In a revelation that will surprise dedicated fans of the long-running medical drama, Casualty star Olly Rix has admitted he never actually watches the show he's become a central part of.
The actor, who portrays the charismatic and complex staff nurse Teddy Gowan, made the surprising confession during an exclusive chat, explaining his unique approach to preparing for the high-pressure role in the BBC's flagship Saturday night programme.
'It's a Deliberate Choice,' Says Rix
Rather than being glued to the screen like millions of viewers, Rix chooses to distance himself from the finished product. "I don't watch it," he stated plainly. "It's a conscious decision. I find it more beneficial to focus purely on the script and my character's journey without the influence of the edited final cut."
This method allows him to bring a fresh, untainted perspective to Teddy each time he steps onto the iconic Holby City Hospital set, ensuring his performance remains authentic to his own interpretation rather than a reaction to the show's overall narrative.
Life Beyond the Emergency Department
So what does a leading man in one of Britain's most beloved dramas do with his spare time? Rix paints a picture of a quiet life far removed from the constant emergencies of the ED.
"I'm a bit of a hermit, to be honest," he laughed. His ideal weekend involves the simple pleasures of cooking, reading, and listening to music, a stark contrast to the life-or-death scenarios he enacts on screen.
This downtime is crucial for decompressing from the emotionally demanding storylines that Casualty is renowned for, allowing him to return to set focused and prepared for the next challenging scene.
A Deep Respect for the Craft and the Show
Despite his personal choice not to tune in, Rix was quick to express his immense admiration for the show, its legacy, and the dedicated team behind it.
"It's a phenomenal institution," he said with genuine respect. "The writing, the production, the commitment from every single member of the cast and crew is incredible. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of telling these important human stories."
His confession is less a criticism and more an insight into the varied and often quirky processes actors employ to deliver their best work, proving there's no single formula for success in the demanding world of television drama.
