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Casualty pulls “inappropriate” new episode – but fans still want to see it

Casualty pulls “inappropriate” new episode – but fans still want to see it

An episode of the long-running medical drama was not aired due to apparent parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic, with fans just shown relevant clips instead

Huw Fullerton

Published: Sunday, 3 May 2020 at 10:24 am

An episode of long-running medical drama Casualty has been pulled by the airwaves, with the BBC deeming it “inappropriate” to show the story due to its apparent parallels with the real-life coronavirus pandemic.

Shortly before the episode was due to begin on Saturday 2nd May, an announcement on-air revealed to viewers that it would not be shown, with the drama instead jumping ahead to the following episode (with number 34 becoming number 33).

To avoid any gaps, the BBC broadcast a short recap of the episode’s scenes with relevant dramatic information, with the short glimpses – which included several shots of characters in full-body protective "hazmat" suits – hinting at a virus storyline that may have uncomfortably mirrored current events.

"The episode we were due to watch tonight, filmed before the spread of COVID-19, was considered inappropriate to show at the moment," a voice-over said.

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"But never fear, everything we need to know from that episode is in a catch up right at the start of the programme."

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However, some viewers were still unhappy with the situation, with many taking to social media to protest that they hadn’t been given the choice over whether to watch the episode themselves.

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Many were particularly annoyed by having key plotlines relegated to the catch-up montage, and called on the BBC to let them watch the episode anyway.

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Currently, only last night’s episode is available to watch on iPlayer, and it’s unclear whether the BBC will relent at any point in the future (possibly for a full series release?) or whether fans will just have to make do with the episodes they’ve been given from hereon out.

RadioTimes.com has contacted the BBC for comment.

Casualty airs on BBC One on Saturdays

Authors

Radio Times commissioning editor Huw Fullerton. He sits in front of a shelving unit, looking at the camera and smiling. He wears glasses and has a moustache

Huw FullertonCommissioning editor

Huw Fullerton is a commissioning editor for Radio Times magazine handling comedy, entertainment and specialist drama. In a previous regeneration, he covered all things sci-fi and fantasy for RadioTimes.com.

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