Jaye Jacobs makes the switch from Holby City to Casualty, starring alongside new cast members Barney Walsh, Anna Chell, Sarah Seggari and Eddie-Joe Robinson.
The four new characters, Cameron, Jodie, Rida and Ryan, will be seen on screen in April, and accompanied by a familiar face who returns to the hospital to take on a new challenge. Holby’s fun-loving nurse-turned-ward sister, Donna Jackson, played by Jaye Jacobs, will be seen again in the ED department.
Cameron, played by Barney Walsh is described as accident-prone, which isn't a quality that’s often desirable when working in an Emergency Department. Woefully lacking in self-confidence and a perpetually terrified fish out of water, Cam arrives at Holby to realise he might have bitten off more than he can chew.
Speaking about joining Casualty, Barney Walsh said "It’s been an incredible experience to join the cast of Casualty alongside Anna, Sarah, JJ and Eddie. It’s a real joy to come to work every day and play Cam. I can’t wait for the viewers to meet nurse Cam as he arrives at Holby and very quickly realises he might have bitten off more than he can chew!"
Jodie, played by Anna Chell is described as quick-witted and outgoing and her plans for a fresh start at the hospital are soon scuppered as she’s reacquainted with a figure from her past. Trying to keep her personal and professional life separate will soon become difficult for Jodie.
Speaking about joining Casualty, Anna Chell said "It’s been an absolute buzz so far, the team at Casualty are SO welcoming! Joining with the others (Eddie-Joe, Barney, Sarah & Jaye) has been such a beautiful experience, we have built up a great connection and friendship - filming scenes with those guys is always a laugh!"
"Jodie is a JOY to play. She is fun, flirty and is ALWAYS up for a night out. Often pushing her emotions aside with a vodka tonic! Jodie is hard-faced, strong & often let’s her brain fall out of her mouth, but despite all this she is great at her job and has quite a shock on her first shift! I’m so grateful to be bringing Jodie to life and I’m excited about what’s to come for her!"
Rida, played by Sarah Seggari is described as straight-talking and confident and doesn't suffer fools. She knows exactly what she wants, but will she be able to keep her walls up, or will this new challenge be the thing to finally unlock her softer side?
Speaking about joining Casualty, Sarah Seggari said "It is an honour to play the first hijab wearing Muslim nurse on Casualty. I cannot wait to show the viewers who Rida is, she is the strength and the mother in the group. She has no problem putting people in their place even if it might come across a bit abrasive but will always stay loyal to her friends."
"At her core she is a carer and wants to help, this is at the forefront every time she has a patient to work with, even if it sometimes isn’t to protocol. She has a fire behind her that I hope you enjoy!"
Ryan, played by Eddie-Joe Robinson is described as ambitious and glory-hungry. Mr Popular at school, Ryan soon gets a wakeup call working in a busy ED.
Speaking about joining Casualty, Eddie-Joe Robinson said "Joining Casualty has been such a fantastic experience. Straight away I’ve felt like a part of the family, and coming in alongside JJ, Sarah, Anna and Barney has made it all the more special."
"From Ryan you can expect a lot fun and banter with his fellow nurses, which he sometimes takes a bit too far… He’s self-assured to the point of cocky, and when this combines with his ambitious nature it can definitely place him in hot water. Beneath the bravado there’s a softer side to him though, and I like to think he’s often a little misunderstood!"
And on making the switch from Holby City to Casualty as she returns as Donna Jackson, Jaye Jacobs said "I am thrilled to be joining such a legendary show."
To which Executive Producer of Casualty for BBC Studios, Jon Sen, added "We are thrilled to introduce these exciting new characters to the Casualty fans. Jodie, Cam, Rida and Ryan are a breath of fresh air - bringing hope, heart, wit, warmth and irreverence to the ED. We are sure the audience are going to love them as much we already do."
Casualty continues Saturday nights on BBC One