In a shocking twist that has left Casualty fans reeling, nurse Rida Amaan, portrayed by Sarah Seggari, becomes the victim of a harrowing sexual assault during a high-stakes surgery. The incident, which occurred in the operating theatre under the hands of senior surgeon Russell Whitelaw (Robert Bathurst), marks a devastating turn in the ongoing ‘Internal Affairs’ storyline.
Rida’s transition from the ED to the surgical team was initially a career milestone, filled with anticipation and ambition. However, her excitement quickly soured as she encountered unsettling behavior from Whitelaw, including inappropriate physical contact. Despite warnings from colleagues like Nicole Piper (Sammy T. Dobson), Rida pressed on, eager to prove herself. Tragically, during a critical operation on patient Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless), Whitelaw’s assault left Rida shaken and struggling to maintain her composure.
The aftermath of the assault sees Rida grappling with trauma in isolation, unable to confide in her peers. Her emotional turmoil manifests in critical errors during surgery, endangering patients and escalating tensions within the department. Despite the severity of the situation, Rida faces further manipulation from Whitelaw, who continues to exert control over her.
Sarah Seggari, reflecting on her character’s journey, expressed the profound impact of portraying such a pivotal storyline. “You’ll see a very different side of Rida that we haven’t seen in the two years she’s been on telly,” she teased, hinting at the unexpected developments to come. She also acknowledged the real-world implications of the narrative, stating, “I think it’s something like one in eight women have been sexually assaulted in the world, and that really played in my mind going forward from this episode.”
As Casualty delves into these dark themes, viewers are left questioning the integrity of the hospital’s leadership and the safety of its staff. With Rida’s journey set to unfold in the coming episodes, fans brace for a storyline that promises to challenge perceptions and evoke powerful emotions
For those affected by the issues raised in this storyline, support is available through the BBC Action Line.\
