Cathy Shipton is set to return to 'Casualty' this month.
Cathy Shipton as Lisa 'Duffy' Duffin
The 59-year-old actress has decided to reprise her role as reliable nurse Lisa 'Duffy' Duffin - one of the show's original characters - in the popular medical drama after she starred in a series of one-off of episodes last year.
Cathy said: "After returning last year for episodes one and two of series 30, many asked if Duffy was sticking around long-term and I replied that the door is wonderfully wide open! Well the response was so positive that I've stepped right through and am thrilled to be back on the show."
Cathy - who first played the role 20 years ago - has teased that there is plenty in store for her well-loved alter-ego.
She explained: "The future looks very exciting for Duffy both professionally and personally, and I am equally excited to be working with such a talented and creative team of actors, writers, directors and producers."
Duffy was last seen gracing the wards when she returned to the UK from New Zealand and took up a position as an agency nurse at Holby City's accident and emergency.
However, she'll be seen in the forthcoming episode on June 28 when she confesses to Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson) that she's left her husband and children in New Zealand in order to take up a permanent job at Holby.
Meanwhile, 'Casualty's executive producer Oliver Kent is delighted the character and actress are back on board.
He said: "All of us at 'Casualty' are incredibly excited that the fabulous Cathy Shipton has agreed to bring Duffy back to the Emergency Department. We know that our viewers loved her brief return last year and now it's completely thrilling to have her with us full-time. The dream team of Charlie and Duffy are back together again."
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