Call the Midwife’s Olly Rix lands ‘complex’ new role on rival drama after leaving BBC series

CALL the Midwife's Olly Rix lands a 'complex' new role on rival drama after leaving his BBC series.

The actor, who’s played the beloved show's Matthew Aylward for the past three years, is headed to Saturday night favourite, Casualty.

Last year, a TV insider told The Sun: “He has already got viewers’ hot under the collar on Call the Midwife, but their pulses will be truly racing when they see Olly embrace the steamy new role.

“Fans of Olly will only have a few weeks before they get the chance to see him on Casualty.”

The actor already caused quite a stir during his time on Call the Midwife, playing businessman Matthew, the wife of nurse Trixie Frankie, played by Helen George.

In his new role he will take on the character of Clinical Lead Flynn Byron in the upcoming new Casualty miniseries Internal Affairs, which starts in March.

The character comes to the ED with a backstory involving trauma as he’s fresh from a tour of duty in the military.

He’s a man with a purpose, and with a fierce resolve to make a difference in the hospital.

Olly said: ‘It’s been a pleasure to join the Casualty cast in such a dynamic role.

"Flynn crashes into the world of it from a very different background, resulting in a complex and exciting story in Internal Affairs and beyond.

"It’s a brilliant new chapter for the show and I am excited for the audience to get to know Flynn."

Casualty’s Executive Producer, Roxanne Harvey said: "Flynn’s journey promises to resonate with viewers, exploring the often emotional toll of working in the NHS.

"The cost of making tough decisions, and the possibility of redemption when you’re confronted with the consequences of your actions."

As recently announced, Casualty’s Internal Affairs will also feature acclaimed actor Downton Abbey's Robert Bathurst who is set to take on the guest role of Russell Whitelaw.

Russell is a top-tier surgeon who has commanded the operating room for years with his unmatched skill and domineering personality.

While reflecting on his new role, Robert said: “Joining Casualty for three months was very enjoyable; it’s so well run, well written and well directed.

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"They built an operating theatre especially for this block of stories so all of us, actors and crew, were on a voyage of discovery.

"As always with Casualty there were brilliantly qualified advisers on hand to make it seem as real as possible.

"The Emergency Department film set was just like being in a hospital - I kept getting lost.";

Meanwhile, in this week's episode EastEnders legend Laurie Brett will be guest-starring as a stern midwife called Marie Mayhew in a flashback special.

The episode will explore Jodie's experiences as a student midwife in January 2020 at Brockwell Hospital.

Following the announcement of Laurie's upcoming role, fans have already shared their excitement online, with one posting: “Doesn’t Laurie look good in her uniform?”

Someone jokingly responded: "She looks great but I don't know any midwives that walk around with a stethoscope around their neck!"

Casualty airs on BBC1 and is available on BBCIplayer.