As Derek Thompson (75) leaves Casualty after playing Charlie Fairhead for 38 years, he chats about his respect for NHS staff and why he doesn’t see himself as aTV legend…
Expect the unexpected
Filming my last ever Casualty scenes was a big moment. When I first accepted the role of Charlie, I never expected to be in Casualty for 38 years. I’ve loved playing him. Charlie is nobody’s fool but everybody’s friend. Filming my final scenes, which see Charlie get stabbed, felt like one of those big emotional moments in your life like the birth of a child or your wedding.
Appreciate care workers
Playing Charlie has given me so much empathy for those who work in the NHS. I have utter respect for them and I hope when viewers watch my final episodes looking at violence against staff, it will make people realise this is painful for people who work in the caring professions, and yet they struggle on.
Children can teach us
My two sons have both sensibly always persuaded me to keep them out of the public spotlight but I can see something of my blessings in life in them. They have been a real education and I’ve learnt that some of my own characteristics are not things I have to worry about!
Never give up even if the chips are down
My own dad never stopped learning and I think of myself as someone who is a long-distance runner. I know I have got the spirit to carry on and I don’t ever give up on things. If I fall off, I get back on the horse again. And leaving Casualty is not the end. Retirement is
