end of an era Casualty fans break down over emotional Charlie Fairhead exit after 38 years
- Posted on 13 October, 2024
CASUALTY fans have broken down in tears as Derek Thompson’s last ever scenes as Charlie Fairhead were aired.
The BBC drama stalwart has signed off from his role as hospital consultant Charlie after a whopping 38 years.
It comes as Derek Thompson announced last year he was leaving the fictional Holby City hospital in a shock move.
And now his final scenes have aired as Charlie’s life was left hanging in the balance after a vicious stabbing.
He was rushed into theatre as his worried colleagues attempted to save his life.
While fans were left scared the iconic character would be killed off, they were stunned to learn he survived the ordeal.
However, the life-threatening incident ultimately led to Charlie deciding to retire from the hospital, marking the end of an era.
He said: “I thought I was a goner,” before adding: “I’m going to retire.”
Charlie’s final scenes saw him take one last walk through the A&E department, before a drink with his colleagues.
He then departed Holby City in his yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle.
Reacting to the scenes, one fan said: “Wow what an emotional episode so happy Charlie didnt get killed off & got the happy ending he deserve.”
A second wrote: “What a lovely farewell to Charlie and Derek Thompson. I had a wee cry.”
“So many emotions after that. The most perfect ending, the end of an era. Goodbye Charlie,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “I think I need atleast 48 hours to recover from that #Casualty episode. Atleast lovely Charlie got to drive away into the sunset.”
During the episode Casualty fans watched as Charlie had a number of flashbacks while in a critical condition.
It saw a younger Charlie showing up hungover to Shirley’s retirement party where she gave him some key advice.
Soon after, a nail bomb explosion fills the hospital with casualties and viewers will see Charlie responding to a challenging day at work while also revealing a hidden connection between him and doctor Stevie.
Speaking to the BBC, Derek, 75, said his exit storyline was “some of the best episodes of my career”.
He added: “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.”
The actor was in a sentimental mood ahead of his final screen appearance in the medical drama.
He likened his feelings recording the emotional exit to big life moments such as having a baby or getting married.
And for Derek those personal moments are entwined with the show given he met second wife Dee Sadler on the set.
The pair, who wed in 1989, have a son called Charlie, who appeared as as popular Casualty character Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin’s baby on the show.
Derek said of their relationship: “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.”
And though his first episode came almost four decades ago, Derek has no trouble recalling every detail.
In fact, his exit was a little nod to those first scenes.
He told Inside Soap: “Charlie was in his little yellow Beetle coming over Bristol suspension bridge, winding through the streets of the city and ending up at the hospital.
“He got out of the car with his bomber jacket on, hair all over the place… it was like Noddy goes to hospital! He looked up at the building, raised a cigarette to his lips and said, ‘Let’s do this!’.
“It’s an image that has stayed with me throughout all my time on Casualty.”
CASUALTY fans have broken down in tears as Derek Thompson’s last ever scenes as Charlie Fairhead were aired. The BBC drama stalwart has signed off from his role as hospital consultant Charlie after a whopping 38 years. Casualty fans have broken down in tears as Derek Thompson’s last ever scenes as Charlie Fairhead were airedCredit: PA The…