County Derry-born actress Elinor Lawless will star in the festive episode of the popular BBC drama ‘Casualty’.

 

The festive special ‘All I Want For Christmas’ is a format breaking standalone episode which will bring home the true meaning of Christmas.

 

The episode will be set on Christmas Day in the Emergency Department where the team is faced with an emergency blood shortage. Whilst Stevie (Elinor Lawless) fights to save lives, Iain (Michael Stevenson) risks his own to ensure the hospital doesn’t go without.

 

The episode will also feature real-life testimonies from contributors who’ve been directly impacted by UK blood donation, as well as interviews with key workers who form the country’s blood service.

 

Speaking about what we can expect from the festive special, Draperstown’s Elinor said: “This Christmas special uses the backdrop of the busy holiday season to explore what it is that connects us and our instinct to take responsibility and have accountability for one another.

 

“It’s an episode about the gift of giving and we weave through real life stories of loss, generosity and hope. These real-life narratives are a visual reminder of the reality we strive to present, question and challenge in Casualty, and we get to move seamlessly between the real world and the world of Holby where the battle against time and precious resources begins. This episode strikes at the heart of the very thing which determines our existence and survival – blood.”

 

She continued, speaking about how the show emphasises the busy atmosphere of the emergency department during the festive season.

 

“I think it’s important to emphasise that the emergency department is always busy. Life and death know no season. But the backdrop of Christmas heightens the sense of desperation, vulnerability and hope of the characters. There’s just something about this time of year – whether it’s the sharpness of Winter with its promise of darker days or our own idealised view of what Christmas is. It’s not that they face a busier shift, it’s that whilst the world celebrates Christmas in its many forms, some are fighting for life, for dignity, for more time. A dwindling blood supply and bitter weather are the nemeses of our Winter’s tale, and the team are up against the clock to try and work a miracle.”

 

Elinor praised her cast members saying: “I think for the series regulars and guest cast, we were all aware that the episode carried a weight of responsibility and that really instilled a sense of drive, focus and excitement on set. The guest actors were so open, forthcoming and committed to making this story work. I worked very closely with Lucy-Jo Hudson, Mia Millichamp-Long, Tristan Sturrock and Katy Carmichael and they kept me on my toes!”

When it comes to the topic of the festive season Elinor reflected on what Christmas would look like for her character Stevie.

“I think Stevie would prefer for Christmas to pass without fanfare. Stevie isn’t Scrooge, she’s George Bailey (one for the Frank Capra fans out there!) She’s still trying to work out who she is, and from a position of somebody who has never really known if and where she “fits”. Christmas is a confusing time for Stevie. She cannot help but love it – the nostalgia of Christmases past – but she also cannot help but feel adrift. Her journey through the episode is one of a solitary figure seeking connection. I think Stevie’s ideal Christmas gift is the one Dylan presents her with in the episode. The fact that somebody really notices. That’s

everything.”

 

On a personal note Elinor shared her plans for Christmas this year saying: “My little boy and I are going to Ireland for Christmas. I lost my mum a few years ago, just before Christmas, so this year I get the feeling we just need to be together. My mum loved Christmas and so when we come together this year, we do it in her memory. It’s not a wholly sad or wistful feeling, we just miss her and that’s okay.”

 

Without revealing too much, Elinor gave a short preview about what’s coming up from her character in the New Year saying: “Stevie has a huge challenge to face in the new year. There are a couple of little bread crumb clues in the Christmas special that will take form as the series progresses. But I’m saying nothing!”

 

The Casualty Christmas special airs on BBC iPlayer and BBC One will air on Saturday, December 21 at 9.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This will be followed by the next series of Casualty from later in the month. The special is written by Erin Kubicki and will be directed by Steve Hughes.

  The festive special ‘All I Want For Christmas’ is a format breaking standalone episode which will bring home the true meaning of Christmas.   The episode will be set on Christmas Day in the Emergency Department where the team is faced with an emergency blood shortage. Whilst Stevie (Elinor Lawless) fights to save lives,…