Casualty star Derek Thompson’s new role has been confirmed following

the news he’s leaving his role as Charlie Fairhead on the medical drama after 37 years.

Derek’s exit from Casualty was confirmed in May last year.

The news came as a shock to fans as Derek has played Charlie since the very first episode.

Back in May of last year, news broke that Derek would say goodbye to the BBC One medical drama after playing Charlie since the very first episode. Derek’s exit from the show is yet to air, but in the meantime, his next big project has been confirmed. It’s been revealed that Derek has joined the cast of Blue Lights, a popular BBC drama that is returning for its second series. The role will see Derek make a return to his hometown of Belfast to guest star as retired police officer Robin Graham.

The show will see Derek’s character Robin’s past and conscience catch up with him when trainee solicitor Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) investigates a decades old case that has dangerous implications for the present.

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Derek said: “I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year. I was thrilled and excited {star jumps in the living room} when I got the invitation to take part in series two. I was born in Belfast and was equally excited {more star jumps} to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that I’m sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first. Greatly looking forward to it myself as I’m one of them.”

The Two Cities team added: “We are delighted to have Derek Thompson back working with us in his native Belfast, it is an honour to have him as part of the Blue Lights family.” Derek will appear in episodes two to six of the new series. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.