BBC has confirmed that the next series of Casualty will be back on screens at the end of the year.

The upcoming season, which kicks off in December with a Christmas special, promises plenty of drama.

Viewers were given a cryptic glimpse of what’s to come at the end of Saturday night’s double-bill finale.

As The Fairytale of New York played in the background, a hand was seen retrieving a blood bag from a fridge, one of which was festively wrapped.

The scene then shifted to a hospital bed covered in snow, with medical equipment strewn across it, reports Wales Online.

A red ribbon led from the centre of the bed to a heart monitor on the floor, which was ominously flatlining.

As the camera panned out, a bloody footprint was visible in the snow, alongside a uniform lying next to an open blood transit box.

Finally, the entire room came into focus, revealing a hospital room blanketed in snow.

The screen then faded to black, with the words: “Casualty back this Christmas” appearing.

Discussing the forthcoming festive episode, the BBC stated: “The Christmas special will celebrate the gift of giving and will be told in an innovative, format-breaking way. Further details will be revealed in due course.”

However, the trailer suggests that it could signal the departure of a beloved character from the crime show.

Viewers quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the teaser.

One viewer expressed their anticipation, stating: “The paramedic jacket I don’t think I can wait till Christmas.”

Another chimed in with: “Nooo.. that’s why it was a double bill tonight then @BBCCasualty. Can’t wait til Christmas… that’s ages away #Casualty That ending [sic].”

“THAT ENDING,” tweeted another fan.

A different viewer shared: “Omg I have chills this is scary but I can’t wait! Have to wait MONTHS again.”

While another added: “Protect Jan, Teddy, Iain and Jacob at all costs.”

As another asked: “”Looks like a paramedic is gonna be dead in the Christmas special…but who?”

The series finale was packed with dramatic scenes and emotional moments as Siobhan McKenzie (played by Melanie Hill) finally uncovered the truth.

In gripping scenes, it was revealed her friend Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) was the person who had been seeing her husband Rich Walker (Michael Keogh).

Despite Stevie quickly ending the affair after discovering who he was married to, the damage was already done.

As the pair spoke, it was evident the damage had been done as Stevie tried to apologise repeatedly.

Siobhan stated: “I can be professional, I might even manage polite, but we’re not friends not, anymore.”

Will the pair be able to repair their friendship in the upcoming series?

Casualty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.