Casualty brings in Death in Paradise and Doctors stars in latest cast shake-up

CASUALTY is welcoming two new stars to its line-up who have previously starred in Death in Paradise and Doctors.

Osi Okerafor, who has acted in Death in Paradise and King Gary, and Elinor Lawless who has performed in Doctors, Shakespeare and Hathaway, have joined the cast of the world’s longest-running primetime medical drama as new characters Matthew and Stevie.

First to join is Osi who will playing the character Matthew, a locum registrar with a history of practicing medicine in the world’s trouble spots and a deep and enduring love for old flame Fenisha.

Matthew is due to appear on screen later this month.

It will likely leave fans questioning how will Ethan respond to Matthew joining the team, if there is there still a spark between Fenisha and Matthew, and how will all three copes working together in a tight-knit emergency team?

Later in the year, the BBC soap will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with some special episodes including welcoming another character.

Elinor will be joining as Stevie, a new consultant who audiences will meet during these episodes.

The BBC also teased that viewers will be "reunited with one or two old faces as well".

Osi Okerafor said: "It’s a pleasure to become a part of the Casualty team.

"Everyone here is so genuinely friendly and it’s a very exciting environment to work in.

"I’m excited for viewers to see Matthew’s love for his patients and his willingness to do whatever it takes to care for them; it’s a quality I really admire in him."

Elinor Lawless says: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the wonderful cast of Casualty!

"Stevie Nash is certainly a force to be reckoned with and looks set to ruffle a few feathers in the Holby ED!"

Loretta Preece, Series Producer of Casualty, commented: "I am delighted that Osi and Elinor will be joining the Casualty family.

"As an actor, Osi has it all; he’s handsome and debonair, sensitive and steadfast, passionate and unpredictable. Osi has been delightful to work with and he and Olivia have a very special on-screen bond.

"With Osi’s beautifully layered performance we slowly reveal some deep undercurrents - he is far more than a classic romantic leading man."

Loretta continued: "Eli is an exceptional actress and a force of nature.

"With Stevie, Eli brings a new and dangerous energy into our world – she’s charismatic, contemporary, compelling and on occasion very unsettling.

"Her wonderful character and additive backstory are an exciting part of defining a new and exciting era for Casualty as we go into our 35th year."

Casualty is a BBC Studios Production and continues on Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.