Derek Thompson, 75, QUITS Casualty After 37 Years as Charlie Fairhead 🩺🚨

Beloved BBC medical drama prepares for the departure of its longest-serving character — and fans are emotional.

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🎭 End of an Era: Charlie Fairhead Says Goodbye

In a heartfelt announcement, Derek Thompson has confirmed he is leaving Casualty after an astounding 37 years portraying charge nurse Charlie Fairhead. Thompson, now 75, has featured in nearly 900 episodes since the show’s launch in 1986. His final scenes, filmed through autumn, are scheduled to air in early 2024 The Sun+15ITVX+15The Telegraph+15.

“The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years,” Thompson stated, reflecting on his long and impactful tenure Reddit+8ITVX+8upi.com+8.

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💔 Iconic Exit via Emotional Storyline

Thompson personally created the dramatic exit storyline, which plays out in a two-part special spanning the end of series 38. In it, Charlie is brutally stabbed by a patient, sparking a tense hospital-wide effort to save his life ITVX+7The Sun+7limerickleader.ie+7.

The final installment provides a poignant farewell: Charlie takes a nostalgic walk through the A&E, is celebrated by colleagues, and drives off in his classic yellow Volkswagen Beetle — mirroring the iconic style of his first episode upday.com+6limerickleader.ie+6The Scottish Sun+6.

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🏥 Co-Stars Pay Tribute

Cast members have joined social media to honour Thompson’s departure:

• Sunetra Sarker (Zoe Hanna): “The absolute icon that is Charlie Fairhead bows out with his unique style and talent… Forever Fairhead.” The Telegraph+15limerickleader.ie+15upday.com+15

• Elinor Lawless (Stevie Nash): “Here’s to our beloved friend and fellow cast member… Mr T. it’s been an honour.” Metro+4limerickleader.ie+4echo live+4

• Writer Sally Abbott praised the series’ NHS adviser Pete Salt, calling him “the DNA of the show.” Wikipedia+15limerickleader.ie+15echo live+15

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🌐 A Symbol of NHS Realities

Charlie Fairhead’s character was inspired by real nurse Pete Salt, embodying compassion, professionalism, and resilience — with Derek Thompson striving to reflect those qualities on screen Wikipedia+15ITVX+15Metro+15.

Sirion and The Guardian highlight that Charlie’s departure signals a broader shift in the representation of public services on TV, amid the BBC’s trimming of episode orders for medical dramas BreakingNews.ie+7The Guardian+7The Times+7.

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🌟 Looking Ahead: New Projects and a Legacy

Thompson has hinted that his departure wasn’t entirely voluntary and said he’s now working on a memoir. He’s also set to guest star in Blue Lights, playing retired police officer Robin Graham Metro+2limerickleader.ie+2upday.com+2.

Casualty executive producer Jon Sen said Thompson’s final script was “too good to pass up”, and promised the cast would “have a ball” shooting his farewell storyline .

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📊 Series 38: A Turning Point

Charlie’s exit in episode 18 marks a dramatic climax for series 38. With budget cuts slashing episode counts and other BBC medical dramas axed, Casualty faces a future of reinvention and risk Wikipedia.

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📝 Key Facts at a Glance

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In Summary: Derek Thompson’s exit as Charlie Fairhead is not only the end of an era for Casualty, but a defining moment for British TV drama. As the series continues without one of its most enduring characters, both the show and its audience brace for subtle reinvention — with a storytelling legacy few can match.

Beloved BBC medical drama prepares for the departure of its longest-serving character — and fans are emotional. 🎭 End of an Era: Charlie Fairhead Says Goodbye In a heartfelt announcement, Derek Thompson has confirmed he is leaving Casualty after an astounding 37 years portraying charge nurse Charlie Fairhead. Thompson, now 75, has featured in nearly…