Casualty fans will no doubt be saddened to say goodbye to popular paramedic Iain Dean in the coming weeks.
Viewers have been with him every step of the way as he’s struggled to come to terms with the death of his colleague Sam Nicholls in an horrifying accident, for which he blamed himself.
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Iain had been suffering from PTSD and depression following the tragic accident that killed his partner Sam and patient Mia Bellis last summer.
In harrowing scenes, Iain sank deeper and deeper into a dark place – until he took the devastating decision to end his own life.
Fortunately, he was rescued by his co-worker Ruby Spark, who rushed him to the emergency department just in time.
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Now making progress, he’s at a crossroads in his life and beginning to consider making changes to better his life – propelled by the return of old friend Dixie.
Dixie’s comeback will pave the way for Iain to ultimately depart, when she inadvertently prompts him to reconsider his career at the ED.
With actor Michael Stevenson bowing out of his role as the popular paramedic after seven years, Iain will take centre stage in next Saturday’s bittersweet episode (September 21).
Casualty’s new series producer Loretta Preece has now discussed Iain Dean’s upcoming exit and whether or not there are any plans for him to return.
In an interview with Digital Spy, she said: “Iain still has a lot to process and, as a team, we are fully committed to staying true to his issues and not offering any pat or easy solutions to mental health problems.
“His final couple of episodes are particularly moving and I feel that his exit is perfectly judged. It left a tear in my eye.”
Speaking about whether or not Iain will be coming back to the show, Loretta added: “As for Michael’s return, I am a huge fan of his work, so while there are no plans at present, the door is wide open.”
With Iain gone, Uriel Emil joins the cast as “gruff yet surprisingly complex” new paramedic Lev.
In real life, actor Michael has previously revealed the birth of his twins gave him PTSD.
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