Long-serving Casualty character Robyn Miller was killed off on Saturday night's episode of the BBC medical drama. The episode picked up where last week's cliffhanger left off as the nurse was brought into Holby ED in a critical condition.
After a long wait to get Robyn to theatre, the surgeons were unable to save her. Holby veteran Charlie Fairhead, played by Derek Thompson, collapsed with grief when he saw Robyn's body and broke down when faced with her heartbroken family.
Viewers at home shared in the characters' grief, commending the programme's acting. Many took to Twitter, though, to say that the real tragedy was that the show's storyline portraying a cash-strapped, under-resourced and broken emergency department was reflective of the real-life situation in the NHS.
Annie wrote: "That was absolutely heartbreaking, but a masterpiece of an episode. One of the very best in years. Having a main character like Robyn die as a result of the NHS crisis is such a bold and impactful choice, and I applaud #Casualty for having the guts to go there."
Miss S agreed, saying: "I hope every single person who has any say in funding our NHS has watched #Casualty tonight and takes it seriously. Yes, the specific stories are fiction but they illustrate reality.
"The wonderful, gentle, caring people who work in our NHS deserve so much better. As do patients."
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Those comments were echoed by Jane who wrote: "Havent watched #casualty in years and years but happened to watch tonights an it’s got me in tears - the saddest thing is that it’s reflective of whats happening in the UK right now and it’s frightening."
Twitter user leahevans9009 commented: "Highlighting the reality of the NHS and seeing it acted out I can’t bare to imagine what our nurses and doctors face daily, top acting as always!"
Quoting a line spoken by one of the characters in the episode, Jonny Twiss said: "‘They can find money when they want to, this is a choice' Truer words have never been spoken as it’s what is happening right now in the real world. Good work and great episode #Casualty"
In a final tribute to actress Amanda Henderson, who's played Robyn for 10 years, Shaky wrote: "Rest in perfect peace Robyn Miller. Robyn has been such an iconic character for the past ten years! I wish @Amandahendrson the best of luck in the future!"
What did you think of Saturday's episode? Let us know in the comments.
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