Hour of NEED

SUNETRA SARKER on returning to Holby ED for Charlie's farewell story

- ELAINE REILLY

CASUALTY

SATURDAY, 9.20PM, BBC1 DRAMA 

With her fabulous footwear and wonderful wardrobe, coupled with quick-as-lightning quips and terrible timekeeping, talented consultant Zoe Hanna cemented herself as a true Casualty legend during her time in Holby ED from 2007 to 2016.

Now, following a brief return in 2018, actor Sunetra Sarker is thrilled to be reprising the role again in a special two-part story that heralds the end of Derek Thompson’s 37-year tenure in the BBC1 medical drama as nurse Charlie Fairhead.

‘Her arrival really makes me smile because she turns up apologising for being late, which is one of Zoe’s staple traits!’ laughs Sunetra, 50, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive interview. ‘She picks right up where she left off with Charlie as well as Dr Dylan Keogh [played by William Beck], just the way you do with friends.’

Zoe’s timing couldn’t be better, as the department faces an influx of casualties following a devastating road traffic incident. But before the credits roll on this week’s instalment, her expertise will be needed closer to home, as Charlie is attacked by a knife-wielding drug dealer in an ominous cliffhanger. Will he survive the ordeal?

Here, Sunetra tells us more…

We’re delighted Zoe’s back for two episodes! How did you feel about being part of Charlie’s closely guarded farewell storyline?