Casualty spoilers follow.

Casualty said goodbye to a legend last night (March 16),

as Derek Thompson bowed out of the role of

Charlie Fairhead after nearly 40 years.

Although there was plenty of speculation that Charlie was going to die, especially as he was stabbed in his penultimate episode, he ended up surviving, and decided to retire and drive off into the sunset.

Following the episode’s airing, fans, cast, and crew members have all posted tributes to the character online, thanking Derek for his commitment to the role, and expressing relief that Charlie didn’t die in the end.

Sunetra Sarker, who returned for Charlie’s send-off, led the tributes, writing: “The absolute icon that is Charlie Fairhead bows out with his unique style and talent. It was a privilege to be there for his farewell. Forever Fairhead.”

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George Rainsford, who played Ethan Hardy, shared a memory to his page, writing: “Probably my favourite episode during my time at #Casualty was Charlie’s stag do. An absolute riot of a shoot in Barry! Derek was on typically fine form. Congrats and thanks for the memories legend!”

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“I had the best time working with Derek! Cal & Charlie were the best of mates. What an absolute legend and tv icon. Farewell Charlie and well done Derek!” added Caleb Knight actor Richard Winsor, while editor Joseph Marshall called it “an honour” to work on Charlie’s last episodes.