In the forthcoming feature-length Casualty this weekend, a number of former cast will be making cameo appearances to the delight of fans.
Sam Grey will be one of those making a brief comeback. She played receptionist-turned-HCA Alice Chantrey from 2006-2010 and she kindly talks to holby.tv about her return and what she’s been up to since leaving the show…
How were you approached into making a cameo appearance for Casualty’s 30th anniversary episode?
I was contacted by the casting director via Spotlight.
It’s been 6 years since you left the show, what was it like stepping into your character once again?
It was all too familiar to step back into Alice, albeit fleeting. I felt a mix of delight to see some of my old cast mates and crew, but also found it quite a daunting experience to be on the new set in Cardiff even though it was for all of maybe 3 minutes actually on set. It’s massive and quite different to the Bristol warehouse.
What are your fondest memories of your time working on Casualty?
I miss the camaraderie between the cast and the crew. We were like a big family with Corky (Simon MacCorkindale) as our dad and Derek being the Grandpa. They were the glue that kept us all close and working towards the same goal.
What were your most memorable Alice storylines?
My most memorable storylines were getting beaten up, getting stuck in an elevator with Dr Trueman and of course Curtis jumping off a roof.
What have you been up to since leaving the show?
I’ve stepped away from acting for the time being and worked my way up to being a Manager of a Market Research Viewing Facility in Central London.
I also became a mum to a four year old Cavapoo dog, she is my angel looking over me.
Who have you kept in touch with from the cast since leaving?
I kept in touch with everyone until I deleted my Facebook! Addicted was an understatement. But I’m still in touch with some of the old cast over the good old fashioned phone and my best friend that I met on the show, Sabrina, who was a regular supporting artist.
Celebrating it’s 30th year, why do you think Casualty has maintained it’s success?
Casualty’s success is due to an age old formula that keeps viewers hooked. It knows it’s audience. And of course Charlie!
Would you ever consider a full return to the show?
Yes I would definitely consider a return but it would depend on the length of contract. I have a great job and an awesome team so it would be difficult for me to leave them although I think my MD would like to start a petition for my return.
Do you have any future work projects lined up?
Acting work no, we have just recently moved locations at work and starting to recruit some new staff so there’s plenty to get my teeth into at the moment.
