Amanda Mealing reveals to us that the future is full of dark, unexpected twists and turns for Causalty favourites Connie Beauchamp and Ethan Hardy.

Casualty’s new trailer recently revealed that Holby ED’s clinical lead Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing) and doctor Ethan Hardy (George Rainsford) become embroiled in a dark, new storyline, where they keep each other’s secrets. An uncharacteristically tearful Connie can be seen begging Ethan: “I kept your secret, please keep mine.”

While details of Connie’s secret are firmly under wraps, when What’s on TV talked to Amanda Mealing she revealed that her ex Sam Strachan’s disappearance with their daughter Grace has consequences for Connie.

Armed with this information and Ethan's recent dramatic confession that he killed Scott Ellisson, we quizzed Amanda further on Connie and Ethan’s upcoming storylines…

How will Connie treat Ethan now he's confessed to having a hand in Scott's death? "Connie doesn’t have the greatest of maternal instincts, as we’ve seen with Grace, but she is a very good team leader and can sense when one of her team are struggling, so she starts to pay particular attention to Ethan. She wants to help him get back to the confident doctor he once was."

Is this the start of a firm new friendship? "It’s the beginning of something quite extraordinary for these two. You’d never put them together! Rather than just tell Ethan to pick himself up and get on with it, Connie has genuine concern for him. It’s the beginning of a new chapter between Connie and Ethan."

Is it strictly work-based? "It starts out as Connie’s managerial concern for a team member, which becomes more private and then develops into something more co-dependent!"

Could there be something more between them?

"Not in a romantic way. We’ll see a new bond between them, which I don’t think anyone would have ever thought of. In times of trouble they will eventually lean on each other. You’d never think of them of being buddies but it’s the beginning of a very intriguing and surprising relationship…"

Casualty returns to BBC1 this Saturday at 8.45pm.

Tom Chambers reveals why doctor Sam Strachan has vanished from Holby ED - and where he's gone to with Connie's daughter Grace...

Casualty is back and the surprises came thick and fast for clinical lead Connie Beauchamp in Saturday's opening episode. Before the morning shift had even started her ex, Sam Strachan, failed to meet Connie for breakfast with their daughter, Grace. At first Connie (Amanda Mealing) was only slightly annoyed, but that all changed when her other ex, nurse Jacob Masters, let slip that Sam had resigned from his medical post at the ED, effective immediately.

And soon the plot thickened… Connie discovered Sam had given up the lease on the flat he shares with Grace, and neither Grace or Sam were answering their phones.

Tom Chambers, who plays Sam, reveals where Sam and Grace have gone and why Connie won't be seeing them any time soon!

Just how worried should Connie be? "It’s always a power game between Connie and Sam. Recently they reached a happy medium when he became an ED doctor and got his hands dirty, but then he literally vanishes and takes Grace with him… without telling Connie!"

Is Sam harbouring resentment towards Connie? "Sam always feels he gives more of himself to being a committed parent to Grace, while Connie struggles with that. She actually can’t be there at times, but Sam knows children need your time and he gives that to Grace. Connie, however, is so career driven half of her is always married to her job."

Do you think Casualty fans will be shocked when they discover Sam has disappeared completely? "It is shocking exit. Sam’s back in New York working as a consultant there. In real life I’m in a musical, so I’ve finished my Casualty contract for now, otherwise I’d still be there!"

You’re starring in Crazy For You? "Yes, I’m touring all around the country with George Gershwin’s musical Crazy For You. It’s the best musical! It’s the first one I ever saw and thought, if I ever get a role in theatre I’d love to be Bobby in Crazy For You. I was pre-contracted for it, so that’s why I’d to leave Casualty."

Does this mean Sam could return to Casualty? "Crazy For You is pretty much a year on tour, we’re on the road now until May next year, but I am hoping – all being well – that Sam will be able to come back."

We doubt Connie will give Sam a warm welcome... "Connie and Sam are passionate sparring partners. They’ve always fancied each other, but really they love-hate each other!"

Watch how Connie reacts to the shocking news Grace and Sam have left without saying goodbye in Casualty, currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Casualty star Amanda Mealing reveals Connie is devastated by her daughter’s sudden disappearance…

As families go, Connie Beauchamp, her ex Sam Strachan and their daughter Grace have had a hellish time of it. Recently they reached an understanding about the pressures of Connie’s job as clinical lead at Holby ED.

After months of domestic difficulty Connie (Amanda Mealing) is looking forward to a more harmonious home front when Casualty returns for a new series this week. All that’s suddenly swept away, however, when Sam (Tom Chambers) and Grace (Emily Carey) mysteriously disappear from Connie’s hectic life!

Amanda Mealing told What's on TV what's in store for Connie...

Why does Connie believe a new era of domestic happiness is dawning for her, Grace and Sam? "The last time we saw Connie she was attempting to make Grace her focus. Grace had been living with Sam, and Connie wanted her home with her again. But when Connie had another day from hell in the ED Grace very maturely said she was going to stay with her dad. She took the burden off Connie and the parental role had been swapped a little bit."

This week’s shocking news must really pull the rug from under Connie? "When the new series of Casualty starts this week Connie believes it’s the beginning of something that can really work for them and is looking forward to sharing time with Grace, who now understands what Connie’s job entails. So when Connie calls around to Sam and Grace and no one answers the door she can’t work out where they are – and then she discovers they’ve gone!"

How does she react? "She takes it very badly. For Sam to just take Grace… it’s really devastating for Connie. There’s a lot of worry and stress and it starts to make her quite ill…"

This week marks the beginning of a new series of Casualty. Will it be as highly charged as the 30th Anniversary year, or is the tone different? "There’s a slightly different tone, but everyone still has high energy! There are stunts and things like that. We start off with a two-part special that takes us somewhere new."

What does this mean for Connie? "Connie stays and holds the fort while quite a lot of the team are in France. It's interesting to go outside the main location of the hospital. We don’t often do it and it’s always intriguing to see how characters behave and how the audience responds to it."

Casualty screens on BBC1 at 8.45pm, Saturday 19 August

Casualty returns to our screens with five fantastic new storylines… Which ones are you most looking forward to?

Shock exits, sudden returns and star turns (Sharon Glees from Cagney & Lacey!) all feature in the new series of Casualty. Here’s our favourite top five future storylines. Will you be gripped when the award-winning medical drama returns for a new series?

1. Bon voyage!

The new series opens with four Casualty favourites travelling to the French coach to help refugees. It’s a harrowing two-part special, which will have long-running consequences for Dr Dylan Keogh (Will Beck) and Dr Alicia Munroe (Chelsea Halfpenny). Also on hand to add depth in this two-episode special are nurses Louise Tyler (Azuka Oforka) and David Hide (Jason Durr). Will all four Casualty favourites come back changed by their experiences?

“It was so nice to do a story set away from the hospital, the look and feel is more filmic,” says Will Beck, who plays Dylan. “The main thing, however, was the importance of telling this story, which has been slightly forgotten in the news recently, and realising, when you boil it down to one human story, just how relevant it still is.”

2. Gone but not forgotten

Succeeding the two-part series opener, episode three will be an extended 70-minute special. Why? Well, the results of the inquest to racist Scott Ellisson’s death are finally made public, which will have potentially devastating consequences for doctor Ethan Hardy. Last series viewers were gripped after Scott murdered Ethan’s brother, Cal, resulting in Ethan waging a campaign of revenge.

“We pick up post-Scott but Ethan’s certainly not moving on. There’s a lot more to deal with,” reveals George Rainsford, who plays Ethan. “There are some really interesting and challenging things coming up, and I’ve been working with Amanda Mealing, who plays Connie Beauchamp, a lot more.”

We doubt Ethan will get away (Scott free, if you will) with his involvement in Ellisson’s death…

3. So long Sam!

The new series will see the sudden departure of Sam Strachan. If viewers are shocked, that’s nothing to how Connie feels when she realises her ex Sam has upped and left with their daughter Grace!

Tom Chambers, who plays Sam, told What’s on TV: “Sam vanishes and takes Grace with him – it’s a shocking exit.

“In real life I’m touring around the country with George Gershwin’s musical Crazy For You. I’m hoping, all being well, maybe Sam will come back after the tour.”

4. Play it again Sam

When one Sam exits another enters. Charlotte Salt is set to return as Dylan’s ex-wife Sam Nicholls. While her return is shrouded in mystery, what we can tell you is Sam returns without husband Tom Kent (Oliver Coleman). We think paramedic Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson) will also be surprised to see his former lover back in Holby - and it may mean trouble with his love-interest, doctor Lily Chao (Crystal Yu), we hope!

Talking to TV Times, Casualty’s series producer Erika Hossington said: “Tom isn't returning. We will find out what's happened with him and why Sam’s come back.

“We know fans loved Charlotte first time round, so it seemed worth asking her. We're excited she said yes."

5. Hollywood glamour

Casualty has no problem pulling in exciting guest stars and that’s certainly the case later this year when award-winning Cagney & Lacey star, Sharon Glees, makes a special appearance in the autumn.

Sharon plays accomplished surgeon Zsa Zsa Harper-Jenkinson, former mentor to troubled doctor Dylan Keogh. Speaking about her star spot on Casualty, Sharon said: “I'm a rabid Anglophile. Some of our finest American TV is British. Zsa Zsa is a wonderful character and I hope you all enjoy her too”.

Casualty returns to BBC1 on Saturday 19 August

Casualty star Amanda Mealing reveals how a rogue email from BAFTA has led to a new movement for female directors called BAFTA's Lucky 225...

As Connie Beauchamp on Casualty, Amanda Mealing is no stranger to commanding a room. Now, she’s also taking her talents behind the scenes and has started directing, as well as acting.

Here Amanda tells What’s on TV how she became part of the inspiring BAFTA's Lucky 225 scheme and why Casualty is a wonderful vehicle for up and coming talent. She also reveals Endeavour star Shaun Evans’ directorial debut is this weekend’s Casualty episode...

Last year you directed an episode of Casualty. Was it strange being on the other side of the camera? "Not at all! Everything came together beautifully. There was huge respect from the cast and crew, which I’ve really appreciated. It was an incredible experience. I really loved it."

What reaction did the episode get? "I’ve heard back from the most unexpected quarters – both from people who’ve left the show and are still in touch and people who are quite removed from the show – and they’ve all said the most complimentary things."

Would you like to direct more Casualty? "Fingers crossed when Connie get a little bit of a break – which is not that often! – I’ll go back behind the camera again. Directing is something I definitely want to pursue. I’m very keen on it and I’ve a film in pre-production at the moment."

You’re also part of BAFTA's Lucky 225 – can you tell us more about that? "BAFTA's Lucky 225 is a scheme for female directors. I don’t know if you heard, but BAFTA mistakenly cc’d 225 of us into a rejection email. Initially it was a bit awkward! Then we started chatting to each other and within two hours we decided to all get together and be a voice for female directors."

Why is it important female directors have this voice? "We’ve started this movement to find out why there are so few female directors employed. They keep saying they can’t find female directors, but on this one email there are 225 of us. It’s really just the early stages of it now. Directing is definitely the area I want to go forward in and it's lovely to be part of a movement so early on."

Is this something Casualty are good at? "Casualty is very proactive in using female directors, and also in nurturing new talent. There are quite a few people we’ve had [on Casualty] recently who haven’t directed. I will direct another couple of episodes of Casualty, too. It’s a wonderful scheme to be a part of."

You had an interesting new director for this weekend’s episode of Casualty, didn't you? "Shaun Evans, who’s the lead actor of Endeavour, has just been on. He’s never directed before and he came on and directed. He was wonderful. Casualty is one of the few places, particularly in prime-time TV, where a director can have that opportunity. I’m very proud to be part of Casualty, both in front of the camera and behind it."

Casualty screens on BBC1 at 9pm this Saturday.

Amanda Mealing reveals Connie Beauchamp is determined to tear strips off Sam Strachan and regain control of the Casualty ED. But is something else bubbling?

There are fireworks in the ED this Saturday on Casualty (BBC1, 9pm) when clinical lead Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing) declares war on medical director Sam Strachan (Tom Chambers).

As MD, Sam has the ED consultants – including Connie – re-interviewing for their jobs, with someone ultimately facing redundancy. It doesn’t help that Connie and Sam have a complicated personal history and a daughter, Grace, together. This week, Connie decides enough is enough, and decides to strike back. It’s a clash of the titans... but who will emerge victorious?

This week Sam holds job interviews with the ED consultants. How does Connie feel about this? "As demanding as Connie can be on the ED staff they are her team and she’s going to back them to the end. Connie decides she’s going to fight for them – and she loves a fight!"

Should we be worried for Sam? "She will fight Sam in every possible way. Connie’s a wily old cat! She also knows Sam really well so she knows how to play him. Connie’s going to use every possible weapon against him. It’ll be fun! It’s good fun to play as well. I do enjoy Connie."

How would you describe Connie and Sam’s complicated relationship? "It’s war of the roses. We’ll see some good scrapping coming up. It’s lovely playing opposite Tom Chambers because we know each other so well. Tom knows I may change the words once I get into a scene. Tom listens and reacts, and I’ll react to him, so you get a more natural flow. It makes for a great relationship both on and off screen."

Does Connie resent Sam’s presence in her life, both in the ED and with their daughter Grace? "Yes she does. But it works both ways. There is an attraction, but also an animosity between them. Sam knows Connie really well and knows how to press all her buttons. He does have a certain power because he’s Grace’s father and now he has power in the ED, too, because he’s the medical director. So that, for Connie, means it is all up for grabs and all on for battle!"

In the spring trailer there’s a moment where it looks like they are about to kiss. What can you tell us? "There’s still a very primal attraction between the two of them. There’s also sexual power there. Connie’s very attracted to power, intelligence and good looks - and Sam has all of those things. The animal attraction is very much there..."

Amanda Mealing reveals there’s hope for former Casualty power couple Jacob Masters and Connie Beauchamp…

Just when you thought Casualty's Connie Beauchamp was dead on the inside Amanda Mealing turns that notion on its head and reveals there’s hope of happiness for the ED clinical lead.

What’s on TV talked to the Casualty star about her upcoming storyline involving Connie and young Hugo Bonning, who Connie’s been looking after. Amanda reveals this heart-wrenching chapter opens up the door for drastic changes in Connie’s life, including a glimmer of hope for Connie and Jacob…

Connie’s in for a shock this week when Hugo’s dad announces they’re moving to Scotland. How does Connie react? "After the entire situation with Connie’s daughter, Grace, she’s been really content looking after Hugo. They’ve formed a good relationship, he’s really keen on biology, which is her field, and they have great rapport. So when his father Jim turns up and says they’re moving to Scotland, Connie is shocked. It’s then she suddenly realises how much she’s enjoyed having Hugo around."

It must be a bit of a shock for Hugo too? "Connie wants to break the news to Hugo herself, because she knows it’s going to be a shock for him. They’ve really bonded. Hugo’s even mistakenly called Connie Mum!"

How does Hugo take the news? "He doesn’t take it well at all. He’s desperately upset and runs off! He has a record of running off and hitching rides, which is a dangerous thing in itself, so there are concerns on many levels…"

There are other concerns here – has Connie replaced Grace with Hugo? "Well, it brings into question everything, especially her relationship with her own daughter. Why has that failed so often? Why can she not just be happy?

"She’s replaced all the attention and affection Grace is refusing onto Hugo, who’s like a surrogate child to her. It reflects how tragic Connie's life has become and how lonely she is."

What does she conclude? "She is the common denominator in all of this. She has to take a blunt and honest look at herself, which isn’t very nice! She’s been rejected by Grace. She’s rejected Jacob. She constantly sabotages her well-being and happiness, and for what? Usually for work!"

Does she manage to let go of Hugo? "Jacob (Charles Venn) reminds her she’s blurred the lines quite a bit. He makes her realise Hugo isn’t her child and he needs to be with his real parents. Grace is her child and her responsibility is there."

What would you like to see next for Connie? "I do feel sorry for Connie. She’s her own worst enemy. She’s well intentioned with the things she does, but inevitably they’re misguided. The situation with Hugo makes her come to terms with the fact she needs to rake a radical step back and reassess who she is. I hope she can learn to respect Grace and reconcile with her."

Is there any hope Connie and Jacob could rekindle their relationship? "I think Jacob is the only person she’s really loved. He’s the only person she’s allowed into her life fully. She’s very guarded. To Connie being in love is a vulnerable place. Jacob is the only person she allowed in, but even then she pushed him away!

"I do hope that at some point that they can rekindle that. The affection and love is obviously still there. It’s just that once she shut the door, it’s really difficult to open up again…"

It would make Casualty fans very happy! "The fans are still very strongly behind Connie and Jacob’s relationship. I think we were all surprised about how well it was received... So watch this space!"

Casualty screens on BBC1 at 9pm this Saturday.

Interview by Victoria Wilson

Actress Amanda Mealing spoke to What's on TV about how Casualty is finishing its 30th anniversary year with an amazing one-take episode

Casualty star Amanda Mealing is excited about the ambitious final episode in the current series – an episode which is filmed in one continuous take.

Amanda, who plays ice cold consultant Connie Beauchamp, spoke to What's on TV about Casualty's big year: "It's amazing... 30th anniversary, NTAs (win), Bafta nomination, you know, and it's still going strong. We've just shot the end of series episode all in one shot, it's amazing – even for a regular episode it's good, the fact it's done in one shot is amazing."

It's the first time an entire episode of a British drama has been filmed this way.

How does it play out? "Connie does her regular thing, you know, she's grumpy... The idea is to exemplify everyone's characters in their regular day. It's supposed to be, in some ways, a love letter to the NHS. You know, how dramatic and amazing it can be."

Casualty won best drama at the National Television Awards in January, but lost to Emmerdale in the best continuing drama category at the Baftas on Sunday.

Amanda Mealing believes the tight bond the cast and crew of Casualty has contributes to its enduring success, capped on Wednesday with a National TV Award

Amanda Mealing, star of BBC1's Casualty, says the cast and crew of the medical drama are a really close unit.

Amanda plays icy senior consultant Connie Beauchamp in Casualty, which was named Best Drama at the 2017 National TV Awards.

She told What's on TV on the red carpet: "We're a very close unit because I think most of us are working away from home and also on a long-running drama or project you need to rely on your fellow cast members. You know, you won't always have the energy to see yourself through the day so we're very close. We look after each other."

Asked about her the online grief her on-screen rival Jaye Griffiths (Elle Gardner) gets from some fans, Amanda said: "Connie has very very very loyal fans, yes, they are really quote verbose when it comes to Elle and her conflict with Connie. But Jaye and I are really good friends. It's usually the way, best of enemies on screen are best of friends off screen. But she takes it in really good heart."

She hinted the recent softer side of Connie witnessed during daughter Grace's health problems won't last. "There's always strife in her life and there's always a fight somewhere, so we're bringing back, let's just say the female dog Connie!"

The Casualty cast talk about filming the 30th anniversary special which featured a dramatic helicopter disaster in Holby Hospital

Casualty fans were treated to an action-packed treat as the much-loved medical show celebrated its 30th anniversary with an adrenaline-fuelled feature-length episode on Saturday night.

Viewers were left on the edge of their seats when much-loved consultant Connie Beauchamp and her daughter Grace careered off the road in a terrifying car crash at the end of the last series in July.

Somehow the pair survived the fiery crash, yet worse was to follow as the emergency helicopter which carried a severely injured Grace to A&E smashed into the hospital in a spectacular crash, leaving several people dead.

“It took over 100 people to create the helicopter stunt,” said series producer Erika Hossington. “We always do things for real on Casualty so it was a real challenge. The only CGI on the stunt is the painting out of the wires holding the helicopter up and the rotor blades, everything else we did for real.

"We had a helicopter suspended off three cranes to be able to land it like we did!”

Connie was already at the hospital when the helicopter with her daughter aboard crashed to earth and the episode finished with the heartbreaking news that Grace may not make a full recovery…

Producers have revealed the events of this week’s special episode will trigger Casualty storylines that will feature in the show for the rest of the series, perhaps further, so audiences will still hold hope that Grace’s injuries won’t be life-changing.

“Filming this episode was tough,” said Amanda Mealing, who plays Grace. “I was covered in sticky blood and I spent a week literally crawling along the bottom of the ravine. I got cuts everywhere!

"It was quite tough psychologically as well. I spent a week getting really upset for 12 hours a day, it dissipates over time, but when you’re doing that 12 hours a day, five days a week, it’s kinda rough – I was exhausted and depressed by the end!”

Filming the crash itself was also a bit tricky…

“I did all the driving sequences,” explained Amanda. “I’m a little bit of a speed freak so I was like ‘I’ll do that!’ I did all the chase scenes and then in the studio we had the car up on a gimble with a green screen and tipped it. It’s fantastic what they can do. But you got a sense of what that must be like – I never want to experience that for real!”

After leaving viewers waiting to find out what happened to Connie and Grace for nearly a month, Amanda was taken aback by the public reaction to the storyline in recent weeks.

“It was a literal cliffhanger!” she explained. “I was so surprised by the reaction to that final scene. I was blown away by the defence and love for those two characters. People were really upset at the thought of them being in trouble. I think – I think – they’ll be happy with what happened. Hopefully they’ll feel it was worth four weeks of pain!”

As news of the disaster reacheed the emergency department, a party to celebrate much-loved nurse Charlie Fairhead’s 30 years of service was interrupted and old favourites Josh Griffiths and Duffy, rolled back the years by pitching in to help.

“It was amazing to be back,” said Cathy Shipton, who plays Duffy. “Charlie, Josh and I felt like the three amigos. It was like a Doctor Who special with everyone coming back, but it was a real joy. For us it was just like any other day, because we’ve kept in touch, but it was great to see the characters back together!”

Meanwhile, Ian Bleasdale, who plays Josh, has revealed that he started watching the show again regularly once he realised he was going to be in it again!

“I watched it now and again since I left,” he explained. “I didn’t for ages because I knew it wouldn’t be as good without me! Once I knew I coming back I started watching again, it was great to be back on set and see everyone.”

One person he was particularly looking forward to seeing was Derek Thompson, who plays Charlie Fairhead, and the show’s longest-serving actor said he never thought he’d be celebrating Casualty’s 30th anniversary when he joined the show.

“When I first signed up back in 1986 I was told I’d have to commit for two series – possibly three!” said Derek. “I never thought I’d still be here by series 30!”

Yet, rather than resting on their laurels, producers are already planning for the future and have big plans for the new series.

“We want to keep the momentum going from this special episode,” said series producer Erika Hossington. “We are going to do something different to end the series, something the show has never done – but more on that at a later date!”

The new series of Casualty continues next Saturday on BBC1

Doing her own stunts, being covered in blood, and emotional exhaustion. Amanda Mealing reveals the reality of filming Casualty’s explosive 30th anniversary episode...

What’s on TV caught up with Amanda Mealing, who plays Connie Beauchamp on Casualty, to talk about Saturday’s anniversary special. Here’s what she revealed about the feature-length special…

You’re heavily involved in this episode. What have they had you doing? "I spent a week covered in sticky blood crawling along the bottom of the ravine Connie’s car plunged into. I got cuts everywhere!"

With all the fake blood and cuts, you must be a continuity nightmare! "If there’s any doubt, they just pour more blood on!"

Did you have to spend hours in make-up? "It took about an hour. Under the blood are prosthetic cuts and scars, so it takes quite a while to do. My hair was in a disgusting wig! The make-up team are really clever."

Seeing Connie and Grace plunge into the ravine has been quite a cliffhanger and a long four-week wait for Casualty fans… "Yes, the end of series 30 is literally a cliffhanger! The long gap has been frustrating for people!"

What can you reveal about the top-secret anniversary episode? "It’s really traumatic. Connie sees a shoe and thinks it’s her daughter Grace… and then the car explodes!"

How was it to perform those scenes? "One of the producers said to me: ‘You know you’ve spent a week acting to an empty car?’ It’s possibly the best thing I’ve acted with – but don’t tell the others I’ve said that or I’ll be in real trouble!"

It’s highly emotional. Has that been exhausting for you? "It was. Some actors can act pain, sadness, anxiety and anguish. I can’t do that. I think you have to be a genius to fake it. So I spent twelve hours a day, five days a week getting really upset. It was rough; I was exhausted and depressed! You get an emotional hangover."

At least, for once, Connie’s very high-heels come off! "Yes, there are no heels on. See, this is what happens when Connie takes her shoes off! I do think the shoes very much make Connie, she has a very strong posture, and they make me hold myself differently."

Did you do the stunt driving sequences in the cliffhanger? "Yes, I did all of them. I’m a little bit of a speed freak, so I did all the chase scenes. It was really interesting. Later in the studio we had the car up on a gimbal, tipped and with a green screen. It is fantastic what they can do! I got a real sense of how horrific it is, and I never want to experience it for real."

You did say you wanted to do more stunts! "Yes I did. I said I wanted to get out more and wanted to do more stunts. Shut your mouth, Amanda! Next time say you want to go to Barbados!"

We know there’s helicopter crashes at the hospital too. What can you reveal about that stunt? "With the anniversary episode we tried to do as much as possible for real. I came in one Saturday and was told there was a parcel in my dressing room. So I went in and there was a helicopter swinging in front of me! They swung it for real into the back of the ambulance - in one take!"

You must be ready for a holiday after all that? "Well, I start directing an episode soon, so I’ll be on the other side of the camera. It’s my first one and I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to put them all through their paces – blood and more blood!"

Find out what's next for Connie and Grace with our episode reveal

Casualty star Charles Venn reveals his high hopes for Casualty’s 30th Anniversary episode and what viewers can expect…

Last week Casualty ended its 30th series on a literal cliffhanger, with clinical lead Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing) and daughter Grace (Emily Carey) plummeting over a ravine in her car.

What’s on TV talked to Casualty star Charles Venn, who plays senior nurse Jacob Masters. He revealed the Casualty cast and crew were also struggling with the four-week break between last week’s episode and the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary on BBC1 on August 27th.

But he promised fans the feature-length anniversary episode (which has been over a year in the planning) will be worth the wait…

Charles, Casualty fans are struggling with the wait for the 30th Anniversary episode… "I know, it’s absolute torture! If they’re struggling, we are too. But we’ve got some wonderful teasers and a great media campaign together to whet the audience’s appetite."

Is there excitement behind the scenes with the cast and crew? "Very much so. This whole period leading up to episode one of series 31 – the feature-length Anniversary episode – has been palpable. You can feel the excitement in the air."

What’s the consensus behind the scenes? "We’ve done something special. I’m adamant it will live up to the hype."

Can you give us a taste of what’s going to follow last week’s cliffhanger? "Jacob hasn’t seen Steph (Tonicha Lawrence) go off in her car after Connie and Grace in a blind, seething rage, so he’s none the wiser about how the situation’s escalated."

What’s Jacob up to? "Jacob’s very much involved in helping set up everything for Charlie’s 30th anniversary at the hospital. Charlie (Derek Thompson) is unaware there’s wonderful celebration planned to mark his 30th year at Holby ED. And everyone is trying their best to keep it on the down low."

Can we assume from the trailer it doesn’t go to plan? "There’s going to be a huge curveball, no doubt about it! The audience won’t expect what transpires and where it leads to…"

Casualty’s anniversary episode screens on BBC1 on August 27. Guest stars include Rosie Marcel, Guy Henry and Alex Walkinshaw from sister series Holby City. Plus some familiar faces from the long-running medical drama’s past.

Check our Casualty page for more news and interviews.

Can Casualty’s Connie and Grace possibly escape with their lives from a tragic car crash in the series finale?

Casualty has pulled out all the stops for their series finale, which precedes even more intense drama in the much-anticipated 30^th Anniversary…

We can guarantee Casualty fans are going to be left in shock, as the closing scenes of this Saturday’s episode will leave viewers wondering whether clinical lead Connie Beauchamp and her daughter Grace live to see another day.

So how does the mother and daughter’s day end up like this?

To begin with, Grace catches her mum and nurse Jacob Masters (Charles Venn) kissing in the kitchen. But as furious as Grace is there’s no time for an argument - her best friend Carmel has taken a tumble and needs Connie’s medical expertise urgently…

Once Carmel’s admitted to the ED, Grace (Emily Carey) and her mum’s arguing begins in earnest – until Connie twigs that all is not okay with Carmel, who seems terrified of her mum, Steph Sims.

When Connie (Amanda Mealing) spots scratches on Carmel’s abdomen she begins asking questions. But Carmel’s answer leaves her reeling… She claims Grace caused the injuries, and Grace admits to it!

Further tests reveal Carmel is also malnourished. So when Connie walks in on Steph (Tonicha Lawrence) force-feeding her daughter protein shakes and verbally abusing her, Connie begins to realise something disturbing is going on in the Sims’ house.

While her mother is elsewhere, Carmel (Sydney Wade) opens up to Connie. Carmel reveals she’s been self-harming because of how her mother treats her. Connie’s relieved her daughter Grace is not to blame but, concerned for vulnerable Carmel, she calls in social services.

And this is where things get really twisted… Once social services are on the scene, vengeful Steph becomes fixed on revenge. Seething she relentlessly pursues Connie and Grace in her car and drives them off the road!

It’s an agonising end to a tense, dark episode. But it’s all leading up to Casualty’s explosive 30^th Anniversary episode on August 27^th – which has been over a year in the planning!

Casualty's Charles Venn: ‘Steph gets revenge on Connie in the worst way!’

Casualty's Connie Beauchamp and Jacob Masters reunited?

Casualty's Charles Venn explains why Jacob and Connie get so steamy!

Casualty star Charles Venn reveals this could be the end of the road for Connie and Grace who are victims of Steph Sim's revenge road rage...

It’s an action packed episode of Casualty this week! What’s on TV chatted to Casualty’s Charles Venn, who plays spirited nurse Jacob Masters. The former EastEnders star reveals it’s a simmering and essential final episode that will leave Casualty fans wanting more…

Jacob and Connie (Amanda Mealing) have been hiding their romance from Grace. How does Connie’s daughter discover their affair? "It’s the classic stumbling across the truth! Connie and Jacob are enjoying an affectionate moment at Connie’s when Grace unexpectedly returns from a sleepover and catches them red-handed. There’s no getting around it!"

How does Grace react? "The look on her face says it all – she’s not happy! Jacob tries to comfort her and lets her know he has her mother’s best interests at heart. Understandably Grace (Emily Carey) has been Connie’s priority and Jacob’s taken a backseat, but enough is enough! These are two passionate people who are in love and have had to go against their natural feelings to appease the emotions of someone else."

It’s been tough for them, especially working together… "Working in the same environment and sharing the same space has led to fireworks. When they were finally alone in the What Lies Beneath episode, this proved to be the case… Fortunately for Jacob and Connie, but unfortunately for Grace!"

Can you explain the unexpected twist when Grace’s best friend Carmel is brought into the ED? "It’s a shocking psychological child abuse story. Carmel has kept quiet, as is often the case with vulnerable abused children. She blames herself and is defensive when anyone speaks ill of her mum, Steph (Tonicha Lawrence, better known as Linda Fowler in Emmerdale). It’s harrowing and tragic. Credit to Casualty for tackling a deep and pertinent issue."

How involved are Grace, Connie and Jacob? "As ED clinical lead Connie mainly deals with the situation. Jacob earns Grace’s trust and respect when he helps her speak candidly about Carmel to her mother, Connie. Jacob also aids and supports Connie, helping her to realise this is a genuine abuse case. Connie learns a lot from this."

A very challenging storyline for everyone, especially Sydney Wade who plays Carmel Sims… "Sydney Wade is an amazing actress. I’m sure viewers will be wowed by her. We were dumbfounded on set. She displayed a level of experience you don’t expect from a young star. The silence was palpable when she delivered her performance in the ED. It was something special and she’s someone to look out for!"

How does abusive Steph react when social services turn up to investigate malnourished Carmel’s case? "Emotions are high. Once it’s beyond doubt Carmel is being abused by Steph things escalate! Steph and Connie’s relationship has always been frosty and Steph doesn’t take too kindly to being told by Connie social services have been called in. There’s a horrible twist because of that…"

We’re left with a series finale cliffhanger car crash. Can you reveal more? "Outside the ED Steph wants to attack Connie as she’s leaving in her car with Grace! Jacob tries to calm her down but what he doesn’t see is seething Steph getting into her car and pursuing Connie and Grace in a blind rage. Steph wants revenge and unfortunately she gets it in the worst way… It’s all leading up to the special 30^th Anniversary in August! It’s going to be a wonderful celebration of Casualty and nurse Charlie (Derek Thompson) as they mark their 30^th year. We’re very excited!"

This week’s charged episode is on Saturday, July 30, BBC1 at 9.25pm. Casualty’s epic 30^th anniversary episode will screen on August 27

Charles Venn: ‘Expect something epic in Casualty’ (VIDEO)

Charles Venn opens up about his first year on Casualty

Casualty's Charles Venn: We wanted to make it so steamy couples would want an early night! (VIDEO)

Charles Venn: ‘Being buried alive in Casualty was the most challenging thing I’ve shot’ (VIDEO)

Charles Venn: ‘Jacob Masters is a medical James Bond!’

Casualty star Charles Venn reveals shocking storylines are being set up, as Casualty prepares for the 30th Anniversary...

What's on TV caught up with Charles Venn, who revealed there’s shock after shock in store as Casualty’s current series comes to a close on Saturday. Life and death situations also develop in anticipation of the upcoming 30^th anniversary special…

Casualty fans are guaranteed an action-packed episode of Casualty this Saturday. To begin with, Connie (Amanda Mealing) and Jacob’s clandestine love affair is rumbled by Connie’s daughter Grace when she catches them in a clinch. But there’s no time for recriminations as Grace’s best friend, Carmel, has had an accident and needs clinical lead Connie’s medical expertise.

Later, at the hospital, it turns out Grace’s pal Carmel is being psychologically abused and physically neglected by her controlling mum Steph. As social services are called in, vengeful Steph goes on the warpath… and Connie and Grace are her No 1 target!

Speaking to What’s on TV about the series finale, Casualty star Charles Venn revealed: “You can expect pathos, high-octane energy, action. It’s definitely an emotional roller-coaster. And myself, as a parent, the pain that’s on display in this episode is palpable. You wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

He added: “Without giving much away, there’s a lot of trauma within this. On a grand scale, something very pertinent happens that affects a number of people and has a resonating affect on everyone in the ED.

“Expect something quite epic.”

The series finale of Casualty screens on Saturday, July 30 on BBC1 at 9.25pm. The long-running medical drama returns in four weeks’ time with a feature-length 30^th anniversary special

What’s on TV’s guide to the best wisecracks in tonight’s episode of Casualty

It was another fraught shift at Holby with Dylan’s baby sister Rihanna nearly plummeting to her death after her feckless father accidentally set their home alight with a cigarette… But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Here’s our guide to the best comedy moments of the night!

Dylan ruins jelly babies for everyone Dour doctor Dylan’s description of jelly baby sweets: “Cow bone, sinew and water – it’s not really my thing.” He added: “The cannibalistic connotations bother me as well.”

Bum pun Loved-up Connie and Jacob’s plastic poo joke didn’t hit a bum note with viewers, with one Casualty fan tweeting

We loved Charlie’s incomprehension at his accidental pun moment. Holding a plastic poo, he uttered the words: “I will get to the bottom of this.”

Cake-gate When Robyn dropped Glen’s homemade Battenberg (nothing rude) she was quick to christen the occasion Flattenberg. But it was David’s frightened scurrying away from the scene of the cake crime that had us laughing!

Everything Coronation Street star Rula Lenska said and did Rula Lenska’s guest role as fading film star Vera Vintner was excellent. Her best quip?

To hospital porter, Max: “You remind me of one of my co-stars… Werewolf boy. Rather hairy – even out of costume”

Fan boy David Rula wasn’t the only one who’s comedy game was first-rate. Nurse David Hide’s reaction to meeting the star of his all-time favourite film Where the Vampire Lies was priceless. All the hats off to Jason Durr for showcasing excellent physical comedy skills.

Football schmutball Dylan again, and his attempts to book football tickets to see a match with his father. His unenthusiastic description of football: “Men in shorts hoofing an inflated pigskin back and forth.”

Quality Casualty comedy, read our episode recap here.

Casualty star Charles Venn reveals he and co-star Amanda Mealing had a strategy to make Jacob and Connie’s relationship realistic for viewers…

Knowing the union of these two strong characters may split Casualty fans, Charles, who plays staff nurse Jacob Masters, revealed to What’s on TV he and Amanda Mealing, who plays Connie Beauchamp, had a plan from the beginning: “The one thing we always said was ‘we’re going make sure this relationship is as steamy as possible. When we kiss, we want it to be a case of being so passionate… that couples, literally, would be sitting in a room and say ‘OK darling, I think it’s time for an early night!’”

After an uncertain start Casualty fans have now taken Jacob and Connie - known as #Jonnie on Twitter – into their hearts as a couple, and are willing them to get back together soon.

Yet former EastEnders and Footballers’ Wives star Charles admitted, he was initially worried the Casualty fan base would reject Connie and Jacob as a couple: “I always knew it was on tenterhooks. Amanda felt more confident about it than myself.”

And while some of us may feel a tad uncomfortable at having to kiss a co-worker, for Charles it’s all in a day’s work!

He laughed: “Its just part of the job. I’ve been doing this now for nearly 18 years, professionally. Prior to this Footballers’ Wives had to be one of the steamiest scenes I had with my co-actress Phina Oruche and, once again, we made it very clear we wanted it to be as visceral and realistic as possible...

“So for me, in many ways, it’s about getting the job done right. Me, personally, I can’t stand watching a sloppy screen kiss – it kills the moment and takes me out of the suspension of disbelief, so I didn’t want to be a victim of that.”

For the full interview with Casualty's Charles Venn, watch the video above

"]

Getting up close with tarantulas and being buried alive – it’s all part of a normal working day on Casualty for Charles Venn.

The star of BBC1’s medical drama reveals how he handles his fears on-screen, why being buried alive was almost too much to bear, and why he’s delighted staff nurse Jacob Masters divided fans when he made his brash entrance back in July 2015…

Speaking about the terrifying scenes where Jacob and clinical lead Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing) are trapped in a basement under falling debris, Charles explained: “They had built a make-shift, confined basement. For the most part, Amanda and I decided to stay in that space to create as much as a claustrophobic, enclosed feel as possible. We had this substance, similar to sand, that was cascaded upon us. We were in there for two days, and it was challenging!

“We realised pretty early, this was going to be a tough one. It has been one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever shot.”

If that wasn’t enough, it turns out Charles’ Casualty character also has a fear of spiders – something viewers learned about when a couple of tarantulas made it into the script earlier this year!

Charles revealed he refused to touch the spiders during filming, adding: “I’m afraid of spiders, but am a strong believer in facing fears. Although I do find spiders creepy, I’ve learned to handle them… depending on the size of them!”

He also hinted there’s more to come: “Jacob has phobias, and there’s another one, which I can’t talk about…”

And talking about Jacob’s unusual entrance to the ED, Charles laughed: “Jacob certainly divided fans. When you have this guy who’s bolshie confident, leftfield… I knew that could rub a couple of people up the wrong way!”

For the full interview with Charles Venn, watch the video above

"]

BBC1’s Casualty has released a sensational trailer revealing what's in store for the medical drama in the coming months, and it positively sizzles!

It’s all part of Casualty’s momentous build-up to their 30th anniversary, which looms in August and has been over a year in the planning by the Casualty team.

Highlights from the long teaser include:

Charlie suspended… Duffy returns!

Casualty figurehead Charlie Fairhead’s suspended after new doctor Elle Gardner dobs him in for stealing pain medication. The twist is, it was actually Big Mac who stole the pills, and Charlie’s covering for him! Will everybody’s favourite nurse, who’s been with the show from the very beginning, be reinstated before the 30th anniversary in August? Or will he hang up his soft shoes once and for all?

Hopefully the reappearance of Duffy (Cathy Shipton) will help get Charlie (Derek Thompson) reinstated – and maybe the old pals will finally share a kiss or two?

Alicia vs Lily!

Your eyes don’t deceive you – junior doctor Alicia Munroe (Chelsea Halfpenny) is back, and she’s all grown up. But while everyone else welcomes her with open arms, Lily Chao, who bullied the young doctor last year, keeps her distance. Is there hope for a friendship here when Alicia spots Lily (Crystal Yu) has a phobia which is interfering with her doctor-ly duties?

What’s on TV are assuming the phobia isn’t blood. Surely we’d have spotted that before now!

Robyn in love… with David?

Robyn (Amanda Henderson) is falling for someone. We can reveal the character in question is a widower called Glen Thomas, played by Welsh actor Owain Arthur, best known as Nobbo in C4’s Babylon.

Interestingly, however, there also seems to be a lot of handholding between Robyn and semi-silent nurse, David Hide (Jason Durr)…

Connie and Jacob caught out!

Connie (Amanda Mealing) and Jacob may have parted ways at the insistence of Connie’s young daughter, Grace, earlier this year. But their undeniable attraction hasn’t disappeared. If this trailer is anything to go by, they’re about to get it back on – but also be caught in a clinch by Grace.

There’s also some big stunt action for Charles Venn, who plays staff nurse Jacob Masters, as he strips off and plunges into what looks like a ravine!

Rita’s dark side rises…

Rita’s been bandying the L word about a lot lately, but her paramedic boyfriend, Iain (Michael Stevenson), hasn’t been feeling it. In this trailer, it looks like he tries to dump her and she goes to desperate measures to save the relationship.

Does Rita really punch herself in the face and pretend it was her ex, just to keep her man? And why is she sitting in despair on a bloodstained floor in the ED? Rita, what have you done?

Dylan’s daddy issues

Not much of a joker at the best of times, it looks like the summer months are going to be super serious for consultant Dylan Keogh. His father Brian is back on the scene; he’s gravely ill, and his smoking is endangering the health of Dylan’s baby half-sister, Rihanna…

Extra, extra…

It’s the worst of times for poor pill-addicted Big Mac – come on mate, own up to stealing the pills and get Charlie reinstated!

Ethan’s ‘Be More Cal’ crusade continues. It’s safe to say with lines like ‘how you doin’?’ in the style of Joey from Friends, he’s going to provide much comedy over the coming episodes.

There’s also serious amount of road traffic crashes, ensuring the car insurance in Holby remains the most expensive in Tellyland!

WATCH THE CASUALTY TRAILER

Casualty is 30 this year and, in an exclusive interview, Executive Producer Oliver Kent tells TV Times he'll be celebrating with bromance, a 'very openly bisexual' paramedic, an enormous stunt and so much more.… Further details below…

1  Lofty in the lurch…

It seems that Lofty’s new promotion is only going to bring him problems.

‘Lofty is going to struggle, partly because he wants to please Dylan, who pushes him a bit further out of his comfort zone than he should go. The results are pretty disastrous for Lofty, but his completely fabulous bromance with Dylan is ongoing.’

2 Return of the Zax?

Oliver’s decision to break up Zoe and Max didn’t go down too well with fans. 

‘I got some small-scale trolling over that! But Zoe will never let herself be happy and Max is quite slow to forgive, so it was the truthful thing to do. They are still crazily in love, but both are so self-destructive, it will take them a while to work out what is actually best. The course of true love was never going to run smooth for those two.’

3 An enormous stunt

‘There’s going to be an enormous stunt in August,’ Oliver tells us. ‘We’ll bring in some Holby characters, plus some faces from the past and something major will happen to one of our lead characters that will take them a very long time to recover from – the ramifications will be felt in the ED for some time.’

4 Duffy to come home?

After a brief return to the ED last year, could Casualty legend Cathy Shipton make a proper comeback?

‘Watch this space,’ teases Oliver. ‘She was a huge hit when she came back last year, she received a massively warm response and we love her. Plus it’s about time Charlie had some happiness…’

5 A 'very openly bisexual' paramedic

Dixie is about to wave farewell to the ambulance station, but Oliver promises we’ll be happy with Casualty’s new paramedic, Jez, played by Emmerdale’s Lloyd Everitt.

‘He’s young, ludicrously handsome and very openly bisexual. The dynamic between him and Ian is really fun and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. Plus we’ll establish a big friendship between Jez and Max.’

6 Ethan not Cal

Festering secrets always spell trouble, and the future looks tense for Cal and Ethan.

‘Once Cal eventually tells his brother about their mum, and all the genies are out of the bottle, the ramifications on Ethan are fairly major. The focus has been on Cal for quite some time and now Ethan is going to take centre stage.’

7 Connie and Jacob – and  Sam…

Connie’s old flame Sam Strachan (played by Tom Chambers) is back, with their daughter, Grace.

‘Connie and Sam have years of history and chemistry, so his return will throw a spanner in the works for her new relationship with Jacob,’ teases Oliver. ‘It kicks off a new chapter for Connie, and with Grace back she realises there’s a dilemma about love versus motherhood that she hadn’t previously considered.’

What do you think? Let us know below in the comments section – there's official TV Times mugs for the three posts we like best. Good luck!  

Casualty star Crystal Yu reveals why blunt medic Lily Chao isn’t going to let Ethan resign without putting up a fight!

In a recent chat with What’s on TV’s Elaine Reilly, Crystal also reflects on Lily’s grief at the sudden death of her father, explains why that led to her bullying of Alicia, and hints at what’s in store for Ethan and Cal…

Why is Lily sure Ethan’s shock resignation last week was a mistake?

"Ethan’s overworked and overtired. He blames himself for making mistakes and he blames the system for failing both patients and doctors. But Lily knows Ethan really wants to be at Holby City Hospital. He’s a brilliant doctor. Yes he’s been let down by the system, but she doesn’t think throwing a tantrum and giving up makes anything better!"

What does Lily think when she catches Ethan looking for jobs in Australia?

"She thinks he’s running away from his problems! She’ll always be brutally honest with him, so she tries to help him realise he needs to calm down and look at the situation with a new perspective. As doctors, they have to do the best they can in the given circumstances."

Does she have a plan to stop him leaving?

"She asks clinical lead Connie (Amanda Mealing) to please help convince Ethan to stay! Lily reminds Connie that Ethan’s a great doctor and the department can’t afford to lose him. Connie knows everything Lily’s saying is true and his departure would be a massive loss to the ED."

Does Lily have an ulterior motive for wanting Ethan to stay?

"There is an element of selfishness! He’s her only friend, and the only one who understood why she acted the way she did towards Alicia (Chelsea Halfpenny) while grieving the death of her father.

"But Lily also empathises with Ethan because she was in a similar situation last year when she was so overworked she crashed her moped into a young girl! She felt immense guilt after the crash and also thought the only thing she could do was resign. Because what do you do after you’ve caused an accident because you’re working so hard you’re overtired?"

You’ve had some great storylines, especially, as mentioned, when Lily’s father died and she began bullying Alicia. Did you enjoy that tough subject matter?

"I loved playing that storyline. It’s been lovely to discover more about Lily’s vulnerability and the facade she keeps up during her daily hospital life. As a consequence of that she made wrong choices, especially when it came to Alicia."

How would you explain her actions back then?

"She was grieving and was so clouded about everything. The only thing that was kept her sane at that time was the medicine, while human interactions were a big blur to her. She regretted the whole thing, but unfortunately it was too late."

What reaction did you get to that story?

"Most people thought Lily was a witch! But some people also tweeted me saying, they thought what Lily was doing was terrible, but that they sympathised with what she was going though in losing a parent.

"I was really lucky in the sense that, because Chelsea Halfpenny and I get on so well and trust each other, we could take the story as far as it could go."

Do you think Lily would like to rekindle her near-romance with Ethan?

"She’ll always have a soft spot for him, but at this point I don’t think Lily and Ethan are more than good friends. Their friendship’s so solid they’re possibly beyond romance now. There was a time Lily wanted to be with Ethan (George Rainsford), but now she’d rather have a life-long friend than to be boyfriend/girlfriend and that not work out."

Ethan has yet to discover he and brother Cal are adopted and he may have inherited Huntington’s disease. Will Lily be involved in this shocker?

"Seriously, those boys need to communicate! I can’t say too much as it’s going to be a massive revelation when it comes to light! Lily’s definitely going to be an anchor for Ethan at this turning point in his life, when he feels everything’s falling apart…"

Casualty continues on BBC1 on Saturday nights.

Watch star Sunetra Sarker talk about the medical drama's National TV Awards nomination.

Here's what happened when our cheeky little friend to the stars asked the grande dame of the ED, Casualty's Amanda Mealing, which celebrities she'd like to be her children…

Lives are on the line when terrorists take over the hospital…The Casualty medical team face their toughest challenge yet when the ED is taken over by religious fanatics hell-bent on avenging hateful racist attacks on local Muslims.

The terrorists’ plan kicks off with an acid attack at a meeting held by an extreme group known as Knights Of The West. But the attack turns out to be a ploy to land the group’s nasty husband and wife leaders, Roy and Denise Ellisson, in hospital and then separate them for assassination!

The worst is yet to come, however. Soon after Roy and Denise (played by former EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin, aka Walford’s Lisa Fowler) are admitted to the hospital’s ED, terrorists posing as patients pull out their guns and start shooting!

The hospital is quickly excavated, but a number of the staff, including Big Mac, Max, Alicia and Louise, are trapped inside.

Desperate to help their colleagues escape, nurse Jacob Masters (Charles Venn) and clinical lead Connie Beauchamp (Amanda Mealing) sneak back into the ED, but end up being held hostage at gunpoint!

Having managed to get his hands on one of the guns, Jacob then finds himself in a terrifying stand-off, just as the police launch an armed forces response and burst into the ED.

In the confusion, Jacob is shot! The nurse’s heroics almost cost him his life as Connie and the team battle to save his life. Afterwards he’s being hailed a hero, but feels more like a victim. However, Connie opens up to him, and the pair become closer. Could love be in the air?

Casualty star Amanda Mealing has confessed she would be scared to come face to face with her character Connie Beauchamp.

The 46-year-old actress has played the formidable senior consultant for over 10 years now, first in BBC medical drama Holby City and now in sister show Casualty – but insists she is nothing like her in real life.

Amanda Mealing plays Connie Beauchamp in Casualty (Ian West/PA)

Amanda told the TV Times: “I’d be scared of her. She’s never stuck for words, whereas I’m always stuck for words and I trip over furniture. I’m nothing like her.

“I’d be intimidated if she came over for dinner. But if I had to have her around, I’d also invite Holby’s Elliot Hope (Paul Bradley) because he doesn’t bite when she snaps.

“I’d also have my good friend Paul O’Grady because I’d like to see those two have a spat and I don’t know who would win. There would be blood!”

Casualty star Amanda Mealing has described playing her character, Rachel, in north London-set film drama Still as like a 'psychological therapy session'.

Amanda co-stars with former Games of Thrones actor Aidan Gillen in Still, the story of a damaged photographer who has recently lost his son and is drawn into a battle with local teenagers.

Amanda said: "The brilliant thing, with good writing, is the character is almost there for you. Simon [Blake, writer/director] had given me a template, a fully fledged character, so it was just just a case of teasing out the fine aspects of it... and taking  from the emotional journey that Rachel goes through during the filming.

"And it's about grief – for me I have to work on a person al level. I have to draw on the experiences similar to that I may have had. I've had my fair share of ups and downs in life, so it was a case of pulling those out and using those emotions."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9MU-3cE9u4

Watch a longer version of this interview with Amanda Mealing here.

Still is available to rent or buy now from We Are Colony.

On the BAFTA red carpet this evening Casualty star Amanda Mealing reveals spills and thrills are in store, as the long-running drama gets set to celebrate it’s 30th birthday.

Amanda says: “Just yesterday we finished filming episodes one and two of series thirty. It’s really exciting. It pushes the boundaries of what we see most weeks. I don’t think anyone is going to be disappointed!”

Next week, as a precursor to the 30th celebrations, fans of the show will see Connie Beauchamp and long-serving nurse, Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson) have an action-packed adventure in Romania.

Amanda says: “I really enjoyed going to Romania. It was like shooting a movie. I kept calling it ‘Casualty the movie!’”

It’s been over a decade since Casualty, which consistently pulls in a big audience for BBC1 on Saturday nights, was nominated for a BAFTA. Amanda agrees with What’s on TV, this accolade seems a long time coming:

She explains: “It feels long overdue. It’s been 12 years since the last nomination, but it’s a huge honour.

"A lot of hard work has gone into changing [Casualty] in the last eighteen months, so it’s really nice for it to be recognised. Whether we win or not we’ve been nominated and that’s the special thing.

“As you can see I’ve been let out of prison and put my glad rags on!”

For more from Amanda watch our video above. Highlights include her love of Masterchef and the revelation that Casualty’s executive producer, Ollie Kent, has a strict rulebook for Connie!

In the last couple of months Casualty’s Connie Beauchamp has been arrested, charged with murder and banged up.

Amanda Mealing talks to What’s on TV about Connie’s recent rollercoaster life, and reveals more surprises are in store for Holby City ED’s clinical lead when she’s released from prison this week!

Last week viewers saw Connie charged with the murder of her friend, Alfred. Will we see her behind bars this week?

“Yes, and it’s not her natural environment at all! Ollie Kent, Casualty’s executive producer, told me he’s waited years to see Connie in the clink! I had a lot of fun filming those scenes. I don’t think it would take Connie long to run the prison.”

How is she holding up?

“Being charged with Alfred’s death is the final straw for her. The terminally ill surgeon was a hero of hers, and they had a very special relationship. His death has really broken Connie. This really is the winter of her discontent!”

In this week’s action-packed episode Connie’s proved innocent and released. What can you reveal?

“It’s all down to Charlie. He works out Rita’s taken the packet of tablets that would prove Connie didn’t help Alfred end his life. He puts the moral thumbscrews on Rita and, Charlie, being Charlie, takes the pills to the police saying they turned up anonymously on his desk.”

What does Connie do when she’s released?

“Charlie’s there for her when she comes out of prison and she badgers him to take her straight back to Holby ED to pick up some things! Even though she’s been suspended, pending an inquiry, Connie insists she’s not shying away.”

We’ve heard there’s a dramatic twist at the hospital?

“Yes! While all this is happening Charlie gets a call from his son Louis’ girlfriend in Bucharest saying Louis is in trouble because he owes money. Because Charlie’s the only person who’s been there for her, Connie says she’s going with him to Romania!”

Can you reveal what’s next for Connie and Charlie?

“The future is under wraps, even from me, but Casualty are taking Charlie and Connie on a strange, tangent journey in Romania! We’re going to see a very different Connie…”

As viewers saw in Saturday's Casualty, Connie Beauchamp’s colleagues – especially Rita – didn’t hold back when the police questioned them about the Holby City surgeon’s character.

Chatting to What’s on TV about the explosive storyline, Amanda Mealing said: “When the police question everyone at Holby ED about Connie’s character, and whether she’s the type of person who could have helped Alfred die, everyone grasps the opportunity to stick the knife in, because they hate her!

“Charlie is the only one on her side. But he’s a deeply honest man and, in trying to defend her, ends up putting another nail in Connie’s coffin! She ends up completely alone.”

Under intense police pressure, Connie confessed to stealing drugs from the hospital, certain they were still in her desk drawer at work, and would prove she hadn’t killed Alfred. But before the police could confirm Connie’s story, Rita – who relishes running the ED in Connie’s absence – sneaked into her office and pocketed the pills!

Amanda explained: “Connie admits she did take the tablets, and they’re still in her office. But the police can’t find them because Rita has beaten them to it. Rita’s behaviour is malicious. She really sees this as her opportunity to get rid of Connie once and for all!”

With no love lost between the two women, will Rita regret her actions and come clean? Or is Connie destined for a life behind bars? Read our sneak peek at the next episode for more…

Next Saturday Casualty viewers will see Holby ED’s clinical lead Connie Beauchamp arrested for murder.

Talking to What’s on TV, Amanda Mealing reveals the fascinating background to Connie's relationship with dying surgeon Alfred Maxwell and how she’s been deeply affected by the euthanasia storyline with respected screen and TV actor, Michael Byrne…

Last week Casualty left us with a cliffhanger. We saw Connie steal medication from the hospital and visit Alfred. What can you reveal about the circumstances leading to her arrest?

“This week Alfred’s brought into the ED almost dead and Connie refuses to allow any of her staff to treat him. She also tells Lofty to throw away Alfred’s blood tests! Soon afterwards Alfred dies. Rita is very suspicious when she hears Connie wants Alfred’s bloods binned, so she gets them tested to see if there are any unusual drugs in his system!”

Is there a hint of maliciousness to nurse manager Rita’s behaviour, given their history?

“There is initially, I think. Rita really does think this is her opportunity to get rid of Connie!”

Do we know yet whether Connie’s given in to Alfred’s dying euthanasia wish?

“There’s an undeniable ambiguity as to whether Connie has gone through with helping Alfred or not. But we will find out. Either way, at the end of the last episode his argument for assisted suicide had definitely won her over. But [at this point] it’s still questionable whether she did or not.”

Connie is normally so sure of herself. What’s behind her indecision on whether or not to assist Alfred?

“Connie’s usually very clinical about things and very good at deciding what needs to be done medically. But because she has such a bond with Alfred, her judgement’s been clouded so she’s not as clear-cut.”

Their friendship has developed quickly – is there more to it for Connie?

“Shortly after Connie’s daughter Grace left, Alfred turned up at the hospital. This was around the same time as the anniversary of her father’s death, when we discover the reasons behind her work at the Emergency Department. Not only does Alfred look like her father, he’s also everything she wanted him to be – a professor of surgery and a hero of hers. This is why she has such a special relationship with him. In trying to save dying Alfred, she’s trying to save her father again, which she wasn’t able to do.”

She’s been on quite a journey since her arrival at Holby City ED in 2014!

“The initial idea we had for Connie was to have a year of seasons. She arrived in Holby during her spring. Taking over the ED was her summer. And in autumn she began to disintegrate after she lost Grace. Alfred’s arrival marks her winter of despair.”

How has it been working with Michael Byrne, who plays Motor Neuron Disease sufferer Alfred Maxwell?

“It’s been a privilege to work with Indiana Jones’ star Michael Byrne, he’s a phenomenal actor! I’ve found myself welling up in the scenes with Michael. If you see me looking up, it’s because I’m trying not to cry, because Connie doesn’t cry! I just couldn’t help being affected by his performance.”

Given the sensitivity of the subject, have you had a lot of research material to hand on set while filming?

“Yes, a lot of information. We had advisors all the way through, who were on set if we had any questions. We also talked about the medical and psychological aspects of both the patient and carer’s points of view.”

Have you felt a big responsibility with this storyline?

“It’s a huge responsibility to get this story right. Instead of being either for or against euthanasia Casualty’s put across both cases. You absolutely get why this man, who can put his very valid reasons across, wants to die. Slowly his body is becoming a cage. Then Connie’s on the side of caution, saying there are so many ways we can do to give you a reasonably comfortable life until the end. It’s very moving.”

Read more revelations about Connie’s arrest here.

To get a glimpse of Connie being carted off in handcuffs watch Casualty’s ‘strong women’ trailer.

Hold onto your hats Casualty fans, as Connie Beauchamp’s simmering hatred for new nurse manager, Rita Freeman, is set to reach a crescendo on Saturday

Connie has been conducting a deadly hate campaign against Rita since the nurse’s ex-husband Mark turned up at the hospital some months back and was mistakenly thought to have abducted Connie’s daughter Grace.

Meanwhile, Connie’s recent hardline approach to running the hospital sees even indifferent doctor Dylan Keogh questioning the punishing rotas. But with junior doctor Lily on the verge of a breakdown, Rita decides enough is enough. Yet nothing prepares her for the depth of Connie’s deep-seated hatred when she takes her to task.

Chloe Howman, who plays Rita, reveals: “Some really malicious things come out of Connie’s mouth! She blames Rita for her losing custody of her daughter Grace.

“Even though Grace’s leaving wasn’t Rita’s fault, Connie has pushed all the hurt and blame on Rita. As a result Connie has lost all perspective. She’s on the attack because she’s hurting.”

Chloe explains Rita’s been holding her tongue until now, but that’s all set to change: “Rita can see that Connie’s hurting. Also, since becoming nurse manager Rita’s had a lot of learning to do and has come to realise the enormity of Connie’s job running the hospital.

“In a way, Rita and Connie are oddly similar. They both want what’s best for the department, but go about things in very different ways. Rita’s a hands on, people-person and Connie’s behaviour really tests her.”

Chloe can’t reveal how Rita reacts to Connie’s vicious verbal attack, but teases that this isn’t the end of the story: “I can’t say too much but there’s definitely more to come!

She adds: “Amanda Mealing (Connie) and I have really loved filming these storylines and hope the viewers enjoy them as much as we do!”

Read more about Saturday’s episode here

ED clinical lead Connie Beauchamp hits the bottle as she struggles to accept her daughter Grace has left home to live with her gran. Not only is Connie finding solace in booze, she is also fuelled by thoughts of revenge on Hailey Blake, the grieving relative who shopped her to social services!

Connie tries to stay professional at work, but when a seriously ill patient comes in whose mother is too busy with work to care, it makes Connie question her treatment of Grace.

Meanwhile, Hailey turns up at the hospital begging Connie to drop legal action against her. At first the bitter doctor tells Hailey to get lost. Later, however, she relents and drops her feud with the grieving woman, realising only she is to blame for the problems with her neglected daughter.

But when Grace phone her mum to tell her she’s top of her math’s class, Connie chooses to ignore the call and deal with a patient instead…

Elsewhere, Zoe continues to act as if she's not interested in ex Max. Robyn, dismayed by rising poverty in Holby, organises a foodbank at the hospital. And Cal books a holiday in party resort Magaluf for his reserved brother Ethan so he can have the flat to himself for a week in order to woo new lover Taylor!

In Saturday’s Casualty we saw Connie Beauchamp accept her limitations as a clinical lead in her staff’s time of need and pick up the phone to Zoe Hanna.

Amanda Mealing, who plays Connie, explained to What’s on TV why the ED needs Zoe: “Connie’s not a comforter. She can’t be the mother or best friend that Zoe can.”

The department is still reeling from the shock death of paramedic Jeff Collier. So with Connie unable to cope with the high level of emotions in the department, she called Zoe at the end of last week’s episode of the long-running medical drama.

“Connie has a very different manner to Zoe when it comes to running the ED. She’s not personable and involved with the team the way Zoe is.”

“Connie can run an efficient ED, but at this point the team need a comforting team leader. Connie doesn’t have the skills to do that.”

“The cracks are showing… which means conflict is coming up!”

Will Connie regret asking Zoe to return, after working so hard to take her job in the first place?

Find out how Zoe’s first days goes when Sunetra Sarker returns to the role on Saturday, October 25 on BBC1.

Meanwhile, read our episode preview here.

In an interview with What’s on TV, Amanda Mealing reveals Casualty consultant Connie Beauchamp is ready to step into Zoe’s clinical lead heels…

Since joining the emergency department earlier this year Connie has been eyeing up Zoe Hanna’s clinical lead position. And when overworked and overwhelmed Zoe goes into freefall in this Sunday’s episode, Connie’s on hand to take over – on a permanent basis!

Zoe buckles under the pressure of running the struggling ED this week and walks away from her duties to attend a helicopter crash. How does Connie view Zoe’s abandonment of her post?

“In Connie’s eyes this is appalling. Zoe has now completely failed in her duties as a clinical lead. It’s quite a pivotal moment for Connie. She’s joined the ED with a clear purpose. We’ve seen her watching Zoe to see how she works. When Zoe abdicates responsibility it gives Connie a chance to prove her skills as a leader. For Connie being left to carry the ED is a blessing in disguise!”

Why is Connie now so openly critical of Zoe’s management?

“Connie’s frustrations with Zoe’s leadership skills have escalated over the weeks. Last week elderly patients were left in reception and this week they’re making front-page headlines! Connie finds it shocking, embarrassing and shameful. [Connie believes] the emergency department needs someone decisive and strong to knock it back into shape and prove the headlines wrong. Zoe should be there as an example to everyone as to how to respond, but she runs away!”

What makes Connie think she can run the department better than Zoe?

“Connie knows she has the skills to be clinical lead. Connie’s good at politics, and being a clinical lead is partly political. She’s also very good at administration. Zoe’s brilliant at medicine, but is a shambles at administration and politics! Now Connie’s been around the emergency department enough, she’s skilled in that as well.”

We see Zoe hand in her notice to hospital CEO Guy Self this week. Does Connie jump at the vacancy?

“Connie’s been playing the long game. She now knows how the ED works and is ready to step up – and Zoe just hands it to her on a plate!”

Previously you played Connie in Holby City from 2004 to 2010. Do you feel you’re back in the flow of playing her now?

“Yes I really am. It’s six months in and I really feel like I’m part of the show and the gang. They’re playing practical jokes on me now, so I must be! Recently Matt Bardock (paramedic Jeff) stuck Connie’s Louboutins to the desk with very strong tack. He nearly needed his own paramedic for that!”

See Zoe hand in her notice after the day from hell on BBC1 this Sunday at 9.15pm.

Alex Walkinshaw is leaving the BBC's long-running medical drama Casualty, but he's not going far.

His character, cheeky nurse Adrian ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, is swapping the emergency department for the wards of Holby City. In the coming months an escalating gambling problem will see Fletch in dire financial straights. This leads to a series of bad decisions from the married father of four, which ultimately force him to leave the emergency department.

Former star of ITV's The Bill Alex, who joined Casualty in 2012, says: “Everyone I’ve worked with in Casualty has been superb and I’ve had a great time in Wales."

Fletch’s biggest storyline since joining the drama has been his steamy affair with boss Tess Bateman. But it remains to be seen whether this plays a part in his departure, although Alex told What’s on TV earlier this year that his wife Natalie would be devastated if she ever found out about the now ended affair.



Casualty and Holby City’s executive producer Oliver Kent reveals: “At Holby City we’ve been thinking of a new male nurse to play alongside Jonny and lock horns with Colette. So when Alex suggested he might get in the lift and come upstairs to Holby City, we accepted like a shot!”

This is the second big crossover between Casualty and Holby City. Last week Amanda Mealing resurrected her role of Holby City’s Connie Beauchamp in the new setting of Casualty. Alex, who has also starred Waterloo Road, is due to leave Casualty and start his new job at Holby City later this year.

In an interview with What’s on TV Amanda Mealing reveals her return as consultant Connie Beauchamp will ruffle feathers in BBC1's Casualty…

Having left Holby City in 2010 was it an easy decision to reprise the role of Connie Beauchamp in Casualty?

"Not at all. I said no at first! I left Holby City after six years of commuting and not seeing my family. But my husband thought we should turn it into an adventure, so they all came with me this time. My children are in a new school and we absolutely love it in Cardiff."

Holby City fans are familiar with Connie, but how would you describe her for Casualty viewers?

"Connie’s a driven alpha female. She’s an incredible doctor and surgeon, and she doesn’t suffer fools. She’s not concerned whether people like her or not, her concern is medicine and the state of the emergency department."

Why is she back?

"Holby CEO Guy Self needs a dynamic consultant in the ED because things are falling apart. So she’s returned from private practice in Switzerland to revolutionise things!"

How do her new co-workers receive her?

"Her arrival puts them into a tailspin! Everyone is trying to work out why she’s there. Clinical Lead Zoe and Connie lock horns almost immediately. Zoe tries to exert her authority, but Connie isn’t very good at taking orders. There are also some very cute young doctors and Connie’s a sexual predator with a roving eye!"

Do Connie and Guy have an agenda for the ED?

"With Connie around things are going to get more political because she’s a political animal. Guy’s instructed her to acquaint herself with every aspect of the ED. Connie takes that literally and on her first day she goes on a shout with the paramedics. She really gets involved with the action! It was quite terrifying, but I did all my own stunts."

Was it easy to get back into the swing of being Connie?

"Once I got the designer heels on I was straight back in there. Connie’s no wallflower so I didn’t have time to be hesitant or nervous, which was a bit of a shock for everyone! I get the best one-liners and putdowns, best costumes and highest heels. It’s every girl’s dream!"

Catch Connie's return to Casualty on BBC1, Saturday, March 29.

Amanda Mealing has revealed she's feeling nervous and excited as her Holby character Connie Beauchamp makes her debut in Casualty, and intends to live tweet during the show on Saturday.

“BBC One are running a special, week-long, promo for Connie’s return,” said Amanda. “I’m really nervous about how she’ll be received, I know fans of Holby City and Casualty have high expectations. I just hope I please rather that disappoint! But I won’t know until it airs on the 29th of March. It’s nerve-wracking!”

Amanda, who played Connie for over six years on Casualty’s BBC1 sister show Holby City from 2004 to 2010, also explained her hesitation at watching her debut: “I’ve seen little bits of it, but think I’ll be too nervous to watch it. I’ll wait for my auntie Doris to call me up and tell me whether it’s any good. She’s my barometer!”

What’s on TV has already seen the episode and think, not only should she watch it, but she should also get online and tweet during it.

Amanda said: “That’s a great idea! I hadn’t thought about it, but now you’ve said it I think I might tweet during it. I tweet all the time – I love it!”

Watch Connie ruffle feathers in Casualty on Saturday, March 29 on BBC1.