Louise’s shock departure from Casualty has left a massive gap in the ED…
When senior nurse Louise Tyler quit Holby ED in Saturday’s Casualty, both Charlie Fairhead and viewers were devastated. Since her arrival in the show in 2011 Louise has been a strong and charismatic Casualty character with an underlying kindness.
And Louise’s departure from the series reflected this as she sadly told shocked Charlie that she’d been using food banks and working every shift available to make ends meet.
Louise, played by Azuka Oforka, will be missed for all kinds of reasons.
Here we reveal our top four…
Her distinctive working style
Louise initially joined the ED as a call-taker on the ambulance dispatch service. When she later got a job as an ED receptionist her no-nonsense attitude ruffled a few feathers! Louise never knowingly suffered fools gladly, especially when it came to the efficient running of the hospital, and was always quick to tell patients and colleagues exactly what was on her mind!
Her secret past
It was what Louise didn’t say that intrigued viewers in 2015. Many quickly clocked that not only did Louise and new nurse Jacob Masters know each other already, but that Louise was hiding something from her colleagues. Jacob (Charles Venn) agreed to keep Louise’s secret. Later it emerged Louise used to be a nurse, but had packed it in after a traumatic experience with a pregnant patient who lost her baby.
Her unlikely friendships
From introverted nurse David Hide to outspoken doctor Dylan Keogh, Louise has formed some interesting friendships during her time in Casualty.
Speaking about Louise and Dylan’s unique dynamic, William Beck said:
“My personal favourite is Dylan’s relationship with Louise. It may be a surprise one for me to pick but it’s one I particularly look forward to doing.
“It’s a slow, quiet one, and people don’t talk about it so much but I think there’s a real meeting of minds there. She’s absolutely no-nonsense with him, but he takes it from her and also gives it back. I love working with Azuka.”
Her tireless work
From raising money to renovate the relatives’ room, convincing the hospital bigwigs to save Noel’s receptionist job, and refusing to pay extortionate car parking fees even though it got her into debt, Louise was a principled and tireless campaigner for what she believed in. Even in her final scenes this week Louise was determined to identify Connie Beauchamp’s mystery attacker. Louise, you’ve been entertaining, explosive, funny and thought proving, and will be much missed…
Casualty continues on BBC1 this Saturday. Pick up What’s on TV magazine, on sale every Tuesday, for insider Casualty news and interviews.
