scuppered as she's reacquainted with a figure from her past. Trying to keep her personal and professional life separate will soon become difficult for Jodie.
She said: "It's been an absolute buzz so far, the team at Casualty are SO welcoming! Joining with the others (Eddie-Joe, Barney, Sarah & Jaye) has been such a beautiful experience, we have built up a great connection and friendship - filming scenes with those guys is always a laugh! Jodie is a JOY to play. She is fun, flirty and is ALWAYS up for a night out. Often pushing her emotions aside with a vodka tonic! Jodie is hard-faced, strong & often let’s her brain fall out of her mouth, but despite all this she is great at her job and has quite a shock on her first shift! I’m so grateful to be bringing Jodie to life and I’m excited about what’s to come for her."
Sarah Seggari as Rida
Sarah, known for roles in Jerk and I Hate Suzie, plays straight-talking and confident Rida. Rida doesn't suffer fools and knows exactly what she wants, but will she be able to keep her walls up, or will this new challenge be the thing to finally unlock her softer side?
Sarah said: "It is an honour to play the first hijab wearing Muslim nurse on Casualty. I cannot wait to show the viewers who Rida is, she is the strength and the mother in the group. She has no problem putting people in their place even if it might come across a bit abrasive but will always stay loyal to her friends. At her core she is a carer and wants to help, this is at the forefront every time she has a patient to work with, even if it sometimes isn’t to protocol. She has a fire behind her that I hope you enjoy!"
Eddie-Joe Robinson as Ryan
Grantchester and Small Axe star Eddie joins as ambitious and glory-hungry Ryan, Mr Popular at school who soon gets a wakeup call working in a busy ED.
Eddie commented: "Joining Casualty has been such a fantastic experience. Straight away I’ve felt like a part of the family, and coming in alongside JJ, Sarah, Anna and Barney has made it all the more special. From Ryan you can expect a lot fun and banter with his fellow nurses, which he sometimes takes a bit too far… He’s self-assured to the point of cocky, and when this combines with his ambitious nature it can definitely place him in hot water. Beneath the bravado there’s a softer side to him though, and I like to think he’s often a little misunderstood!" For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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