Michael Stevenson is taking a break from ‘Casualty’.
The 36-year-old star has portrayed paramedic Iain Dean since 2012, and admits it was an emotional decision to depart the BBC medical serial drama because he has "fine and fond memories" of his time on the show.
He said: "With huge sadness but immense pride, I have decided to take a break from this amazing show.
"Playing the role of Iain Dean has been a pure pleasure over the past six years, and I have nothing but fine and fond memories.
"I have laughed every day and wish to thank everyone involved at ‘Casualty’ for making my time here unforgettable.
"Thank you to the fans of the show for being so supportive of Iain throughout his mental illness storyline."
But Michael has confirmed Iain will return at some point.
He added: "The response from the public has been astonishing, and I am incredibly proud of the work and what it has done for people’s perception and awareness of needing to talk.
"Iain’s journey will continue."
‘Casualty’ executive producer Simon Harper is quoted by Digital Spy as saying: "After his magnificent work carrying the lion’s share of powerful story in this series of ‘Casualty’, Michael is taking a well-deserved break from this paramedic duties – I couldn’t be prouder of his stunning work on ‘Casualty’, and the door is wide open for his return."
Iain recently tried to take his own life as part of a hard-hitting storyline which rose awareness of the pressures on emergency service workers and their mental health, and Michael admitted it is important to show life "isn’t always a bed of roses" for NHS staff.
He recently said: "I believe that we have a responsibility to give out a positive message about the NHS. But there is equal responsibility to tell the story of the NHS staff, and that isn’t always a bed of roses.
"Of course, you have to dramatize, but at the moment [‘Casualty’] focuses on these individuals as people and what they do and what they have to face."
Michael Stevenson taking Casualty break
