Lily Chao's Casualty exit in pictures - FIRST LOOK!

Lily leaves
Parting is sweet sorrow between Lily and Iain in Casualty (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Warning: spoilers! Doctor Lily Chao's heart-breaking Casualty exit in pictures.

We've sad news - Doctor Lily Chao is clicking her heels and departing Holby. Lily's exit marks the end of four fantastic years on the long-running medical drama for talented Crystal Yu, who played her. Before Lily leaves paramedic Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson) pulls out all the stops, but it looks like it's a critical case of 'too little, too late.' What's on TV's diagnosis: There will be tears (mostly ours)...

Here we reveal exactly what's in store for Lily and the rest of the gang in Casualty...

Paramedic Iain is still mired in his conflicting feelings for Lily and Sam - will he realise where his heart lies before it's too late?

Paramedic Iain is still mired in his conflicting feelings for Lily and Sam - will he realise where his heart lies before it's too late? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Paramedic Iain is still mired in his conflicting feelings for Lily and Sam - will he realise where his heart lies before it's too late?

Sam corners Iain and they've a heart to heart. Does she have feelings for her ex?

Sam corners Iain and they've a heart to heart. Does she have feelings for her ex? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Sam corners Iain and they've a heart to heart. Does she have feelings for her ex?

It's a good job Iain is sitting down when Lily reveals she's considering a research post in Hong Kong

It's a good job Iain is sitting down when Lily reveals she's considering a research post in Hong Kong (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

It's a good job Iain is sitting down when Lily reveals she's considering a research post in Hong Kong

Iain plans a public display of affection for Lily - what could go wrong?

Iain plans a public display of affection for Lily - what could go wrong? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Iain plans a public display of affection for Lily - what could go wrong?

Time to tell Iain 'as one door opens'?

Time to tell Iain 'as one door opens'? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Time to tell Iain 'as one door opens'?

Iain's ex, Sam, has some serious thinking to do...

Iain's ex, Sam, has some serious thinking to do... (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Iain's ex, Sam, has some serious thinking to do...

Passion is in fashion in Holby but can Iain convince Lily to stay?

Passion is in fashion in Holby but can Iain convince Lily to stay? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Passion is in fashion in Holby but can Iain convince Lily to stay?

Is this really the last goodbye for Iain and Lily?

Is this really the last goodbye for Iain and Lily? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Is this really the last goodbye for Iain and Lily?

Elaine Reilly
Writer for TV Times, What’s On TV, TV & Satellite Week and What To Watch

With twenty years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Elaine writes for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and www.whattowatch.com covering a variety of programs from gardening and wildlife to documentaries and drama.

 

As well as active involvement in the WTW family’s social media accounts, she has been known to get chatty on the red carpet and wander into the odd podcast. 

After a day of previewing TV, writing about TV and interviewing TV stars, Elaine likes nothing than to relax… by watching TV.