Casualty, the revolutionary British medical drama series that captivated audiences during its debut season, holds a cherished place in the annals of television history for UK viewers. With its compelling storylines, intricate character development, and powerful performances, "Casualty" has consistently resonated with audiences, establishing itself as one of the longest-running and most beloved medical dramas in British television history.
The inaugural season of Casualty introduced viewers to a talented ensemble cast, each bringing depth and authenticity to their characters while forging their own unique paths in the industry. The exceptional cast of Season 1 has continued to leave an indelible mark in the entertainment industry, showcasing their versatility and achieving remarkable success in their post-"Casualty" careers.
But where are they now? The longest-serving member Derek Thompson, who has played Charliue from the start, has just announced he is leaving the show.
The first season of Casualty provided a platform for these remarkable actors to showcase their talents, and their subsequent careers have solidified their status as icons of the industry.
Here are where a few of the OG cast are now.
Derek Thompson (Charlie Fairhead): Thompson, known for his portrayal of the dedicated and compassionate Charlie Fairhead, has become synonymous with Casualty over its long run, making him the show's longest-serving cast member.
Derek is the only actor to have appeared in all 32 series, and his loyalty to the show was recognised during the 30th-anniversary celebrations, where Charlie played a pivotal role.
Thompson's portrayal of Charlie has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, demonstrating his ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to his roles.
It was revealed in July 2017, that Thompson was the BBC's highest-paid actor, earning between £350,000 and £400,000 over the last financial year. In 2023, it was announced that after 37 years, Thompson would be leaving Casualty; his exit will air in 2024.
Cathy Shipton (Duffy): Shipton, who portrayed the empathetic and resilient Lisa "Duffy" Duffin, captured the hearts of audiences and became a fan favorite. Beyond "Casualty," Shipton has displayed her versatility in various British television and stage productions.
Duffy appeared in the first eight series of the BBC medical drama as the dependable nurse Duffy. After her departure in 1993, Duffy made a comeback in 1998, staying for a five-year stint that also included a guest appearance in Holby City.
Shipton has also utilised her influence and platform to advocate for healthcare and raise awareness of important causes, such as the British Heart Foundation.
Shipton reprised her role for two episodes in 2006 to celebrate the show's twentieth anniversary celebrations, as well as returning for two further episodes in 2015. In June 2016, it was announced that Shipton would guest appear in the show's thousandth episode, before returning to the show as a regular cast member in August. The character was killed off on 1 February 2020. In August 2021, it was announced that Shipton had been cast in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, in the guest role of Lydia.
Cast members (L-R) Back row, Lisa Bowerman, Hugh Sachs, Steven Blakeley, Hugh Ross, Brian Protheroe, Derek Hutchinson, Ed Pinker, Middle row, Annie Jackson, Richenda Carey, Carol Starks, Front row, Bessie Carter and Charlie Field attend the after party for "Roundabout" at Park Theatre on August 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Lisa Bowerman (Sandra Mute): Lisa played the significant role of Sandra Mute, Casualty's first-ever female paramedic, and the first regular character to meet their demise. The actress later returned to the ED in a different capacity, making a guest appearance in 2007.
These days, Lisa is perhaps better recognised for her work in Doctor Who and its associated spin-offs, where she starred as companion Bernice Summerfield in the Big Finish Productions’ Doctor Who audio plays. Lisa is also an accomplished professional photographer.
Robert Pugh (Andy Ponting): Robert portrayed paramedic Andy Ponting in the first series, with his most memorable storyline revolving around his affair with colleague Sandra, mentioned earlier.
After departing the show in the second series, Robert has gone on to accumulate numerous noteworthy roles. His recent television credits include Game of Thrones, Doctor Foster, and Mr Selfridge.
In 2011 Pugh became Judge Patrick Coburn in Justice. The following year he joined HBO's Game of Thrones in the recurring role of Craster. In 2013 he portrayed Baron Rivers in The White Queen. Pugh played Jack Reynolds in Doctor Foster, and in 2016 joined the cast of Mr Selfridge as Lord Wynstay, another Welsh character.
Bernard Gallagher (Ewart Plimmer): Bernard brought Casualty's first-ever consultant, Ewart Plimmer, to life during the initial three series of the show before his character met a tragic fate.
Following his tenure on the show, Bernard went on to star in the ITV drama Crown Court, where he portrayed Barrister Jonathan Fry. He also made appearances in several well-known shows, including Bad Girls, Midsomer Murders, EastEnders, and Downton Abbey. Bernard passed away in November 2016 at the age of 87.
Brenda Fricker (Megan Roach): Brenda's story is one of the greatest success tales among the Casualty alumni, as she went on to win an Oscar after departing the show. In 1989, Brenda became the first Irish actress to receive an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her work in the film My Left Foot.
Brenda made a memorable return to Casualty in 2010 for a euthanasia plot that ultimately resulted in the demise of her character, Megan.
In 2021 Fricker joined the cast of the TV adaptation of Holding, based on the book of the same name by Graham Norton, marking her first major onscreen role in six years.
Julia Watson (Baz Wilder): Julia's character Baz Wilder is most fondly remembered for being Charlie's love interest and the mother of his son, Louis. Julia made a lengthier comeback between 1995 and 1998, during which Baz married Charlie and had his child.
Baz made another appearance in 2003 but tragically met her end in an accident less than a year later, leaving Charlie to raise Louis on his own. Since departing the show, Julia has consistently worked in both stage and television, with appearances in Doctors and Midsomer Murders.
George Harris (Clive King): George, known for his portrayal of alcoholic nurse Clive King, has enjoyed a successful career in both film and television since his time on the show.
George's notable roles include playing Kingsley Shacklebolt in three of the Harry Potter films and Captain Simon Katanga in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
In 2013, he played the Abbot of the Black Friars in a BBC radio adaptation of Neil Gaiman's London fantasy Neverwhere.
To relive the nostalgia of Season 1, UK viewers can now watch "Casualty" on UKTV Play free of charge at www.uktvplay.co.uk.
