George Rainsford has made his exit from Casualty ‘official’, taking to Instagram to confirm his move away from the show.
Many of Rainsford’s followers guessed that he was exiting as fan favourite Ethan Hardy, with the star posting a series of hints suggesting that he was clearing out his dressing room and wouldn’t be back to film the new season, which started production this month.
However, the actor’s Instagram post proved that although he has wrapped up filming, everything ended in high spirits for him and the cast.
Related: Casualty star Charles Venn reassures fans over show's future after axe rumours
The Instagram post featured a series of photos of the cast together at a party in the summer, with one photo of Rainsford holding a mic suggesting that he may have been giving a farewell speech.
Although the exit of the good doctor will be a loss to the show, the happy photos showed that the cast were supportive of their friend’s decision to grab a new opportunity.
Rainsford captioned the post: "Well I suppose it’s official because it’s now in print!
"Most of you have guessed already but I’ve left #Casualty after 9 years & over 300 episodes. My final appearance (*for now) airs in early 2023. Pictures are from my last night with the crew in summer 2022.
"Enjoying some family time & other challenges. It’s been a blast!"
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Looking to the future, the actor is swapping screen for stage, having landed the role of DSI Roy Grace in Wish You Were Dead, which will also star Clive Mantle, another former Casualty star.
Rainsford said of his career move: "I can't wait to be part of a theatre ensemble again and delve into Peter James' thrilling criminal underworld… I am excited to meet audiences from all over the UK, and share with them some enthralling, edge-of-your-seat entertainment!”
So, for anyone who'll miss Rainsford on screen... he might just be on a stage near you soon.
Casualty airs on Saturdays on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Casualty spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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