Fans and co-stars respond to Derek Thompson’s Casualty exit
Casualty spoilers follow.
Casualty said goodbye to a legend last night (March 16), as Derek Thompson bowed out of the role of Charlie Fairhead after nearly 40 years.
Although there was plenty of speculation that Charlie was going to die, especially as he was stabbed in his penultimate episode, he ended up surviving, and decided to retire and drive off into the sunset.
Following the episode's airing, fans, cast, and crew members have all posted tributes to the character online, thanking Derek for his commitment to the role, and expressing relief that Charlie didn't die in the end.
Sunetra Sarker, who returned for Charlie's send-off, led the tributes, writing: "The absolute icon that is Charlie Fairhead bows out with his unique style and talent. It was a privilege to be there for his farewell. Forever Fairhead."
The absolute icon that is Charlie Fairhead bows out with his unique style and talent. It was a privilege to be there for his farewell. Forever Fairhead. #casualty #charlie https://t.co/vfWo3hfbMA
— sunetra sarker (@sarker) March 16, 2024
George Rainsford, who played Ethan Hardy, shared a memory to his page, writing: "Probably my favourite episode during my time at #Casualty was Charlie’s stag do. An absolute riot of a shoot in Barry! Derek was on typically fine form. Congrats and thanks for the memories legend!"
Probably my favourite episode during my time at #Casualty was Charlie’s stag do. An absolute riot of a shoot in Barry! Derek was on typically fine form. Congrats and thanks for the memories legend! #CharlieFairhead https://t.co/Q4MlDg4BlR pic.twitter.com/EEikxgYY8O
— George Rainsford (@georgerainsford) March 16, 2024
"I had the best time working with Derek! Cal & Charlie were the best of mates. What an absolute legend and tv icon. Farewell Charlie and well done Derek!" added Caleb Knight actor Richard Winsor, while editor Joseph Marshall called it "an honour" to work on Charlie's last episodes.
Was an honour to edit Dereks final episodes on #Casualty. This scene gets me every time. What a legend. End of an era. Thank you Charlie Fairhead x #GoodbyeCharlie 🩵 pic.twitter.com/APpfiyyMpF
— Joseph Marshall (@JoeJakeMarshall) March 16, 2024
Here are some responses from viewers:
Holby ED: 1986 Charlie Fairhead arrives in his ICONIC Yellow Car.
Exactly 38 years later he leaves Holby in the exact same car.
A full circle moment and a beautiful way to end Charlie's time on #Casualty. Loved the flashback to young & old Charlie and Stevie at the end too ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Sm91ZOaYvk— Ryan Glendenning (2) (@RyanSoapKing23) March 17, 2024
#Casualty is going to be very strange without the legend that is Charlie Fairhead from next week forward 💔😢 pic.twitter.com/o5EV6wDFgw
— Shaky🌸🌼💖 (@ShakyWoon) March 16, 2024
Not me sat here fully sobbing to @BBCCasualty what a beautiful episode and a fantastic ending for our Charlie 💙💙 #Casualty pic.twitter.com/rVPaEhQKyS
— Christine ⫩⃝🦋🥰🦋⫩⃝ (@christine6257) March 16, 2024
What a beautiful and poignant episode of #Casualty! So relieved that Charlie wasn’t killed off, but given the retirement he so deserves! I just loved the symmetry of the scenes between the young and current Charlie and Stevie! All hospitals need a caring, dedicated nurse like him pic.twitter.com/FbpQIfyREk
— Rhiann Johns (@serenebutterfly) March 16, 2024
this episode was the PERFECT send off for charlie. having him decide to retire and not traumatically die was the right decision after everything he’s been through in the past 37 years. i have absolutely no notes. 10/10 flawless writing and oustanding execution #casualty
— lea ✨ (@muIderitsme) March 16, 2024
The ending he deserved. @BBCCasualty won’t be the same without our Charlie. #Casualty pic.twitter.com/gi9RUMw0Fe
— 𝐇 𝐀 𝐍 𝐍 𝐀 𝐇 ᵕ̈ (@abcdefghannah) March 16, 2024
couldn't think of a better way to write out charlie fairhead so happy they didn't kill him off. derek has played this iconic character for 38 years and his last episode was written so beautifully especially the flashbacks 💛 #casualty pic.twitter.com/dZOGe0fIFN
— Louise (@xloucliftonx96) March 16, 2024
Elinor Lawless, who plays Stevie, spoke exclusively to Digital Spy about the send-off, and revealed that Derek himself was "very, very pleased" with the episode.
"It is something that Derek really wanted to show over the course of that arc we've just seen. He really wanted to show how Charlie's work has changed for him and how the nature of the workplace has changed for him," she said.
Casualty airs on Saturdays on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Casualty spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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