Long-running medical drama Casualty returned to screens on Saturday, leaving fans in tears after a devastating twist involving a newborn baby. The hit BBC series, which focuses on the staff at Holby City Hospital's Accident and Emergency department, had been briefly paused last week to make way for Eurovision coverage.
In the latest episode, aired on May 23, viewers witnessed a heart-stopping moment when baby Pearl, daughter of nurse Faith Dean (Kirsty Mitchell), stopped breathing in the NICU ward. Faith had been hopeful that Pearl would soon be discharged, but doctor Rash Masum (Neet Mohan) warned that the infant still needed to learn how to feed properly. While Rash performed a lumbar puncture on another baby, Faith alerted him that Pearl was choking. Moments later, Pearl stopped breathing, prompting Rash and colleagues to spring into action. Faith's husband, Iain (Michael Stevenson), arrived to find his wife in tears. Rash confirmed that Pearl had suffered a cardiac arrest but was now stable.
Elsewhere, Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) discovered that Matty Linlaker (Aron Julius) had covered for her previous mistake—administering too much morphine to a young girl saved from an explosion by Teddy Gowan (Milo Clarke). A troubling letter further dented Stevie's confidence, leaving her fearful that revealing the truth could expose other secrets.
Viewers took to social media to express their emotions. One wrote: "Poor Pearl omg." Another said: "Pearl!" with crying emojis. A third commented: "Iain [sad emoji]. Faith [sad emoji]. Thank goodness Pearl's okay!" Another added: "The sigh of relief when they said Pearl was okay." A fifth viewer noted: "Looking forward to Kirsty shattering my heart into pieces."
Some fans turned their suspicions to newcomer Mia Stern (Macadie Amoroso). "Got a horrible feeling we're going to have a Baby Snatching Storyline," one wrote, with another adding: "Yeah that Mia was a bit sketchy." A third speculated: "Why do I have a HORRIBLE feeling Faith is walking out of that hospital with no intention of coming back soon after what just happened to Pearl. I hope I'm VERY wrong."
Does newcomer Mia have an ulterior motive, and has Faith walked out on her family? Viewers will have to wait and see. Casualty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
