CASUALTY fans were thrilled to see a soap legend pop up during the latest emotional episode.

Ahead of Derek Thompson’s exit as Charlie Fairhead after 38 years, BBC drama Casualty aired a very special episode.

As Charlie fought for his life after being stabbed on the ward, he had a flashback to the very beginning of his career.

And the character was seen during a goodbye party for his boss – played by former EastEnders star Annette Badland.

Soap fans rushed to social media to comment on the former Aunt Babe star’s appearance.

One wrote: “Annette Badland!”

Someone else said: “So Babe was a nurse all along.” And a third added: “No way! Aunt Babe (aka Annette Badland) from #Eastenders has turned up in the flashbacks playing a nurse.”

Sunetra Sarker also reprised her role as Dr Zoe Hanna after leaving in 2016.

The Loose Women panellist revealed in September that Zoe was heading back to tie in with Charlie’s exit.

She said: “This week I was in hospital – but not as a patient. I might have gone back to a certain hospital that I used to work at a while ago called Holby City Hospital.

“I’m going back after about… it must be seven years. I left in 2016 so it’s been a while.

“I’m going back for a special double episode because our lovely Charlie who has been there forever is going to leave the show.

Speaking about his decision to leave after nearly four decades, Derek said previously: “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.”