Goodbye, Charlie CASUALTY
Derek Thompson on saying farewell to Casualty after 37 years as nurse Charlie Fairhead...
Q How did you feel when you learnt the details of Charlie’s exit storyline? A When I first read the script, I put it down pensively, because it’s such a beautiful piece of work. It’s written by Michelle Lipton and directed by Mike Lacey, who are one of the best writers and directors I’ve ever worked with on the show. I thought, ‘Who’d want to change a word of this?’ I was really, really thrilled with it.
Q Whether Charlie lives or dies is under lock and key, but what else can you tell us about your last episode, which sees young nurse Charlie (Jack Franklin) appear in flashbacks?
A It’s intense! Every character is true to the moment and to themselves but they still manage to tell you something you wouldn’t have spotted easily. I couldn’t actually go through the whole history of Casualty and find a better fit. For me, it’s a work of poetry and I just thought, ‘This is worth leaving for!’ My final two episodes are some of the best of my career. They were an absolute joy.
Q Why do you think Charlie has struck such a chord with viewers?
A The simple reason is Charlie is the Everyman and a connection with the audience. He represents the main themes, ambitions and high emotions. He’s empathetic and the moral compass. If ever you feel that a conflict isn’t going to be resolved,
he gives things a nudge in a certain direction. I’ve always felt a great responsibility to the character.
Q What have been your favourite stories over the years?
A The one I felt most personally attached to was the death of Charlie’s wife Duffy [Cathy Shipton] in 2020. But the first episode from 6 September 1986 has to be my most memorable. Charlie got out of his little yellow Beetle with his hair all over the place, looked at the hospital building and said, ‘Let’s do this!’
Q What will we be able to see you in next?
A One of my favourite shows last year was BBC1 police thriller Blue Lights and I’m going to be in the next run, playing retired police officer Robin Graham. In it, his past and conscience catches up with him when a trainee solicitor investigates a decades-old case. I’m thrilled with it!