Fans of Casualty will be thrilled to learn that not one, but three familiar faces are set to return to BBC screens for an upcoming special anniversary episode.
The long-running drama has confirmed that the famous Emergency Department will be welcoming back Tony Marshall, Charles Dale, and Richard Winsor – AKA Noel, Big Mac, and Cal - as the the BBC soap celebrates 35 years on air.
In a feature-length episode set to be shown later this summer, Tony, Charles and Richard will reprise their much-loved roles as Casualty goes back in time to a day which will set in motion a chain of events that changes the course of their future.
Tony, whose son will being making a cameo in the upcoming special episode, spoke of his delight at returning to the hit series and reprising his role as Noel Garcia one more time following the character's death earlier this year.
Casualty was praised by viewers, and took home a BAFTA award, when at the beginning of 2021, receptionist Noel passed away from coronavirus during a pandemic related episode of the show.
“It was strange to come back but rewarding at the same time as the episode tackles yet another important subject," Tony said about his pending comeback.
“It was a joy working with my son, as well as of course Charlie Dale and Richard Winsor.
“We had to abide to Covid restrictions, which is not easy, but we did it. The audience are going to love the episode!”
Charles, who played hospital porter Big Mac from 2007 until 2016, was equally as excited to reunite with his former co-stars, saying: “It’s lovely to be back with my friends again, especially, THE Tony Marshall. Reunion Tour?”
MacKenzie ‘Big Mac’ Chalker was last seen in the hospital in 2016 when he left after admitting to stealing medicine.
Windsor's Cal Knight exited the show the following year when he was stabbed by Scott Ellisson.
Confirming the news, series producer Loretta Preece said: “There is a 35th-anniversary smorgasbord to offer both new and old fans of Casualty with huge stunts, faces from the past, some indelible new characters and some wonderful story twists.
“Elinor Lawless as new consultant Stevie makes a splash right from her first episode and I am confident she will become one of the most talked-about characters in Casualty’s history.
“There are huge, heart-breaking stories for Ethan and Jacob later in the series and I’m delighted to also announce a wonderful two-part special to be written by Barbara Machin, one of television’s most prestigious writers, for Christmas 2021.”
The special episode will air on August 14.
