A CASUALTY star has shared their hopes for the medical drama to continue for the foreseeable future.
It comes as the popular BBC programme triumphed over EastEnders and Emmerdale to win the BAFTA Award for Soap and Continuing Drama on Sunday.
After claiming the trophy on stage, cast members discussed why the Beeb should keep the show on screens - rather than give it the chop like Doctors or sister show Holby City.
Holby City's cancellation was announced in June 2021 and the show concluded with its 23rd series in March 2022.
Speaking to press in the BAFTA winners' room, Elinor Lawless, who plays Dr Stevie Nash, said: “There’s been a lot of actors who’ve cut their teeth on Casualty.
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"You’ve got the likes of Jodie Comer, Tom Hiddleston, Kate Winslet, Daisy Ridley.
“I think it’s incredibly important and significant for that reason as well.
“It’s one of those shows that for a lot of actors - definitely for me, it was my first experience of being on a TV set.”
Producer Jon Sen added: "I think that’s what is often overlooked, the brilliant high end drama of tomorrow rests and relies on the vibrant, continuing drama of today.
"And we need to give it the attention and the credit and the funding that it needs in order to provide the drama industry with the start of tomorrow.
"Acting, writing, directing, cast, crew, technicians, artists, we are the furnace for for tomorrow."
The show’s big award win comes following big changes at Casualty.
Longest serving cast member Derek Thompson departed the show earlier this year.
Derek had played Charlie Fairhead from the series’ beginnings in 1986 until his exit in March, with the character deciding to retire.
Meanwhile, a recent storyline has seen character Teddy Gowan (Milo Clarke) sexually assaulted and dealing with the subsequent aftermath.
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