Those watching Casualty on Saturday night were stunned to see a familiar face pop up in one of the hospital scenes. The episode of the BBC medical soap, which aired on March 18, saw the A&E department thrown into a frenzy as the staff struggled to keep up with the pressures of seeing to every patient.
One of these patients was Elsie, and people on social media were quick to realise that they'd seen her before as a much-loved character from the cobbles of Coronation Street.
The Mirror reports that the actress was none other than Amanda Barrie, who played Alma on Corrie from 1981 until 2001. Fans took to Twitter to comment on seeing the 87-year-old on the hospital soap.
Commenting on the packed emergency room, one wrote: "Heavens, not watched casualty for ages, it's all got a bit political. Hope Amanda Barrie gets seen quickly." A second said: "Alma Baldwin! It's been a long time!" Another questioned: "Is this Alma's first gig since Coronation Street?"
Amanda first appeared in Casualty in October last year when Elsie was first rushed to the emergency department. In Saturday night's episode, her character was brought in by Faith Cadogan, played by Kirsty Mitchell, after suffering injuries to her hand and leg.
But, after Elsie escaped from the ward and headed for the pub, Faith caught up with her and noticed a cut on her neck, connecting the injury to a number of other patients from the same care home.
It comes after Holby City fans were delighted as an iconic star is set to return to Casualty in a special crossover episode. Fans were devastated after the medical spin-off abruptly finished in March 2022 after 23 years on screen. But a year later, Holby City fan favourite Sacha Levy is set to return to screens in Casualty.
Fans were teased with the return of Sacha on the show's Instagram page as they posted a photo of actor Bob Barrett in character. The post was captioned: "Calling all @bbcholbycity fans! Sacha Levy is back! #Casualty Saturday 8.50pm on BBC One."
Fans were quick to celebrate the return as one wrote: "Aww that's made my day I've missed him." Another added: "I miss Holby so much."
"Aww yay, missed his shirts!! Would love to see Fletch back too," said someone else. One fan commented: "Great News. I agree more of the cast of Holly should be in Casualty."
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