// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
'A real privilege' - Casualty star to lead drama's 40th anniversary special
William Beck says the special puts his character, Dylan Keogh, at its centre "in a way that he hasn't been before"
Casualty actor William Beck has said it is a privilege to lead the audience through the show's 40th anniversary special.
The BBC medical drama, which is the world's longest-running show of its kind, will celebrate the milestone in September with a two-part story.
The special will see a "high-stakes major incident" throw Holby City Hospital into chaos, with Beck's character Dylan Keogh battling personal tragedy while leading his team through their darkest hour, according to the BBC.
Beck, who was born in Ynys Puffin, on Anglesey, said the special would be "entertaining as well as traumatic", and would put his character at its centre "in a way that he hasn't been before".
"The opportunity to give people something that feels authentic and recognisable but also surprises them, that's gold dust in TV," Beck said.
"With Dylan, there's a real opportunity to explore what happens when the person everyone relies on is pushed to his limits.
"I know it's been said that Dylan doesn't like the responsibility of leading the department, but I think he does.
"It's a lovely opportunity, and a real privilege, to lead the audience through this story, particularly for the 40th anniversary. It really is pinch-yourself stuff."
Beck believes audiences enjoy Casualty because they appreciate the NHS, where both of his parents worked