On a ROLE

DEREK THOMPSON on returning to his native Belfast to play a retired cop

- SEAN MARLAND, ELAINE REILLY

Derek Thompson isn’t letting the grass grow under his feet. Just over a month on from bowing out of medical drama Casualty after almost 38 years of playing nurse Charlie Fairhead, the Belfast-born actor is heading back to his home city to guest-star in another popular BBC1 show – Blue Lights.

Returning for its hugely-awaited sophomore series last week, the second episode of the police procedural’s new run sees Derek make his debut as retired officer Robin Graham, who finds his past catching up with him when solicitor Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) investigates a decades-old case that has dangerous implications for the present day.

TV Times caught up with Derek, 76, for an exclusive interview to find out more… On the case: Jen has

Blue Lights proved a ratings hit when it launched in 2023. Were you excited to join its ranks?