BREAKING NEWS: Crystal Yu: ‘It breaks my heart to leave Casualty’

Crystal Yu reveals doctor Lily Chao's leaving Casualty (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

Crystal Yu reveals she’s leaving Casualty as Lily Chao in dramatic fashion…

Casualty news flash! This weekend’s episode sees a heart-broken doctor Lily Chao exit BBC1’s medical drama, Casualty. We’ve been talking to Crystal Yu, who reveals she broke a little bit of her own heart in the process…

“It was my decision to leave but it’s broken my heart. I was offered another year in Casualty in January but had to tell them I can’t. I couldn’t stop crying – and I’m such an ugly crier!” reveals Crystal, who’s played ambitious Lily for over four years. “Everyone understood – we film Casualty in Cardiff and you end up putting your personal life aside. I’ve been away from London for a while and there are things I need to sort out.”

Iain's no longer in the driving seat as far as Lily's concerned (Image credit: BBC/Alistair Heap)

Lily leaves Holby this week in a blaze of emotional drama after she’s finally offered the coveted research post in Hong Kong! That, coupled with boyfriend Iain’s immaturity and Lily’s jealousy in relation to Iain’s ex, Sam, all seem to be pointers it’s time to move on…

“Lily isn’t leaving Holby in easy circumstances. The research post is probably a blessing in disguise. Iain needs to sort out whatever’s going on with Sam,” explains Crystal, 29. “That doesn’t mean Iain and Lily won’t cross paths in the future – her heart may be broken but she’s still alive!”

Crystal and Lily’s exit episode airs on BBC1 at 8.20pm on Saturday.

Coming soon on What's on TV: An in-depth interview with Crystal Yu on her Casualty exit