Time to say GOODBYE

GEORGE RAINSFORD on Ethan's last shift, and his own exciting new role

- ELAINE REILLY

CASUALTY SATURDAY, 8.50PM (TIMES VARY), BBC1 DRAMA

A lot can happen to a character in nine years on Casualty – just ask star George Rainsford! Since joining the popular BBC1 medical drama in 2014 as doctor Ethan Hardy, storylines have seen his alter ego face the onset of Huntington’s disease, try to avenge the murder of his brother, registrar Cal Knight (Richard Winsor), and struggle to cope with his grief following the death of his fiancée, paramedic Fenisha Khatri (Olivia D’Lima), on their wedding day.

This week, after another roller-coaster shift, the single dad decides to resign – marking the end of George’s time on the show for now as the actor pursues other projects.

Here, in an exclusive interview, George, 40, sets the scene for fan favourite Ethan’s exit and reveals his future plans…

Why does now feel like a good time to leave Casualty?

One of my big reasons for wanting a break was to spend more time at home. It’s a long commute [to Cardiff, where the series is filmed] and I have a young family. I was also getting that itch to explore other challenges. I turned 40 last year, too, so it all rolled into one package!

Are you pleased that Ethan isn’t being killed off?

Yes, and that was very much part of the conversation when I was toying with the idea of a break. I said, ‘I’d like the door to be left open, please.’ I know there are no guarantees in our industry, but I like that Ethan has gone away, yet there’s loads to explore down the line.