End of AN ERA

DEREK THOMPSON on saying farewell to his Casualty icon Charlie Fairhead

Derek Thompson's kind-hearted nurse Charlie Fairhead has been a reassuring presence in Holby ED since Casualty made its debut on Saturday 6 September 1986.

But now, after almost 38 years of being at the heart of the popular BBC1 medical drama, the acclaimed actor is preparing to say goodbye to his legendary character in a two-part storyline that began unfolding last week as Charlie's life was left hanging in the balance after he was stabbed by a drug addict.

'Actors work, if they're lucky, 10 weeks a year. But you couldn't really say that was my story...' smiles Derek, 75, in an exclusive chat with TV Times. 'I've been in a play that's lasted almost 38 years, and no two shows have been the same!'

Here, Derek tells us why Charlie has been the role of a lifetime...

We can't imagine Casualty without Charlie. How did you feel when you received his exit storyline?

When I first read the script, I put it down and let it cook a little, because it's such a lovely piece of work. It's beautifully written by Michelle Lipton and directed by Mike Lacey. I was really thrilled with it and thought, 'Who would want to change a word of this?"

Following the attack on him, Charlie's condition worsens this week, with consultant Stevie Nash leading the fight to save him. Did you enjoy working with Elinor Lawless, who plays her, on these scenes?

Eli and I both love telling stories. Being on set together with just our two characters is hog heaven for us! She was so on it, and I got a lot because of her. She's a virtuoso actor.