After months away from screens, Casualty is officially set to return at the end of the year — and when it does, the ED will look a little different. The BBC has confirmed that the show’s Christmas comeback will lead directly into Season 40, bringing with it a series of major cast changes, emotional farewells, and fresh faces ready to shake up Holby’s emergency department.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Casualty cast as the show gears up for its festive return and prepares to enter a brand-new era.

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 Confirmed to Return

William Beck (Dylan Keogh)

Still the calm centre of chaos, Dylan will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Christmas special. After months of tension with Flynn Byron, rumours suggest Dylan could step into a more official leadership position as the ED transitions into a new phase. Fans have long viewed him as the spiritual successor to Charlie Fairhead — and this winter might be the moment that prediction comes true.

Michael Stevenson (Iain Dean)

Fresh off his Inside Soap Awards win, Stevenson will be back in full force. Iain’s upcoming storyline is set to explore his ongoing emotional struggles following his mother’s death and his fractured relationship with Faith Cadogan. Whether romance or redemption awaits, Iain remains one of Casualty’s most complex and beloved characters.

Neet Mohan (Rash Masum)

Rash returns on a high note after finally earning his Paediatrics rotation — a key step toward his CESR qualification. Expect to see Rash continuing to grow in confidence while navigating new challenges as the show prepares for its move to Wales.

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 Saying Goodbye

Adesuwa Oni (Ngozi Okoye)

Tragically, Ngozi’s story ended just before the break, with the nurse losing her battle against addiction in one of the show’s most emotional episodes in recent memory. Her death will continue to ripple through the ED when the series resumes, particularly for Nicole Piper and Dylan Keogh, both of whom will struggle to come to terms with her loss.

Sammy T Dobson (Nicole Piper) — Unconfirmed

Nicole’s future remains uncertain. While the door hasn’t been officially closed on her character, rumours suggest her arc may conclude during the Christmas special, potentially paving the way for new faces as Casualty transitions into Season 40.

 New Faces on the Horizon

The BBC has confirmed that the show’s upcoming episodes will introduce new cast members as part of its editorial shift to Wales, where a new fictional hospital will eventually replace Holby City.

While names have not yet been officially released, Casualty’s production team has hinted that the fresh additions will reflect the authentic portrayal of the Welsh NHS, bringing new perspectives and regional depth to the series. Expect at least one new consultant, a junior doctor, and possibly a student paramedic to debut before the end of Season 40.

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 Familiar Faces Rumoured to Return

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Holby without a little nostalgia. Although unconfirmed, insiders and fan speculation point to a possible guest return for Zoe Hanna or Ruby Spark, either of whom could make a cameo appearance during the festive episode. Such a moment would offer fans a link between Casualty’s legacy and its next chapter.

 The Road to Season 40

Beyond the cast changes, the biggest shift will come in early 2026, when Casualty officially relocates its storylines to a new hospital setting in Wales. The BBC has promised that while the scenery will change, “much-loved characters will remain part of the editorial shift,” ensuring continuity for fans who have followed the show for decades.

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The Verdict

When Casualty returns this Christmas, viewers can expect an emotional mix of farewells and fresh starts. Dylan and Iain are poised to anchor the ED through its biggest transformation yet, Rash continues his journey toward leadership, and new arrivals promise to inject new life into Holby’s final chapters.

Change is coming — but the heart of Casualty remains the same.

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 Which cast change are you most excited (or heartbroken) about — Ngozi’s exit, Dylan’s rise, or the mystery of who’s next to join the team?