Casualty’s Charlie Fairhead’s devastating fate unveiled as he leaves show after 38 years

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When Derek Thompson filmed his final scenes as Casualty ’s Charlie Fairhead it was one of the most emotional moments of his life. “I don’t want to spoil it by saying whether or not he survives, but everything felt heightened when I filmed my last scenes,” says Derek. “It felt like one of those big emotional moments in your life, like the birth of a child or your wedding.” On Saturday night, fans saw Charlie get stabbed by a patience.

His fate will be revealed last week. Derek hopes the storyline will shine a light on the increasing amount of violence against NHS staff. “I have utter respect for NHS staff,” he says. “This final story really does create a realism, which will poke people in the eye and say, ‘This really is painful for these people, and yet they struggle on.’” While he is proud of his final scenes, he says his departure is tinged with sadness that he will no longer be part of a drama that has played such a huge part in his life.

Did Derek ever imagine, when he took on the role of Charlie, that he would stay so long? “No, I never envisaged I’d stay 38 years,” he smiles. “I originally signed up for three years, but it soon became apparent what a great character he was to play.

Medicine and television have both changed a lot since I started. But the basics are still there – the reception area and desk where people roll up is still performing the same function it did on my first day.” Not surprisingly, he finds it difficult to pick out his favourite storylines.The death of Charlie’s long-time sidekick and eventual wife, Duffy (played by Cathy Shipton), however, is one Derek will always be proud of. “The storyline I feel most personally attached to was Duffy’s death through vascular dementia,” he says.