Casualty fans, get ready for a big one. The long-running medical drama is celebrating 40 years on screen with a special double-bill this weekend, and two familiar faces are heading back to Holby for the occasion. Derek Thompson will return as Charlie Fairhead alongside George Rainsford as Ethan Hardy when the anniversary episodes air on Saturday, 5 September 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

The BBC has now released a first look at both characters back in the ED, with Charlie returning for the first time since Thompson left the series in 2024 after an extraordinary 38 years in the role. Rainsford was last seen as Ethan in 2023, bringing another long-running Casualty favourite back for the anniversary.

What Happens in the Casualty 40th Anniversary Episodes?

The two episodes centre on a major incident that throws Holby into crisis and pushes the emergency department team to its limits. Lives are left hanging in the balance as the hospital responds, before the situation develops into a major rescue operation involving difficult life-or-death decisions.

The BBC says the anniversary story will bring together some of the show’s most-loved characters while celebrating four decades of Casualty. It will also look ahead to the next chapter of the long-running medical drama, which remains the world’s longest-running medical series.

Charlie and Ethan’s return should make the episodes especially significant for long-time viewers. Charlie has been part of Casualty since its very first episode, while Ethan became a major part of the series during Rainsford’s nine-year run.

Who Is in the Casualty 40th Anniversary Cast?

Alongside Derek Thompson and George Rainsford, the anniversary double-bill stars Olly Rix, Elinor Lawless, William Beck, Melanie Hill, Barney Walsh, Neet Mohan, Charles Venn, Sammy Dobson, Kirsty Mitchell, Di Botcher, Anna Chell, Sarah Seggari, Michael Stevenson, Milo Clarke, Naomi Wakszlak and Aron Julus.

The episodes are produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions and form part of the programme’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

For CultureCues, bringing Charlie Fairhead back for the 40th anniversary feels completely right. He has been part of Casualty from the beginning, so seeing Derek Thompson back in Holby should be an emotional moment for long-time fans. Ethan returning makes the double-bill even better, and with a major incident bringing so many characters together, it feels like a strong way to mark 40 years of the show. We are very ready for the nostalgia, and probably the tissues too.

Previous episodes of Casualty are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

The Casualty 40th anniversary airs on Saturday, 5 September 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.