Derek Thompson, 78, has reprised his role as Charlie Fairhead in Casualty's 40th anniversary specials, and viewers were quick to comment on his youthful appearance. The actor, who originally left the BBC drama in 2024 after 38 years, returned to screens on Saturday (September 5) for two back-to-back episodes celebrating the milestone.
Charlie's return to Holby
In the episodes, the hospital staff dealt with the aftermath of a deadly explosion at a neighbouring hospital. Dylan Keogh (William Beck) struggled after the death of his ex, Sophia Peters (Kellie Shirley), in the blast, but Charlie was on hand to help him. Charlie was also joined by Ethan Hardy (George Rainsford), who had left the show in 2023 to spend more time with his young son, Bodhi, and manage his health following his Huntington's disease diagnosis.
As the pair left the hospital at the end of the emotional double-bill, Ethan said: "I just wanted to feel useful, you know? I wanted to believe that I still could be." Charlie replied: "Well, you were. You are. There's more to it than high-risk resus meds. There's more than one way to be a doctor."
Fans react to Derek Thompson's age
Viewers were also surprised to see Charlie sporting a full beard, as he is known for his clean-shaven appearance. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions. One wrote: "THE SCREAM I LET OUT SEEING ETHAN AND CHARLIE." Another added: "I think Charlie looks well for 78." A third said: "I didn't recognise him at first!"
Someone else echoed the sentiment, saying: "Charlie does not look 78!" A fifth viewer similarly shared: "He never ages! I need to know his skin care routine."
When Derek left the show in 2024, Charlie was left fighting for his life after being stabbed by a patient, which led him to retire from the hospital. At the time, Derek said in a statement: "The time has come for me to hang up Charlie's scrubs. Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse - Pete Salt. Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgement that we all see and love in Pete and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life."
Casualty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
