“Idris Elba was in the water tank the day before me!” declares Casualty star Michael Stevenson, aka Iain, as we quiz him about the scenes he’s been filming at the legendary Pinewood Studios in recent weeks. “It was such a unique experience, it’s like a whole film set underwater; you’re doing everything the same as you would do above water. Although everybody is much better behaved!”

For now, the exact nature of the scenes Mike has been filming remain top secret until the episode airs later on this year. However, Iain has enough on his plate as he navigates the end of his relationship with Faith – and finding out that her teenage daughter Natalia has been harbouring a crush on him! Mike talks us through a pretty tricky week for his character…

What’s the state of play with Iain and Faith now she’s back at work?

You always feel there’s potential for them to kiss and make up. Although what happens this week is that Iain’s having the shift from hell – his day starts with a really awful incident with one of his patients. And just at the moment when he could probably do with a shoulder to lean on, Faith puts the ultimate end to their relationship by asking for her house keys back. It’s a big statement from her.

Does Iain still love Faith?

He does. It’s a crying shame, because they have a lot going for them. Iain’s matured a lot over the years, and this is the first time we’ve seen him really commit to somebody. That doesn’t happen easily for Iain. So the fact that it’s coming to an end is really sad for him, because it’s a relationship that he would like to see through.

Iain makes it clear that he still wants to be there for Faith’s kids. Why’s that so important to him?

He’s never had that parental guidance in his life. His own family make-up was a bit of a shambles, so I don’t think Iain has ever seen himself as a family man. But when he’s presented with this ready-made family and an opportunity to give something to that family that he never had, it surprises him how much he wants to be there for them.

He’s been spending a lot of time with Faith’s eldest, Natalia. Does he suspect that she has a crush on him?

No, he doesn’t. That’s one thing that takes him by surprise. Natalia’s at the age where she’s becoming an adult, so even though Iain’s a bit of a father figure to her, he can also be a mate and support her through everything with her mum as a friend.