Suzanne Packer is returning to 'Casualty' as Tess Bateman for a two-part Christmas special.
Suzanne Packer is reprising role as Tess Bateman in Casulaty
The 58-year-old actress originally played the role of nurse Tess Bateman in the BBC medical drama for 12 years from September 2003 to August 2015.
The first of the special episodes, which airs on Saturday, December 4 on BBC One, will see a shocked Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson) discover Tess (Suzanne Packer) turn up on his doorstep.
Tess comes to tell him she is returning to the emergency department as a locum over the busy Christmas period. But with a clear strain on their friendship, will the pair be able to work things out?
Speaking about her return, Suzanne said: “I was so delighted to be asked back to Casualty for a couple of episodes. It was an absolute joy to work with the team again, especially Derek!
“Most of my scenes were with him, add that to a wonderful script by Barbara Machin and to work alongside Holly Aird, it was a dream return. I couldn’t have asked for anything more."
Speculation was rife as to whether Suzanne would be returning to play her character, after Suzanne’s Spotlight page was updated and indicated she was returning to 'Casualty'.
Her return was confirmed on the official 'Casualty' Twitter account with a tweet which read: "Welcome back Tess!”
'Casualty' airs Saturday evenings on BBC One.