Two legendary characters confirmed to return for Casualty's 40th anniversary

Casualty fans are gearing up for a dramatic two-part special this Saturday (5th September), as the world's longest-running medical drama celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Ahead of anniversary special, Casualty bosses have now confirmed the return of not one, but two legendary characters, leaving fans very excited.

Sharing a number of first look images on social media, actors George Rainsford and Derek Thompson appear, confirming their return to Holby City Hospital as Ethan Hardy and Charlie Fairhead.

The post read: 'Guess who’s back for #Casualty40 👀 We’ll give you two clues! 💚'. (sic)

Fans of the show were quick to express their excitement, with one writing: '2026 ethan appearance may genuinely be the best thing to ever happen to me'. (sic)

Another commented: ''Ethan and Charlie!! Two of my fave characters ❤️', with a third writing: 'Can’t wait, Charlie was always my favourite ❤️'. (sic)

Another post showed a short teaser of what fans can expect from Charlie and Ethan, as they greet a stressed looking Dr Rash Masum in the A&E department.

After embracing for a hug with Rash, Charlie reveals he's there to pick Ethan up, who reveals he was 'over by outpatients' when the major incident occured.

Rash then asks the pair to 'lend a hand', before Charlie says to Ethan: "You are going to tell him you were there as a patient, not as a doctor?", to which he replies: "I'm fine, Charlie. I'll take it easy, okay? I can still treat cuts and bruises."

Watch the first look clip below:

As fans will know, Ethan was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and left the E.D. three years ago to spend more time with his son, Bodhi.

Meanwhile, Charlie was a nurse in the E.D. from 1986, all the way to his departure in 2024. Viewers last saw him during his final appearance in March 2024, where he retired after 38 years in the NHS.

READ MORE: Trailer released for Casualty's 40th anniversary special

Although bosses haven't shared too many details of Ethan and Charlie's involvement in the 40th anniversary, they have said: 'The gripping, anniversary event centres on a high-stakes major incident that throws Holby into chaos. Lives hang in the balance and the ED team are pushed to their limits in a tense and emotionally charged story that brings together some of the show's most beloved characters.

'As the fallout continues, a major rescue operation unfolds, forcing impossible life-or-death decisions and testing the courage, resilience and leadership of those at the heart of the hospital. As Dylan (William Beck) battles personal tragedy while leading his team through their darkest hour, Stevie (Elinor Lawless) and Flynn (Olly Rix) find themselves fighting for survival in a race against time.'

Check out the first look photos from Casualty's 40th anniversary below:

Casualty returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for a two-part special at 8pm on Saturday 5th September.

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.