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Casualty Shocker: Charlie Fairhead Set for Return
29 Apr
Summary
- Derek Thompson is reportedly returning to Casualty after his 2024 departure.
- He played Charlie Fairhead, the longest-serving cast member, for 38 years.
- Thompson is said to be filming a temporary guest appearance.
Derek Thompson, who concluded his 38-year tenure as Charlie Fairhead on Casualty in 2024, is reportedly set to make a surprise return to the medical drama. Thompson, the longest-serving cast member, bowed out after appearing in nearly 900 episodes. Despite his character's tearful departure, reports indicate Thompson is already back on set filming for a temporary guest appearance.
A source revealed that fans will be thrilled to see Charlie Fairhead back, noting that the character was never killed off, leaving the door open for his return. The BBC described Charlie as the "lynchpin of the hospital's emergency department," central to many significant storylines. Thompson had previously shared that the character was inspired by a real nurse, Pete Salt.
During his nearly four decades on the show, Charlie Fairhead experienced numerous dramatic events, including being run over on his wedding day and surviving a stabbing. His final episode saw him survive a coma following the attack, concluding with a nostalgic flashback to his 1989 debut. Thompson was also notably the top earner in scripted TV in 2017.
This potential return follows recent trends of soap stars reprising popular roles, such as Ross Kemp's comeback as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders and Patsy Kensit's upcoming appearance as Sadie King in Emmerdale.
