As the world’s longest-running primetime medical drama, Casualty has earned its iconic status

through decades of gripping storytelling, dynamic character arcs, and a relentless exploration of the

human spirit in the face of trauma. With the upcoming 40th anniversary of the series, it seems fitting to take a step behind the scenes and delve into the lifeblood of what makes the show resonate with audiences around the globe. The set of Casualty, based in BBC’s Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff, Wales, is a world unto itself, a place where the boundaries between fiction and reality blur. But as I recently discovered on a special visit to the set, it’s not just the high-quality production values and lifelike environments that bring the show to life; it’s the little, often unseen touches that add immeasurable depth and heart to the Casualty experience.

Upon entering the set, I was immediately struck by how meticulously the space has been crafted. Unlike the majority of TV shows, where sets are confined to isolated, modular structures with cameras and lights angled just so to simulate a “real” location, the Casualty set feels entirely different. It’s an authentic and fully functioning reproduction of a real NHS hospital, with corridors, resuscitation rooms, and the iconic reception area, all as they appear on screen. Walking through the halls of Holby ED, you quickly realize that this isn’t just a television set; it’s a living, breathing space that’s been designed with an attention to detail that elevates the entire Casualty experience.

But it’s not just the physical layout that makes the set feel so genuine—it’s the little tributes and heartfelt nods to the show’s rich history that add a layer of emotional resonance to the environment. These tributes, often tucked away in corners or hidden from view, are subtle yet powerful reminders of the characters and actors who have shaped Casualty over the years. As a longtime fan of the show, I wasn’t expecting to be moved during my visit, but I found myself unexpectedly overwhelmed by the tributes scattered throughout the set, which serve as poignant memorials to the beloved cast members and characters who have come and gone over the years.

One of the first places I was taken to was the staff room—a space that has been the backdrop to many dramatic and emotional moments over the years. As I stepped inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to a notice board on the far wall, covered with photographs of former cast members. These images, filled with smiles and laughter, depict the actors in candid, behind-the-scenes moments that could easily belong to any workplace in the UK. They serve as a subtle, yet powerful homage to the actors who have graced the show over the years.

Among the faces on the notice board are those of much-loved characters who have passed away on screen, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. Robin Miller (Amanda Henderson), Jeff Collier (Matt Bardock), and Kathleen “Dixie” Dixon (Jane Hazlegrove) are all honored with images that capture their time on Casualty. But it’s not just the characters who have left the show—it’s also the characters who have met tragic fates, such as the heartbreaking departure of Robin Miller, whose loss still resonates with viewers today. The presence of these images in such an everyday, familiar setting makes the staff room feel not just like a set, but a true reflection of the people who have worked there, their camaraderie and shared experiences reflected in these small, personal moments.

The inclusion of these images wasn’t merely for nostalgia’s sake; it speaks to the soul of Casualty and its commitment to portraying the real emotional toll of working in such an intense environment. According to producer Sarah Beardsall, who graciously served as my guide during the set tour, the staff room is not often shown on camera in detail. However, for eagle-eyed fans of the show, there is an opportunity to spot it in the far left corner of the frame during certain episodes. It’s an example of how Casualty gives careful thought to every aspect of its set design, ensuring that even the smallest details contribute to the emotional depth of the series.

But the tributes don’t end there. As I continued my tour, I learned that the Casualty set is peppered with these quiet acknowledgments to both the actors and characters who have shaped its storylines. For instance, the fridge-freezer in the ambulance bay area isn’t just a functional prop—it’s also adorned with more photographs, continuing the theme of remembrance and connection between the characters who have passed through Holby ED. Similarly, a second notice board—this one located in the call center area, a relatively new addition to the set—serves as another tribute to the people who have worked and loved within the walls of Holby’s emergency department.

For those who aren’t closely attuned to the show’s history, these little touches might seem like insignificant details. But for fans like me, they serve as emotional markers, helping us to feel the weight of the history behind the set and the characters who have left their mark on it. There is something deeply moving about walking through an environment that feels not just lived in, but personally touched by the actors who have shaped the show’s trajectory over the years. The photos on the boards are more than just images—they are symbols of the friendships, struggles, and triumphs that have unfolded within these very walls, immortalized in a way that fans can connect with on a visceral level.

What makes these tributes even more poignant is the fact that they remain hidden in plain sight. As Beardsall pointed out, these heartfelt reminders are rarely the focal point of any given scene. Instead, they are meant to exist in the background—an ever-present yet subtle acknowledgment of the show’s history. This adds a layer of authenticity to Casualty, reminding us that the storylines unfold in a world that’s deeply rooted in the lives of the characters, past and present.

As I concluded my visit, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these small, thoughtful details speak to the heart of what Casualty is all about: a show that not only delivers powerful drama but also honors the humanity at its core. With the show’s 40th anniversary on the horizon, it’s clear that Casualty is not just a show about emergency medicine—it’s a show about people. And as long as the set continues to be filled with these quiet tributes, it will always resonate with fans, old and new alike.

In a world where television shows often feel fleeting and disconnected from the real world, Casualty stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, of character, and of community. It’s a place where the past, present, and future converge in a powerful display of emotion and remembrance, reminding us that every character, every storyline, and every moment matters. And that’s something that can never be replicated on any other set.