In a worrying development this Saturday, the surgeon begins secretly self-medicating with diazepam
Casualty star Amanda Mealing reveals that Connie Beauchamp’s “hackles” go up in Saturday’s episode when she discovers the emergency department has been doing OK without her!
Connie assumed arrogant trouble-shooter Ciaran Coulson would make a hash of managing Holby ED while she was away. Instead, Ciaran (Rick Warden) has the place ticking like clockwork.
Already feeling undermined, there’s worse to come for Connie, who’s privately struggling with debilitating panic attacks... Ciaran has moved into her private office and expects them to share!
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“To return and find Ciaran in her chair, literally… all Connie’s hackles go up! She knows she’s in for a fight," says Amanda Mealing, who plays her. “Connie’s at a weak point and suffering post-traumatic stress disorder since being attacked [by a former patient’s husband]. So this is the worst possible scenario for her.”
Since the violent physical assault by widower Bill Danes in February, Connie’s nervous and scared, and has lost confidence in performing medical procedures.
In a worrying development this Saturday, the surgeon begins secretly self-medicating with diazepam, a mild tranquiliser, that was left behind by a patient.
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Desperate to appear calm, Connie pops pills to help control her anxiety. Later, when doctor Archie Hudson asks for help treating a seriously ill new mum, Connie reluctantly agrees after she spots Ciaran watching her...
“Connie’s numbing herself with these tablets, but they’re exacerbating the situation. We’re seeing Connie at her most vulnerable,” says Amanda. “Connie has always been brilliant at her job, but now she doubts herself. That’s why she’s been avoiding medical cases since the attack. But she’s forced to get back out there and prove herself because Ciaran’s eyes are beaming on her.”
Casualty is on Saturday on BBC1 at 8.25pm.
