Dr Tom Kent and medic Sam Nicholls

[Perdita]

Casualty bosses have announced that two new doctors are to join the medical drama in the coming months.

Beowulf, The Tudors and Bedlam star Charlotte Salt, 26, has been cast as Sam Nicholls, a "fast-living, fearless and fiery" army medic who has a surprising link with another member of the ED team.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old actor Oliver Coleman - who has previously appeared in The Line of Beauty and The Other Boleyn Girl - will play paediatric specialist doctor Tom Kent. Billed as "gentle, calm and a brilliant children's doctor", Tom finds that his maturity at work doesn't always carry over into his private life.

Salt's first Casualty episode airs in mid-October, while Coleman makes his debut in January 2012.

Casualty's series producer Nikki Wilson commented: "Charlotte and Oliver are incredibly talented, much sought-after actors and we're delighted to welcome them to the new Casualty set in Cardiff.

"Both new characters are set to inject a shot of excitement into the emergency department and, as ever, both will have an air of intrigue about them."

Casualty continues on Saturday at 9.25pm on BBC One.

[Perdita]

New Casualty recruit Oliver Coleman has described his flying start at the medical drama.
The 28-year-old actor joins the BBC One series in early January as emergency paediatrics specialist Dr Tom Kent, and makes a grand entrance on a helicopter.
He said: "Tom is working for the helicopter emergency services as a doctor when he first arrives. If you could put anything in your contract it would be, 'Can I arrive on a helicopter?'."
Oliver thinks this is a fitting start to the "flash" character, but added that the new doctor has a heart of gold.
He said: "He used to be a professional swimmer and started off as a kid, his father was pushy and Tom rejected it and that's why he likes working with kids, he wants to make sure they're doing what they should be doing as a kid. He relates to kids with pushy parents."
With dashing good looks, Tom is likely to cause a stir among the women of Holby - but Oliver has no idea what romances are in store.
He said: "Him and Linda get on very well, they're compatible as doctor and nurse. There may be something there but don't quote me on that one! His personal life hasn't been explored yet, it's very much a secret and I think that's where it could go, although I do know he's a bit of a flirt outside work."

PA

[Perdita]

Casualty will explore the military past of Sam Nicholls in a one-off BBC Red Button episode next month, it has been announced.

Casualty: Under Fire will be set in Afghanistan, uncovering the traumatic events which led up to Sam's arrival at Holby.

Show bosses have promised that the special mini-episode will help to explain "Sam's brusque bedside manner and brave but impulsive decision-making".

Casualty's executive producer Johnathan Young commented: "We're always looking for new ways to add value for our loyal fans, and this special episode gives us a chance to explore the past and behaviour of one of our most colourful characters.

"Sam has made a huge impact on the show since her debut last year and is proving hugely popular with viewers, but it's clear she has a troubled past. This Red Button episode will give us a chance to find out just what secrets she hides."

Under Fire will transport viewers to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, showing Sam (Charlotte Salt) working as the medic on a MERT helicopter alongside boyfriend Corporal Ian Dean.

When a sudden call leads to Sam treating casualties from a suicide bombing, she is alarmed when one of her patients starts to act in an agitated fashion and reaches for a device in his pocket.

A Casualty statement teased: "Sam [then] makes a split-second decision which has life-changing consequences. How do the events affect Sam's state of mind? Just what is the situation with Corporal Ian Dean? And what will be the impact of the events on Sam's long-term future?"

Casualty: Under Fire will air on the BBC Red Button directly after the regular episode being screened on Saturday, April 14. It will also be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

[Perdita]

Casualty is bringing back Dylan Keogh's ex-wife Sam Nicholls as part of a big storyline later this year.

Charlotte Salt, who played the feisty doctor from 2011 to 2013, has signed up to reprise the popular role and will return to filming at the end of May.

Sam in Casualty
© BBC
Sam was last seen riding off into the sunset with her new husband Tom Kent – played by Charlotte's real-life husband Oliver Coleman – but sadly, it looks like the characters' happy ending has gone awry, as she will be returning to Holby alone.

Confirming the news to TV Times, Casualty boss Erika Hossington said: "Tom isn't returning. We will find out what's happened with him and why she's come back.

"We know fans loved Charlotte first time round, so it seemed worth asking her. We're excited she said yes."

Dylan Keogh in Casualty
© BBC
Viewers know that Sam has a colourful history with fan-favourite Dylan as the pair used to be married, but she also has an interesting connection to another Casualty regular – paramedic Iain Dean.

Sam's return story will see her interact with both Dylan and Iain, but Erika has hinted that it may not be in the way that viewers are expecting.

When Digital Spy spoke to Erika back in January, she confirmed that Dylan would have a love interest returning, but added that there could still be some surprises in store.

She said: "Fans can expect an old face to return, but maybe not in the guise they are expecting. But I don't want to give too much away at the moment."

Digital Spy