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The longest-serving cast member of BBC hit medical series Casualty, Derek Thompson is to leave the show after 37 years.

Derek Thompson, the longest-serving cast member of BBC hit medical series Casualty, is set to leave the show after 37 years in the role of Charlie Fairgead. The 75-year-old was the only remaining character when the first episode aired in 1986.

The Belfast-born actor will be filming until the autumn, and his final scenes as Charlie will air next year. He told the BBC: "The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years. "

BBC Casualty: Longest-serving cast member Derek Thompson to leave drama after 37 years as Charlie Fairhead