CASUALTY fans burst into tears as Derek Thompson’s final scenes as Charlie Fairhead aired.
The BBC drama presenter has quit his role as hospital consultant Charlie after an incredible 38 years.
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Suffering fans burst into tears as Derek Thompson’s final scenes as Charlie Fairhead airedCredit: PA
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A consultant’s life was left hanging in the balance after he was stabbedCredit: BBC
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While fans were left in fear that the iconic character would be killed off, they were stunned to learn that he survived the ordealCredit: BBC
It comes as Derek Thompson announced last year that he was leaving the fictional Holby City hospital in a shock move.
And now his final scenes have been aired as Charlie’s life hangs in the balance after the vicious stabbing.
He was rushed to the theater while worried colleagues tried to save his life.
While fans were left in fear that the iconic character would be killed off, they were stunned to learn that he survived the ordeal.
However, a life-threatening incident eventually led to Charlie deciding to retire from the hospital, marking the end of an era.
He said: “I thought I was done,” before adding: “I’m retiring.”
In the final scenes, Charlie takes a last walk through the emergency room before drinking with his colleagues.
He then left Holby City in his yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle.
Reacting to the scenes, one fan said: “Wow what an emotional episode, so happy Charlie wasn’t killed and got the happy ending he deserves.”
Another wrote: “What a lovely farewell to Charlie and Derek Thompson. Had a bit of a tear.”
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“So many emotions after that. The most perfect ending, the end of an era. Goodbye Charlie,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “I think I need at least 48 hours to recover from that episode of #Casualty. At least lovely Charlie got to ride off into the sunset.”
During the episode, Casualty fans watched as Charlie had a series of flashbacks while in a critical condition.
He saw a younger Charlie show up hungover at Shirley’s retirement party where she gave him some key advice.
Soon after, a nail bomb blast fills the hospital with victims and viewers will see Charlie respond to a challenging day at work while discovering a hidden connection between him and Dr. Stevie.
Speaking to the BBC, Derek, 75, said the story of his departure was “one of the best episodes of my career”.
He added: “How [Casualty writer] Michelle Lipton who wrote these episodes feels like she wrote eight plays, shot from as many points of view.
“I don’t think there’s another writer who could do that.”
The actor was in a sentimental mood ahead of his last screen appearance in the medical drama.
He compared his feelings while filming the emotional outlet to big life moments like the birth of a child or a wedding.
And for Derek, these personal moments are intertwined with the series, since he met his second wife, Dee Sadler, on the set.
The couple, who married in 1989, have a son named Charlie, who appeared in the show as the baby of popular Casualty character Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin.
Derek said of their relationship: “It was magnetism. I had to fight off two bigger guys who were also interested in her, but they didn’t stand a chance! I will miss everyone on Casualty.
“I feel very blessed to have been a part of something that has given me so much.”
And although his first episode appeared almost four decades ago, Derek has no problem recalling every detail.
In fact, his exit was a small nod to those first scenes.
He told Inside Soap: “Charlie was coming over the Bristol Suspension Bridge in his little yellow Beetle, winding through the streets of the city and ending up in hospital.
“He got out of the car with a bomber jacket on, hair everywhere… it was like Noddy going to the hospital! He looked up at the building, put a cigarette to his lips and said, ‘Let’s do it!’
“It’s an image that has stayed with me throughout my time on Casualty.”
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Charlie then left Holby City in his yellow vintage Volkswagen BeetleCredit: BBC
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