BBC Casualty Iain Dean star's real-life off-screen from PTSD to being 'killed off'
Best known for his long-standing role as the character Iain Dean in BBC's Casualty, actor Michael Stevenson's time on the medical drama could soon be coming to a tragic end after his exit was teased in the trailer for the Christmas special.
Michael's portrayal of Iain, a former military medic turned paramedic, has captivated audiences since he joined the cast back in 2012 as he took on a number of hard-hitting storylines.
However, fans might be left disappointed as Casualty's festive episode sees Iain come to a possible emotional end,
During his time on the show, Michael has tackled hard-hitting topics such as PTSD, depression, and mental health struggles. In addition to his professional achievements, the actor is also recognised for his dedication to family life and his candid discussions about personal challenges.
Early Career and Casualty gig
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Michael's acting journey began with a guest role in Heartbeat in 2009, where he played Billy Garrett. Over the years, he honed his craft by appearing in various television series, including The Syndicate and Doctors.
His talent for portraying emotionally complex characters became evident early in his career, paving the way for his breakthrough role in Casualty.
Michael joined BBC's Casualty in 2012, playing Iain Dean, a character whose storylines often dealt with heavy themes such as trauma and redemption. Over the years, Iain evolved into one of the show’s most beloved figures, with viewers appreciating his resilience and vulnerability on screen.
Notably, his character’s struggles with mental health, including PTSD and a suicide attempt, resonated deeply with audiences. Stevenson’s commitment to portraying these issues authentically earned him widespread acclaim.
While his future remains unclear, Michael admitted he is always worried his character will be "killed off".
He said: "I am always worried they are going to do that. Ask any actor when they open the script, they look for that page and they go, 'Oh, no I am safe.'"
Personal Life
Off-screen, Michael is a devoted family man. He is married to fellow actress Lauren Crace, known for her role as Danielle Jones in EastEnders, who was sadly run over and killed by Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). The couple wed on May 29, 2016, and share three children: their son Jack, aged 11, and twin daughters, Emmy and Isla, aged 8.
Michael has spoken openly about the challenges he faced following the traumatic birth of his twin daughters, an experience that led him to develop PTSD. His candidness about mental health struggles has helped raise awareness about the psychological impact of childbirth on fathers.
He previously told The Mirror: "I probably had mild PTSD after my twins were born. That was a pretty traumatic time.
"They thought they had malrotation, which can be really dangerous in the stomach. I remember phoning my dad, they hadn’t heard anything from us for a few days and were worried, and hearing his voice, it all came out and I wept."
His experiences as a father and his role in portraying mental health issues on Casualty have made him an advocate for a greater understanding of these topics. He frequently emphasises the importance of family support in his personal life and in managing the pressures of a demanding career.
Future on Casualty
The Christmas special's synopsis, set to air on Saturday, states: "The festive special All I Want For Christmas is a format-breaking standalone episode that will bring home the 'true' meaning of Christmas.
"It's Christmas Day in the ED, and the team is faced with an emergency blood shortage.
"While Stevie (Elinor Lawless) battles to save lives, Iain risks his own to ensure the hospital doesn't go without."
Casualty airs on Saturday on BBC One.
