Casualty has announced in first transgender character in a continuing role, with Arin Smethurst joining as paramedic Sah Brockner in the long-running BBC One series.

They will be working alongside Jan (Di Botcher), Teddy (Milo Clarke) and Iain (Michael Stevenson)

Arin Smethurst said: "I am honoured to be joining the spectacular Casualty family as a shiny new paramedic!

“I’m so excited to portray this transgender, non-binary, salty but fiercely compassionate character and hope they are not only well-received, but also a source of awareness for those who have never met someone like me. I can’t wait for you to meet Sah!"

Deborah Sathe, Senior Executive Producer of Casualty and Holby City, said: "We are delighted to welcome Arin to the Casualty family and launch our new paramedic Sah for the Saturday night audience.

“Sah will get themselves into all sorts of professional adventures whilst masking their own personal sorrow. In a world where our privacy is something to be treasured, will Sah be able to keep theirs?"

Casualty is Arin’s first television role, after having graduated from Rose Bruford last year.

They will first appear as Sah on screen later this month.