BBC’s Casualty is heading into 2026 with one of the most dramatic cast restructures in its recent history, as the show prepares for a bold relaunch and a major move away from Holby. With fresh faces joining the Emergency Department and several long-standing favourites bowing out, the new era of Casualty is set to reshape the show from the ground up.
Here’s your full breakdown of who’s out, who’s in, and what it means for the next chapter of the medical drama.
MAJOR EXITS
Derek Thompson – Charlie Fairhead
The biggest farewell in Casualty history came with the departure of Derek Thompson after nearly four decades as Charlie Fairhead. His emotional exit marked the end of an era and left fans bracing for big structural changes in the ED. Charlie’s departure also symbolically paved the way for the relocation to Wales and a refreshed team dynamic.
Robert Bathurst – Russell Whitelaw
Russell Whitelaw’s storyline concluded in mid-2025, closing the curtain on an emotionally heavy arc. His exit helps reset the ED’s leadership space for the upcoming Welsh-based roster.
Michael Keogh – Rich Walker
Paramedic Rich Walker exited early in 2025 following a heroic storyline. His departure continues to impact the ambulance division moving into 2026, with writers teasing more restructures in the paramedic team.
These exits collectively represent the most significant cast turnover since the show’s earliest years. With Holby officially retired as the fictional setting starting 2026, the production is clearly building toward a new identity.
NEW ARRIVALS (CONFIRMED FOR 2026)
Two New Junior Doctors (Names TBA)
The upcoming mini-series, titled “Learning Curve,” will introduce two brand-new junior doctors joining the ED on 10 January 2026. Their identities remain under wraps, but BBC sources indicate they will be central to the show’s transition—young, ambitious, and primed to shake up long-standing dynamics.
Flynn Byron (Olly Rix)
Introduced in 2025 as Holby’s new ED Clinical Lead, Flynn is confirmed to continue into the 2026 relaunch. His leadership style—sharp, modern, and occasionally ruthless—makes him the perfect bridge into the show’s new setting.
Indie Jankowski (Naomi Wakszlak)
After debuting as a student paramedic in late 2024, Indie has become a core part of the ambulance team and will return as a fully established regular. Expect her storylines to expand significantly as the show leans into its younger cast.
WHAT THE SHAKE-UP MEANS FOR THE SHOW
2026 marks the start of Casualty’s biggest creative transformation in years:
- A New Hospital in Wales: For the first time, the fictional ED is moving away from Holby, symbolizing a clean slate and fresh storytelling opportunities.
- Younger Ensemble Energy: With several icons gone, the new wave of doctors and paramedics will drive the narrative direction.
- More Serialised Mini-Arcs: The “Learning Curve” structure hints at tighter, mini-series style storytelling rather than long open-ended runs.
- A Modernised ED Culture: New hierarchies, new medical conflicts, and new ethical dilemmas are expected as the show adapts to its new on-screen environment.
WHO COULD BE NEXT?
Insiders suggest the cast changes are not finished. More exits and at least one more major arrival are expected to be announced ahead of the spring 2026 batch of episodes. The relocation storyline offers natural opportunities for departures, character rebuilds, and fresh introductions.
FINAL WORD
With beloved veterans bowing out and fresh talent stepping into the spotlight, Casualty‘s 2026 line-up signals a creative rebirth. The ED is changing, the hospital is changing, and the stories are about to follow suit.
As the longest-running medical drama in the world turns the page, the big question remains:
Can the new team carry the torch—
or will 2026 redefine Casualty for a whole new generation of viewers?