Former Casualty actor Derek Thompson has joined the cast of police drama Blue Lights series 2 for a “hard-hitting” storyline.
TV fans were gutted last year when the actor announced he was leaving the medical drama after 37 years. Derek was the longest serving cast member, having played Charlie Fairhead since 1986 – in the first ever episode!
However, the character of Charlie was written out earlier this year. After he finished filming, he promptly began working on Blue Lights series 2.
Today (Monday, April 22, 2024), Derek Thompson appears for the first time in the cast of Blue Lights. Here’s everything you need to know about his upcoming role…
Derek Thompson joins the cast of Blue Lights series 2
Belfast-born actor Derek Thompson, 76, has joined the cast of Blue Lights series 2. The 75-year-old plays retired cop Robin Graham in the upcoming BBC One series.
New pictures show Derek in character as Robin. And his bearded face, and somber expression is a far cry from the lovely Charlie in Casualty!
Robin will make his first appearance in the second episode of the season, and will star in all subsequent episodes. We’re told that his past and conscience catch up with him when trainee solicitor Jen Robinson investigates a decades-old case – one that has dangerous implications for the present.
Derek Thompson said: “I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year. I was thrilled and excited when I got the invitation to take part in series two.”
He continued: “I was born in Belfast and was equally excited to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that I’m sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first. Greatly looking forward to it myself as I’m one of them.”
Robin will be Derek’s first role since leaving the cast of Casualty.
Derek Thompson plays former RUC Special Branch officer Robin Graham
Talking to whattowatch.com, Derek Thompson reveals his storyline is “a phenomenal tale”.
His character, former RUC Special Branch officer Robin Graham, is at the heart of a powerful storyline with roots in the darkest days of Northern Ireland’s past.
Solicitor Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) discovers that Robin tried to sue the government for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to the 1978 bombing of a Belfast fish and chip shop.
Derek said: “Eventually Robin realises Jen is the route to salvation and he wants to tell his story. That’s the only way his conscience will do what it has to do. It’s a phenomenal tale.”
He added: “I can’t tell you how hard-hitting it was to be stood there with Hannah McClean. Her character is just refusing to go away and when he shares his story you see the relationship that builds between the two of them.”
What else do we know about series 2 of Blue Lights?
In the second series of Blue Lights, viewers see that Grace, Annie and Tommy are no longer rookies. They face a whole new set of challenges as they mature as police officers. Meanwhile, there’s a vacuum being filled by rival gangs.
The action is set a year after the fall of the McIntyre crime gang – and a year after the tragic death of Constable Gerard. Constable Shane Bradley (newcomer Frank Blake) is drafted in to help, but his motivations are unclear.
When a young loyalist threatens to take over the city, an explosive situation arises. A major gangland feud is in the making, which could have devastating consequences for everyone.
Meanwhile, Tommy takes an interest in intelligence policing, while Grace (
“”
“’–
“”
’
’’
’’
’