AFTER 38 years Charlie Fairhead decided to leave Holby City Hospital behind.

But why did he leave and what happened during his last episode?

Why has Charlie Fairhead left Casualty?

Charlie Fairhead left Casualty after having a life-threatening incident, which led Charlie to decide to retire from the hospital.

He said: “I thought I was a goner.

“I’m going to retire.”

Actor Derek Thompson, who played Charlie, decided to leave the show in May 2023.

Thompson said about his storyline exit: “How [Casualty writer] Michelle Lipton wrote these episodes comes across like she’s written eight plays, taken from so many points of view.

“I don’t think there’s another writer who could have done it.”

How long was Charlie Fairhead on Casualty for?

Charlie Fairhead was on the show for 38 years.

He was part of the show for nearly four decades and aired in over 900 episodes.

Derek Thompson said in May 2023 about his decision to leave: “The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years.

“Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse – Pete Salt.

“Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring to Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgement that we all see and love in Pete and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life.”

He also thanked the show for giving him his second wife Dee Sadler.

Thompson said: “It was magnetism.

“I had to fight off two bigger blokes who were also interested in her, but they didn’t stand a chance!

“I’m going to miss everyone on Casualty.

“I feel very blessed to have been part of something that has given me so much.”

What happened in Charlie Fairhead’s final episode?

In the final episode of Charlie Fairhead he had several flashbacks while being in a critical condition from an accident.

One of the flashbacks see a younger version of him showing up hungover to Shirley’s retirement party.

Shirley then gave him some advice, before a nail bomb explosion fills the hospital with casualties.

In the end of the episode Charlie is walking through the A&E department, before heading to a drink with his colleagues.

He then departed Holby City in his yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle.