Amanda Mealing’s character Connie Beauchamp has left Casualty.
The actress, 53, has played Connie since 2004.
Saturday’s episode of Casualty saw Connie embark on a career break as she puts her personal life ahead of work.
We’re saying a goodbye for now to our Queen of Casualty! 👑😗@meamandamealing #Casualty pic.twitter.com/JgG6L0ghXx
— BBC Casualty (@BBCCasualty) April 3, 2021
After the programme aired, Mealing tweeted: “What an amazing send off. Thank you, guys!”
She added: “…and relax… I’m struggling to see through the tears.
“Thank you for all the love. #AuRevoir not goodbye #17YearsOfConnie is a long time.”
Mealing, 53, is taking a break from the BBC medical drama to focus on her production company and finish a feature film.
Beauchamp has been a fixture of the Holby City and Casualty universe since 2004, when she debuted in the former series as a cardiothoracic consultant.
Over the years, the character has risen through the ranks, to become a fan favourite and appeared regularly across both series.
Mealing was labelled the “Queen of Casualty” on the programme’s official Twitter page.