Casualty legend criticizes Doctors axing decision

Casualty legend Catherine Shipton has criticized the BBC’s decision to ax Doctors.

The cancellation of the daytime soap was announced last year, after more than 23 years on air. The broadcaster attributed the “very difficult decision” to financing issues, explaining: “The cost of the program has increased significantly.”

Ace Doctors approaches its final episode this December, former Casualty star Shipton is set to appear in her third role on the show.

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speaking to TV Timesthe actor discussed her disappointment at the show’s cancellation. “It’s a real shame and a shock, and I think, sadly, an ill-advised decision,” she said.

“Holby City has gone, Doctors has gone… Young directors, writers, actors; they all cut their teeth on these kinds of shows. You are aware, particularly with the crew, that people buy homes and move their families there.”

She added: “I didn’t want to talk about it on set because you’re there to do a job, but I did have a few chats with people on the QT and it was a real blow to everyone.”

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Shipton previously starred in two guest roles on Doctors, in 2004 and 2008. Her upcoming stint will see her play Melissa Horner, who Shipton described as “a very straight-talking northern woman and former union negotiator.”

The role will see her reunited with Sophie Austin, (who will play Sandra Horner), as Austin once played Shipton’s daughter-in-law on Casualty.

Asked if she would consider joining another soap, the star teased: “Oh, yeah! I’m not an East Ender but I can do a London accent. But having done my northern accent for Doctorsyou never know – Corrie might come knocking!”

Doctors tunes on BBC One. Casualty airs on Saturday nights on BBC One and now streams first on BBC iPlayer, where episodes are released at 6am on the day of transmission.

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