An axed soap star will make a triumphant return to screens as she announced her new role on a hit crime drama just days after her final episode aired.
Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, 50, is known for her role as Zara Carmichael on the BBC daytime soap Doctors.
She joined the cast in 2009 as a new GP at the fictional Mill Health Centre and has remained a regular character for more than 15 years, bar two absences during maternity leave.
Last week, Doctors fans were left devastated when the final episode aired and the BBC scrapped the beloved show after 24 seasons.
However, Elisabeth offered a beacon of hope to those who were already missing the soap’s familiar faces.
In a post on social media site, X, she said: ‘For those with a @BBCDoctors shaped hole in your schedule, I bring tidings of comfort.
Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, 50, is known for her role as Zara Carmichael on the BBC daytime soap Doctors
She joined the cast in 2009 as a new GP at the fictional Mill Health Centre and has remained a regular character for over 15 years
Last week, Doctors fans were left devastated when the final episode aired as the BBC scrapped the beloved show after 24 seasons
‘You can catch up with many of my fellow players in new projects… & so far, my latest adventure is a delicious appearance in #TheSisterBonifaceMysteries Season 4 coming out in 2025. There is #LifeAfterLetherbridge!’
Delighted fans flooded her replies to congratulate the star and vowed to support her new venture.
One wrote: ‘Excellent show, look forward to seeing you in it.’
Another said: ‘You have no idea how excited I am for this! Besides Doctors, Father Brown and the Sister Boniface universe are probably my favourite shows so this is truly worlds colliding for me.’
Others took the opportunity to express their ‘heartbreak’ at the loss of Doctors and hope for its return.
‘Heartbroken at the loss of Doctors but wish all the cast and team the brilliant future you all deserve. Shame on the BBC,’ one fumed.
Elisabeth announced her new role on the BBC’s fourth season of Sister Boniface Mysteries
‘Best of luck with all of your future projects Elisabeth and the rest of the cast as well. Hopefully Doctors will be brought back one day,’ a second posted.
Elisabeth also announced the launch of her new podcast, Chicken Soap For The Soul, which will see her chat to other soap stars, past and present, about their lives and careers.
The podcast’s synopsis says: ‘With the Doctors practise closing its doors after 24 years, Elisabeth has hung up her stethoscope and is ready to take you behind the scenes of the world of soap – full of drama, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.
‘Chicken Soap for the Soul is a dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that make soaps so special – both in front of and behind the camera.’
