Casualty's Anna Chell announces new "deeply moving" role away from the show

Casualty star Anna Chell is set to take on a very different role this Christmas period. The Jodie Whyte actor will star as Bella in A Turkey and a Crown, a "deeply moving" festive production coming to Manchester's 53two theatre.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the venue posted: "Set against the backdrop of a struggling Northern town, this world premiere is a beautifully funny, achingly honest and deeply moving story about loneliness, love, second chances and the extraordinary power of ordinary kindness at Christmas.

"Written by Rebekah Harrison, this fiercely human Christmas play finds hope in the most unexpected places and reminds us that family isn’t always who we are born with. Sometimes it’s the people who pull up a chair."

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Several of Anna's Casualty castmates shared their support in the comment section, with Melanie Hill writing: "Looking forward to seeing this 🙌👏."

Former co-star Kellie Shirley added: "Ps I’m gonna be in Mani - I’ll come!!! Xx."

Olly Rix, who plays Flynn Byron in the soap and is also engaged to Anna in real life, shared his support on his Instagram Stories, sharing the post to promote the show.

The stage production will take place from 16 December to 23 December, with tickets on sale now via 53two's website.

It comes just as episodes of Casualty and Holby City are set to be added to Netflix later this month.

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Episodes are confirmed to be arriving on Monday, 23 November. However, it isn’t yet known which episodes from each show will be added.

Currently, Casualty fans can watch every episode of the show since 2023 on BBC iPlayer, up to and including the two-part 40th anniversary special. The long-running medical soap will return next year for a "new era of Casualty", though an exact air date isn't known.

A Trifle and Turkey Crown is at 53two in Manchester between 16 December and 23 December. Tickets are on sale now.

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