Casualty has celebrated 40 years on television with a dramatic two-part special featuring the return of two fan favourite characters.
Charlie Fairhead has returned to the fictional hospital to help his former colleagues at the Holby City Hospital after a massive explosion happens at St James' Hospital.
All of the staff at Holby City Hospital are put under pressure to save as many people as possible.
Alongside Charlie, Ethan Hardy, played by George Rainsford, makes an appearance at the hospital to help out.
Fans react to Charlie Fairhead and Ethan Hardy's return to Casualty
Charlie, played by Derek Thompson, was the first character to appear on the medical drama in its first ever episode in 1986.
He remained on the show for 38 years, during which he was part of many of the most notable storylines in the show's history.
This includes his character being shot, stabbed, and suffering two heart attacks.
He also played a significant role in crossover episodes with sister show Holby City.
Ethan also played a huge role in the show with his character having a range of important storylines from his sibling rivalry with his brother Cal as well as his reaction after Cal's murder that leads to Scott Ellisson's death.
It was confirmed in November 2022 that Ethan would be leaving Casualty after being in the show for nine years.
Ethan's last regular appearance on the show was in the episode Fight or Flight that aired on February 4 in 2023.
Fans immediately took to social media to share their thoughts on the two characters returning to Casualty for the special episodes.
One person on X said: "Charlie! Ethan!
"This is like the Avengers Endgame of hospital dramas!"
Another person said: "I knew they were coming back but still crying with happiness😭 CHARLIE AND ETHAN!!🥹🥹 #casualty #casualty40."
A third person said: "Charlie being there to support everyone and not nursing because he doesn’t have a licence anymore..
"I love the realism, and I love how absolutely Charlie he is and I need to see him and Stevie have a scene #casualty #casualty40."
What did you think of the Casualty 40th anniversary episodes? Let us know in the comments.
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