Casualty, which premiered in 1986 and is the world’s longest-running primetime medical drama, has always been set in the fictional city of Holby (based on its former filming location, Bristol). While the show has been filmed in Cardiff, Wales, at BBC Roath Lock Studios since 2011, its in-universe setting has remained a fictional area of the West of England.

The recent announcement, which came through an invitation to tender issued by the BBC for a new production company for Casualty, reveals a significant shift:

• In-Universe Relocation: As part of the tender process, the show’s fictional setting will now be rooted in Wales, reflecting the real-life filming location and aiming to increase “authenticity and portrayal” of Welsh lives and the Welsh NHS.
• New Fictional Hospital: This means a new fictional hospital based in Wales will replace the iconic Holby City Hospital.
• Gradual Transition: The move is not expected to happen immediately, with the first Welsh-set episodes anticipated to air as late as 2026 and continuing through to autumn 2029, giving plenty of time for producers to incorporate the change. It’s expected that most existing characters will make the move, with new Welsh characters being introduced.

The BBC states this decision is an attempt to “evolve the show” as it looks ahead to its 40th anniversary in September 2026, and to ensure “authentic representation of Wales.”

Viewer Backlash: “Insulting” and “Downfall”

Despite the BBC’s rationale, many long-time Casualty viewers have reacted with strong negative emotions, expressing shock, disappointment, and even anger. The common sentiments circulating online include:

• “Insulting to the audience”: Fans feel that the BBC is disrespecting their long-standing connection to the established fictional world of Holby.
• “Ridiculous to expect an entire hospital staff to relocate!”: Many find the idea of a significant portion of the main cast’s characters simply uprooting their lives and moving to a new country unbelievable and a stretch too far for suspension of disbelief.
• Comparisons to Waterloo Road: A frequent point of comparison is the BBC’s controversial decision to move the setting of the school drama Waterloo Road from Rochdale to Greenock, Scotland. Fans widely disliked this move, and many are predicting the same “downfall” for Casualty. Comments on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) include: “I really don’t see the point in this? It’ll be its downfall. They tried to do the same with Waterloo Road and no one liked it.”
• “Regional quotas”: Some viewers perceive the move as being driven by regional quotas or political agendas rather than purely creative storytelling decisions, leading to frustration.
• Fear of losing the show’s identity: Fans worry that rooting the show in a specific real-world location will dilute the show’s long-established identity and feel, which has always been set in a more generic (though implied West Country) British city.

While the BBC aims to “maintain familiarity” while incorporating Welsh portrayal, viewers are skeptical, fearing that this significant in-universe change will alienate the loyal fanbase and ultimately lead to a decline in the show’s popularity and longevity. The coming years will reveal whether this bold move pays off or indeed becomes the “downfall” that many fans predict.