Casualty legend Catherine Shipton has criticised the BBC’s decision to axe Doctors.

The cancellation of the daytime soap was announced last year,

after more than 23 years on air. The broadcaster attributed the “very difficult decision”

to financing issues, explaining: “The cost of the programme has increased significantly.”

As Doctors approaches its final episode this December, former Casualty star Shipton is set to appear in her third role on the show.

Related: Casualty cast send love to Doctors as filming on the show ends forever

Speaking to TV Times, the actor discussed her disappointment at the show’s cancellation. “It’s a real shame and a shock, and I think, sadly, an ill-advised decision,” she said.

“Holby City has gone, Doctors has gone… Young directors, writers, actors; they all cut their teeth on these kinds of shows. You are aware, particularly with the crew, that people buy homes and move their families there.”

She added: “I didn’t want to talk about it on set because you’re there to do a job, but I did have a few chats with people on the QT and it was a real blow to everyone.”

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Shipton previously starred in two guest roles on Doctors, in 2004 and 2008. Her upcoming stint will see her play Melissa Horner, who Shipton described as “a very straight-talking northern woman and former union negotiator.”

The role will see her reunited with Sophie Austin, (who will play Sandra Horner), as Austin once played Shipton’s daughter-in-law on Casualty.

Asked if she would consider joining another soap, the star teased: “Oh, yeah! I’m not an East Ender but I can do a London accent. But having done my northern accent for Doctors, you never know – Corrie might come knocking!”

Doctors airs on BBC One. Casualty airs on Saturday nights on BBC One and now streams first on BBC iPlayer, where episodes are released at 6am on the day of transmission.

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