A very excited Sammy Dobson has let the cat out the bag of joining the cast of classic drama Casualty, decades after being known to millions of CBBC viewers for being in Byker Grove.

It was back in 2001 that Newcastle born Sammy made her debut as Sarah Young in Byker Grove, as it remained the most watched children’s show on the BBC and a teatime staple for many of her fellow Geordies and fans from all over the UK. After leaving the show in 2005, Sammy didn’t disappear from the TV spotlight, instead going onto appear in countless other shows like Doctors, Inspector George Gently and in sitcom Boy Meet Girl, alongside Denise Welch.
Sammy also appeared in critically acclaimed Tyneside shot film I, Daniel Blake and, more recently is a familiar face to patrons of Newcastle’s comedy circuit, hosting and headlining shows at venues like The Stand and the Tyne Theatre. She will be back at the Tyne Theatre to host Tyne Stand Up 3 in the summer, but on Thursday, she had a very exciting announcement to make on Instagram.

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On Wednesday night, Sammy, staying rather cryptic, took to her Insta story, to write: “I have very exciting news I can finally share tomorrow. I think this is the longest secret I’ve ever kept,” before returning to Instagram on Thursday to share a photo of her in her Casualty scrubs and declaring ‘IT’S OFFICIAL LADS!”

Sammy has joined the Casualty as Nicole Piper, described in her BBC character bio as: ‘ the epitome of work hard, play hard’ The descrioption adds: ‘Often the loudest in the room, full of vibrance and humour, she’s a cheeky and passionate junior doctor. Nicole is a late starter in her chosen career – coming from a working-class background she’s found it hard to find the funds to afford medical school– but she’s finally made it, and now she’s on the cusp of achieving her dream.’
Talking about landing a role bin Casualty, a delighted Sammy commented: “Joining Casualty has felt like a dream. To become a piece of such a well-regarded part of BBC history is incredible but to get there and find everyone to be so genuinely lovely, welcoming and committed to making the best show possible is just wonderful.”