Major Casualty death confirmed in 40th anniversary as star breaks silence

Sophia was caught up in the massive explosion at St James (Picture: ITV) Casualty’s Kellie Shirley has shared her reaction to learning that her character Sophia Peters was going to be killed off in the medical drama’s 40th anniversary episodes. Sophia was introduced to us in 2024 as a psychiatric liaison nurse. She ended up developing a relationship with Dylan Keogh (William Beck) throughout that year and into 2025. Things definitely didn’t go as smoothly as the two characters hoped. In the end, Sophia departed Holby ED in February 2025 for a new job at neighbouring hospital St James’, ultimately ending her romance journey with Dylan. Sophia made a very unexpected return in tonight’s anniversary specials, and the ordeal she went through had a massive impact on ex Dylan. After the explosion at St James’ Hospital, Dylan was tasked with leading his team through the chaos. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Sophia was Dylan’s love interest (Picture: ITV) As he headed outside, Dylan flung open another ambulance door as son Matty Linlaker (Aron Julius) hopped in and got to work tending to the next bunch of patients. Matty began assessing an incredibly vulnerable woman who had suffered extremely severe burns as a result of the explosion. When Dylan glanced over, it took him seconds to realise that it was Sophia. Dylan was completely desperate to save the poor woman, but her injuries were too severe. Sophia died in the middle of the hospital, and Dylan fell apart afterwards. Speaking to Metro about Sophia’s death, actress Kellie Shirley was thrilled when she was asked to reprise her role: Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘As an actor, you always want the juiciest stuff to be challenged with – and you can’t get any juicer than an epic death scene!’, she told me. ‘And to be asked to return for the 40th anniversary was lovely.’ Sophia’s death had a massive impact on how Dylan handled the rest of the shift (Picture: BBC) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Kellie was ‘nervous and excited’ about watching the episodes and seeing herself covered in the burn makeup. She shared: ‘Seeing yourself with such severe burns is quite surreal! The make-up team were incredible – prepping me for many hours each day. I loved seeing it on the big screen in all its glory. Steve Hughes (the Director) has shot it like a Hollywood film and I got to hang out some of my old cast mates.’ 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 Kellie added: ‘Sophia meant a lot to Dylan, and I’m a hopeless romantic. It’s a shame it’s come to an end but Sophia wouldn’t have survived such a huge explosion and it was great to literally go out with a bang!’. Arrow MORE: Casualty rejected 40th anniversary nostalgia and proved why it still matters Arrow MORE: When is Casualty back on TV? Return date as 40th anniversary episodes near Arrow MORE: Bad news for Casualty fans as star reveals BBC has cut more episodes The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.