Casualty star George Rainsford reveals doctor Ethan Hardy is in for an eventful festive season
George Rainsford’s been playing Casualty’s Dr Ethan Hardy since 2013, and the poor medic has been thrown into all sorts of turmoil ever since, including losing his brother Cal suddenly this year and getting caught up with Connie’s cancer trauma.
Here, George, reveals what’s in store for Ethan this Christmas in Casualty and beyond…
Has it been hectic filming up to the Christmas episode?
"Yes, but it’s always hectic filming! The only difference is that we don’t get to see any daylight now. We leave for work in the dark and get in the studio with all our fake lights and then get home in the dark. But we’ve already done our Christmas episode."
So has Ethan got a big storyline at Christmas?
"There’s a really big storyline… The Connie and Ethan storyline continues to be tense with lots of twists and turns! Ethan’s story heats up around Christmas and into the New Year."
You filmed in London recently. Can you tell us more about this upcoming episode?
"All I can say is it’s a continuation of Connie and Ethan’s story which takes viewers to London. It was a really enjoyable and different shoot to be on because we film in and around Cardiff pretty much all the time, so it was fun getting to see the London sights and film by all the iconic spots. Viewers will see the London episode in January."
What reaction do you get from Casualty fans who spot you in the street?
"Very supportive. People in Cardiff, where we film Casualty, are really proud the show is made here and they’ll pop over and say hello when you’re doing your Christmas shopping!"
You’ve been in Casualty for four years now and seen some people come and go. Who do you miss?
"Well Richard Winsor, who played Ethan’s brother Cal, obviously because we did so much together. There have been a lot of cast changes – I’m like one of the old stalwarts now!"
What does the future hold for Ethan?
"There’s definitely a journey in this series. I suppose his lowest ebb is the death of his brother and then where it’s going is definitely 'up' but with lots of bumps on the way! Career-wise, relationship-wise, lots of things are unclear but his career starts to change. Ethan starts to take on more responsibility – assisted and pushed by Connie!"
What do you want for him?
"That he, hopefully, starts to come out of himself a bit as he’s always struggled with the social side of things. I suppose Ethan is starting to grow up."
Casualty’s Christmas episode is on Saturday December 23, BBC1 at 8.05pm
By Hannah Davies and Nick Cannon
