Casualty actor Derek Thompson has been confirmed for a new role after leaving the medical drama.

Thompson has played Charlie Fairhead on the show since it began until this year. Even though his last episode hasn’t aired yet, he’s already been announced for something new.
The actor will appear in season 2 of BBC drama Blue Lights, featuring in episodes two to six.

He will be playing retired officer Robin Graham, who has a past he’s been trying to forget, but when trainee solicitor Jen Robinson opens an investigation into a decades-old case, he may have no choice but to face it head on.

 

Related: Casualty star Melanie Hill reveals future plans for new character Siobhan
The show also serves as a homecoming for Thompson, as it is filmed in his hometown of Belfast.

“I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year,” the actor said.

“I was thrilled and excited when I got the invitation to take part in series 2. I was born in Belfast and was equally excited to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that I’m sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first.
“Greatly looking forward to it myself as I’m one of them.”

 

Related: Former Casualty star Sunetra Sarker shares cancer scare

Other newcomers for season 2 are Frank Blake, Seamus O’Hara, and Seána Kerslake.

Returning cast members include Siân Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Joanne Crawford, Andi Osho, and Hannah McClean.

Paddy Jenkins, Desmond Eastwood, Jonathan Harden, and Andrea Irvine have also been confirmed to return.