“Saying goodbye to Duffy was sad...”

Our Best Drama Star Cathy Shipton still misses her legendary alter ego…

Duffy’s death earlier this year was so heartwrenching that Inside Soap is still traumatised! But her tragic exit has earned former Casualty actress Cathy Shipton the award for Best Drama Star – and she’s delighted to round off her time in the medical drama on such a high…

Congrats on the award, Cathy! How does it feel to have won?

It was a complete surprise, but very exciting. I was at a service station on the way back from taking my daughter to uni when I found out – I checked my emails and there it was. It was amazing, and so nice to get some lovely news. I got very ‘emoji shy face’!

Duffy’s death was very emotional – you must have had a huge response from viewers…

Absolutely, and it really hasn’t stopped. That’s the power of the show, and it’s the power of that character. She started over 30 years ago as a newly qualified nurse, and she’s just like the woman next door – she’s ordinary, yet extraordinary.

What was it like for you saying goodbye to Duffy after so many years of playing her?

It was hard, and of course sad, but it felt right. The character was bang in the middle of a relevant story, and people were enlightened about the whole subject of dementia, it kind of destigmatised it, and that’s the power of continuing drama. I have nothing but pride in being part of all of that.

Do you have a message for those who voted for you?

The fanbase for Casualty is just phenomenal – the audience seems to have grown over the years. And it’s really the fans’ support and loyalty to the show and to Duffy that has won me this award. I am so grateful, thank you so much – you’ve made my year!