EastEnders icon Laurie Brett makes a thrilling guest appearance in this gripping episode of Casualty, stepping into the role of Maria, a no-nonsense and highly experienced midwife. Known for her sharp eye and high standards, Maria quickly becomes a figure of authority that aspiring midwife Jodie is eager to impress during her hospital placement.

However, Jodie soon finds herself in the middle of unexpected workplace tensions when she and fellow student Vicky are summoned to Henry’s office. The atmosphere turns tense as Maria reprimands Vicky for her handling of a critical incident involving a patient named Hannah. In stark contrast, Jodie receives rare praise from Maria, setting the stage for an intense professional rivalry between the two students.

The stakes are raised even higher when Maria drops a bombshell—at the end of their placement, only one of them will be offered a permanent position at the hospital. With both Jodie and Vicky vying for the coveted role, the pressure intensifies, leading to a fierce and potentially cutthroat competition.

As the battle for the job begins, alliances are tested, ambitions are pushed to the limit, and mistakes could have devastating consequences. Will Jodie maintain her edge and secure her future, or will Vicky find a way to turn the tables? One thing is certain—only one of them will walk away with the job, and the journey to that decision will be anything but smooth.