Snow falls over an ambulance as Casualty is set for a dramatic episode this Christmas
(Image: BBC STUDIOS/ALISTAIR HEAP)

BBC Casualty Christmas special first look as Coronation Street star joins cast

by · Manchester Evening News

Casualty is set to deliver a gripping Christmas episode as the BBC drama has unveiled first look images and confirmed a star-studded guest cast.

The festive special, titled 'All I Want for Christmas', is described by the BBC as "a tribute to the miracle of blood, brought to life with all the tension and emotional depth that Casualty delivers so well".

In this Christmas episode, viewers will see the ED team working tirelessly through the holiday season, only to be confronted with a critical shortage of blood supplies.

Elinor Lawless's character Stevie is seen fighting to save her patients' lives, while Michael Stevenson's Iain takes drastic measures to prevent the hospital from running out of blood.

Stevie can be seen holding a bag on blood in a first look at the Casualty Christmas special
(Image: BBC STUDIOS)

Breaking away from its traditional format, this latest episode of Casualty follows in the footsteps of other notable episodes, including last year's homage to 75 years of the NHS, reports the Mirror.

The special will incorporate real-life stories from individuals affected by blood donation in the UK, alongside interviews with the essential workers operating the national blood service.

Among the newly released images, one shows Stevie clutching a blood bag against the backdrop of a Christmas tree, her face etched with concern.

Another captures Iain, looking anxious behind the wheel of an ambulance, with festive lights glimmering in the distance.

Jacob and Teddy stand in the middle of a road in a first look at the Casualty special episode
(Image: BBC Studios)

There's a fresh glimpse of Casualty paramedics Jacob (portrayed by Charles Venn) and Teddy (played by Milo Clarke) braving the elements in new stills from the upcoming Christmas special, standing amid snowy conditions on a desolate road. Meanwhile, another image captures an ambulance navigating through the frosty landscape.

The festive episode, penned by Erin Kubicki and helmed by Steve Hughes, promises a star-studded lineup, featuring guest appearances from Lucy-Jo Hudson of 'Coronation Street' fame, alongside Tristan Sturrock, known for his roles in 'Poldark' and 'The Crown'.

Also joining for the special are Joseph Charles from Breathless, Waterloo Road's Katy Carmichael, and Valerie Antiwi of DI Ray. Fans can also look forward to seeing Zoe Brough, known for her work on Father Brown.

Ian looks shocked as he sits in his ambulance with festive lights twinkling in the distance
(Image: BBC STUDIOS)

BBC Drama Commissioner Rebecca Ferguson expressed immense enthusiasm for the Christmas special: "We're so excited for viewers to see this incredible Christmas special, which genuinely made me gasp," while characterizing it as "tense, thrilling and super-charged with emotion".

Teasers for the much-anticipated episode first emerged when the show concluded its latest series in September, with a cryptic trailer available on the BBC website following its broadcast at the end of the season finale.

The latest announcements from the BBC confirm that 'Casualty' will be making its return to television screens on BBC One, scheduled for Saturday, December 30 at 9.15pm.