BBC Casualty viewers are in for an emotional ride as the medical drama finally says goodbye to Charlie Fairhead. The character’s final chapter comes after actor Derek Thompson announced he was leaving the show last year.

In a statement in May 2023, Derek said: “The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years. Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse – Pete Salt. Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring to Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgment that we all see and love in Pete, and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life.”

Derek has played Charlie for nearly four decades, joining Casualty in September 1986 for its pilot episode, and is the drama’s longest-running cast member. During his time on the show, his character was run over by an ambulance on his wedding day, suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest during a gang siege, and saw the heart-breaking farewell of his loving relationship with fellow nurse Duffy, played by Cathy Shipton.

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Charlie’s final chapter has played out over two episodes, his fate will be revealed on Saturday, March 16, when viewers will find out if the team managed to save him after he was stabbed by a patient. Sharing a tribute to Charlie, the official Casualty X account, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “After 38 years and over 900 #Casualty episodes, it’s finally time to say goodbye to our Charlie. Don’t miss Charlie’s final chapter. Tonight 9:25pm on @BBCOne.”

The post sparked a huge reaction from heartbroken fans, with many saying they weren’t ready to say goodbye, while others begged producers not to let his chapter end with his death. One wrote: “Don’t let Charlie die he needs a happy ending!!” while another added: “He’d better not die!!”

Disagreeing, another shared: “Going to be controversial here but Charlie dying would have a bigger impact just because of the episode length and other stories happening. Going from a serious stabbing to walking away in the sunset would just be too rushed.”And the comments just kept coming, as one wrote: “I cannot believe we’re losing Charlie. It won’t be #Casualty without him,” as a second echoed: “I’m totally not ready for Charlie to leave @BBCCasualty. I’ve grown up watching Casualty, Charlie was always my favourite. Gonna be heartbroken after tonight’s episode I’m sure”

“I have the tissues ready as I just know it’s going to be a weepy,” said a third, while a fourth wrote: “Never missed an episode – from the first one. Charlie has always been awesome. Ffs – even named my dog after him.”

Charlie’s final episode is airing on Saturday, March 16, at 9:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.