Bad news for Casualty fans for next week and beyond after 40th anniversary

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 5, 2026 8:30pm It’s going to be a little while before we see our favourite doctors (Picture: BBC Studios / Metro) If having Casualty back on TV absolutely made your Saturday night – I know it did mine! – then I’m afraid we have some bad news for you. The long-running medical drama is set to take another hiatus. A staple of weekend telly in the UK for four decades, Casualty returned to screens tonight following a six-week break to mark its milestone 40th anniversary, with spectacular episodes that did not disappoint. Like seriously, they were top notch. Holby ED was overrun with patients like never before after a major incident was declared in the city when an explosion destroyed neighbouring hospital St James. But it wasn’t just the patients whose lives were in danger, with much-loved series regulars finding themselves caught up in the devastation. Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) and Flynn Byron (Olly Rix) were among those in danger, with a life-threatening incident seeing them dangerously close to death. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The anniversary offerings also welcomed back icons of days gone by, namely the Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson), plus Ethan Hardy (George Rainsford). The special double-bill was the first visit to the ED since the Lethal Legacy boxset – which featured many a shock moment – concluded in July. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Fans have longed to have Casualty back on their screens in the weeks since – and the 40th was certainly worth the wait. However, TV schedules for next week confirm that Casualty will not air next Saturday, with another hiatus expected to follow. A dramatic 40th anniversary special proved must-see TV (Picture: BBC) At this time of the year, the show usually takes a break to coincide with the launch of Strictly Come Dancing, which airs on Saturday evenings from late September up until Christmas. A return date for Casualty has not yet been revealed but stay tuned and keep checking back with us and we’ll let you know when we know more. The 40th anniversary is thought to end a chapter in Casualty history and begin a brand new one. ‘I think fans of the show and people who’ve been with the show since the beginning are going to be rewarded with that focus on the past’, Flynn star Olly Rix told Metro of the milestone episodes. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ‘But equally there is a very real forward-facing perspective – a statement of intent about the episodes: That they move fast. They’re big. They’re ambitious. ‘And that’s where the future of the show lies – and that’s what we’re trying to carry forward into series’ down the line beyond the 40th’. Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Casualty airs its 40th anniversary specials, plus the whole of 2023-2025, are now streaming on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Casualty spoilers and all we know so far for when show returns with 40th anniversary episodes Arrow MORE: Casualty confirms when explosive 40th anniversary episodes will air Arrow MORE: Is Casualty on tonight? When it’s back and next on TV confirmed The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.