Casualty star Sarah Seggari has revealed what it was like to film the dramatic surgery scenes in the show’s latest boxset ‘Internal Affairs’.

Sarah’s character Rida has recently left the ED to start a job in Russell’s surgical team. While she immediately thrived in her new role, Nicole told her about a list of surgeons to avoid – which includes Russell and her boyfriend Sean.

As a disturbing incident involving Russell takes place in this week’s episode, Sarah gives us an insight about working in the operating theatre for this huge storyline.

Hi Sarah! How did it feel to be given such a huge storyline in this boxset?

“I’m always really honoured and shocked when the execs write Rida another story. To be headlining this boxset is so important, empowering and vital. It’s great to for me to flex my acting muscles as well. I’m really excited for people to watch and to get their opinions.”

How did you find filming the surgical scenes?

“I loved it! I love that uniform, I loved being upstairs. As an actor, you always want to do something different, so it was a joy. They built a new surgery ward just for us and we had different medical advisers come in. It was almost like doing a different show, but with Rida inside me! It was just so much fun.”

What was it like working with Robert Bathurst?

“So exciting! It was so nice. We had a really good group – Robert, Sammy T Dobson, Seth Somers and Olly Rix. We all supported each other loads, and it felt very intimate because it was the five of us the whole time. In the surgery room, we’re all beginners, so it was a level playing field for all of us.”

Related: BBC confirms Casualty‘s future after major show change

What do you love most about playing Rida?

“I love her heart. I love how I show a different side of being a Muslim woman. I’m really proud to represent that side, to teach audience members and push the boundaries a bit. I’m just grateful any time I get a script, I’m like ‘I’m in it! I’m doing Casualty!