'Casualty' announces one-off webisode

Casualty producers have announced that fans will be able to watch a special webisode on the show's website later this month.

The one-off instalment will focus on the programme's new homeless character Alistair (Joe McFadden) and his friendship with paramedic Polly Emmerson (Sophia di Martino).

In Casualty's regular October 31 episode, viewers will see Polly making the surprise decision to call the police about Alistair. Once the TV broadcast concludes, fans will then be invited to follow the storyline online as the mysterious figure continues to struggle with life on the streets and discovers that Polly has turned against him.

Discussing the project, McFadden commented: "It was really interesting to shoot in a very different way and great fun to explore my character in a bit more depth and show a gritty side of Casualty that viewers don't normally get to see."

The episode, titled 'The Parting of the Ways' and written by Casualty script editor David Roden, is the first ever online instalment for a BBC continuing drama.

Casualty's executive producer Belinda Campbell said: "We are always looking at new ways to add value for our loyal fans and this innovative mini-episode will open a window on a hitherto unseen world and give viewers access to a character they wouldn't have in a normal episode.

"David, Joe and Sophia have worked really hard to make this a really special viewing opportunity for die-hard Casualty lovers."

'The Parting of the Ways' will be available to watch on the Casualty website from 9pm on October 31. Fans can also see the episode via the red button or as a downloadable mobisode.