Casualty series 26

Lore & Background

Series 26 of Casualty began one week after the end of the previous series, a scheduling first for the show. It comprised 42 episodes, five fewer than the preceding series. The series saw the show's twenty-fifth anniversary in September 2011. In March 2012, the show aired its first ever three-part story, which centered on gang violence. The series concluded with a two-part riot storyline titled '#HolbyRiot', airing on 21 and 22 July 2012; the finale was originally planned for 21 July but was moved to the following day due to a postponed episode on 30 June.

Reader's Guide

Series 26 is significant for several production milestones. It was the first series to broadcast in high definition, beginning with episode 17, which was also the first episode filmed at the new set in Cardiff. The series introduced several new characters: Lloyd Asike (Michael Obiora), Adrian 'Fletch' Fletcher (Alex Walkinshaw), Tom Kent (Oliver Coleman), Sam Nicholls (Charlotte Salt), and Scarlett Conway (Madeleine Mantock), the last of whom left at the end of the series. Departing characters included Ruth Winters (Georgia Taylor), Jay Faldren (Ben Turner), and Lenny Lyons (Steven Miller). The series also marked the first of three guest stints for Tamzin Bayle (Gemma Atkinson). Production saw Oliver Kent continue as Series Producer until Episode 14, after which Nikki Wilson took over.

Did You Know?

• Series 26 was the first in Casualty history to begin without a break from the previous series.
• The series was the first to launch in August rather than the traditional September.
• Episode 17 was the first to be broadcast in high definition and the first filmed at the new Cardiff set.
• The series featured the show's first ever three-part story, about gang violence, in March 2012.