BBC bigwigs have slammed rumours that the much-loved medical show might get the chop due to “cost-cutting”.
They’ve said it’s not true that Casualty could be ending in two years. Word on the street was that the stars of the famous BBC drama might lose their jobs, even though they’ve just agreed to stay on for another couple of years. The programme started back in 1986 and still has plenty of fans tuning in every week who would be gutted.
Right now, the actors are busy filming series 39, but rumours were flying that series 40 might be the end. “Never mind on life support, it feels like Casualty has now received its death warrant,” a source said to The Sun.
READ MORE: BBC Casualty future ‘sealed’ as ‘cast and crew members told two more years’
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They added: “The official messaging is that all is well because the show was recently recommissioned for two more years. But when that new round of contracts were signed, the feedback was ‘two years, then we’re done’. To be honest, no one was very surprised, the writing has been on the wall for a while now.”
(Image: No credit)
But, reports the Mirror, BBC bosses have come out fighting, saying: “Casualty isn’t going anywhere. The latest recommission is simply part of the normal business cycle.”
It comes after several episodes per season were cut in line with the rise of streaming services. At the time, a spokesperson for the license-payer-funded corporation stated that they were prioritising “quality over hours” and had made the decision to reduce episodes to maintain quality.
(Image: BBC)
Actor Derek Thompson announced his departure in May last year, leaving fans heartbroken. “The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years,” he said.
Derek added: “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 judgment 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.”
Casualty will be back on BBC One at 9.20pm this Saturday.
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