In a development that has set the British TV fandom alight, Casualty star Olly Rix has officially unveiled his off-screen romance with co-star Anna Chell, confirming months of speculation and marking a new chapter in his personal life after his split from Call the Midwife actress Helen George. The news dropped in the most modern of ways—through a carefully curated Instagram post that fans wasted no time dissecting.

Rix, 40, who has quickly become one of Casualty’s most captivating figures thanks to his role as the enigmatic and undeniably charming surgeon Flynn Byron, shared a carousel of intimate summer photos, many featuring Chell, 28, who plays nurse Jodie Whyte on the long-running BBC medical drama. Their on-screen chemistry has been apparent from the moment their characters first locked eyes in Holby’s emergency department, but viewers had no idea the sparks were flying just as strongly behind the scenes.

The Instagram post—simple in caption but loaded with meaning—read: “Summer with Anna and Nellie.” Nellie, Rix’s beloved dog, made several appearances in the photos, often nestled between the smiling pair. The images ranged from the casual to the irresistibly tender: sun-lit countryside strolls, shared drinks, cozy moments on rooftops, and one candid shot where the couple leaned in close, caught between laughter and a kiss.

The moment the post went live, fans erupted in excitement. Within minutes, comments flooded in, celebrating the couple’s official social-media debut.
“This is so cute, you are actually made for each other,” one follower gushed.
Another wrote, “My heart is so happy.”
A third added, “I never knew they were a couple—how cute! xx”

This public confirmation follows months of subtle hints and carefully placed clues. Back in June, Rix teased fans with a charming Instagram Story featuring Chell during a day out at a stonemason’s workshop. The two actors, dressed casually and visibly relaxed around one another, tried their hands at masonry, sparking a flurry of online whispers. At the time, neither addressed the rumours outright, but devoted fans of Casualty were quick to speculate that the pair’s bond extended beyond the set.

Sources told The Sun earlier this year that Rix and Chell grew close shortly after he joined the cast of Casualty, where their characters quickly became two of the show’s standout new additions. Their natural rapport, already evident in high-stress scenes set amidst Holby’s crisis-ridden corridors, soon spilled over into off-screen companionship. As their friendship deepened, Rix’s relationship with Helen George, his co-star from Call the Midwife, quietly came to an end.

Rix spent three years portraying Matthew Aylward on Call the Midwife, a role that earned him a loyal following and several memorable storylines. In an exclusive report last year, The Sun revealed that Rix would be departing the beloved period drama to take on a fresh, high-stakes role in Casualty. His move to the fast-paced emergency room setting has proven to be a dynamic shift, both creatively and personally.

Chell’s arrival on Casualty around the same time only amplified the buzz surrounding the show’s new direction. As nurse Jodie Whyte, Chell brings a compelling mix of vulnerability and fire, making her an ideal match—professionally and now romantically—for Rix’s intense, morally complex Flynn Byron. Fans of the show have praised their scenes for feeling grounded, emotionally charged, and filled with unspoken tension.

Now, the revelation of their real-life relationship adds yet another layer for viewers to analyze. For many, the off-screen romance brings an irresistible meta-quality to their performances. The audience now watches their interactions with an added sense of history, wondering how much of that on-screen chemistry reflects genuine connection.

Industry insiders say that on-set romances are hardly uncommon, yet few pairs ignite such fervent interest so quickly. Part of the fascination comes from the timing: Rix’s transition from Call the Midwife to Casualty had already generated headlines, especially after his departure from one of British TV’s most adored dramas. His new role promised a creative reinvention, and now it appears life imitated art, bringing fresh beginnings in more ways than one.

Chell, for her part, has maintained a low profile regarding her personal life, preferring to let her work speak for itself. But fans note that she and Rix frequently appear in one another’s Instagram stories—sharing jokes, dog walks, and quiet moments between filming days. To devoted viewers, these breadcrumbs suggested something deeper was brewing. Now, with the couple’s official acknowledgment, those suspicions have been joyfully confirmed.

Beyond the adorable photos, what stands out is the tone of Rix’s caption—warm, understated, and intimate. He made no grand announcement, no flashy statement. Instead, he chose a simple phrase that speaks volumes: a summer spent with two beings who clearly mean the world to him. In the world of showbusiness, where relationships can be as carefully managed as any storyline, this genuine and unpolished glimpse into his happiness resonates strongly.

As expected, the cast and crew of Casualty have also shown their support. Many insiders reportedly weren’t surprised by the news; the closeness between Rix and Chell had become something of an open secret on set. Their colleagues describe them as warm, grounded, and deeply supportive of one another—a pairing that seems to bring out the best in both.

For fans of the show, the relationship only adds to the anticipation surrounding upcoming episodes. Viewers are eager to see how the evolving storyline between Flynn and Jodie unfolds, and how much of the actors’ real-life chemistry will continue to shine through in their performances. With Casualty known for its dramatic twists, intense emergencies, and emotionally charged character arcs, audiences will undoubtedly be watching even more closely.

As the entertainment world reacts to this heartwarming development, one thing is clear: Olly Rix and Anna Chell have quickly become one of British television’s most watched—and most adored—off-screen couples. Their romance, marked by quiet beginnings and sealed by a whirlwind summer, has captured the attention of fans across social media.

And if their Instagram debut is anything to go by, this is only the beginning of the story