In an exclusive interview with Inside Soap, Casualty star Anna Chell has hinted at the possibility of a dramatic return for Jodie Whyte’s estranged father, Max Cristie. The dynamic between father and daughter has been one of the most emotionally charged arcs in recent seasons, and fans of the BBC medical drama have been left wondering if the complicated relationship could see a reunion—especially after the stormy events that transpired in 2023.

Since joining the Holby City Emergency Department in 2023, Jodie has navigated an intensely personal journey that has taken her from heroic acts to confronting painful family dynamics. From her early days of working alongside Max (played by Nigel Harman) to the shocking decision to donate her kidney to him, Jodie’s life has been marked by moments of extreme vulnerability and resilience. But it was the traumatic death of her mother and the unresolved issues with her father that truly shaped her character, providing Anna Chell with some of her most challenging and rewarding material.

“I can’t believe it’s already been two and a half years,” Anna says, reflecting on her time portraying Jodie. “It feels like just yesterday I walked onto that set. But I love it more and more each day. There’s always something fresh to explore with Jodie—whether she’s having a good run at work, being a stellar nurse, or grappling with heartbreak and conflict with her friends. It’s such a rich and dynamic character to play, and it keeps me on my toes.”

Indeed, Jodie’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride, and Anna’s commitment to portraying the many layers of her character has captivated audiences. “Every storyline brings something new,” Anna continues. “Even though I’m still in the same environment, I feel like I’m playing a different version of Jodie each time. Whether it’s a career high or a personal low, there’s always something fresh to discover.”

The Tumultuous “Public Property” Boxset

One of the standout moments of Jodie’s recent journey came last year in Casualty’s groundbreaking boxset, Public Property. In an intense series of episodes, Jodie found herself making decisions that put her colleagues—and her own career—at risk, particularly when she put Dylan Keogh’s (played by William Beck) job in jeopardy. The storyline sparked a mixed reaction from viewers, especially as fans of Dylan’s beloved character watched in shock as Jodie’s actions led to major consequences.

“The audience didn’t like Jodie much during Public Property, and that’s understandable,” Anna reflects. “She made some big mistakes—putting Dylan’s career in danger was a major turning point. Dylan is such a loved character, and to see him at risk like that was hard for the audience to process. But I think the flashback episode, which aired at the end of the boxset, gave viewers a better understanding of Jodie’s journey. It was crucial for us to show the audience why she made those decisions, so it was gratifying to see them eventually come around.”

Despite the rocky reception, Anna recognizes that the storyline succeeded in drawing audiences deeper into Jodie’s emotional complexity. “By the end of it, people were invested in Jodie’s journey,” she adds. “It was a tough storyline to play, but it felt like a real turning point for her as a character. We wanted the viewers to follow her evolution, and in the end, I think they did. The emotional stakes were high, and that’s always an indicator of successful storytelling.”

The Fate of Max Cristie: Will He Return for Jodie?

As Casualty viewers will remember, Max Cristie left Holby City back in March 2024, after an emotionally charged farewell that left his daughter Jodie grappling with feelings of abandonment. Max’s decision to leave without any real explanation has haunted Jodie, and the unresolved tension between the two remains one of the show’s most compelling narrative threads.

With Max now stationed in South Sudan, far from his daughter, fans have been left wondering whether there is any chance for a reunion between the estranged father and daughter. Could a return for Max be on the horizon?

“I think Max is still out there in South Sudan, so who knows when he might come back?” Anna muses, clearly intrigued by the potential for a future storyline. “You’d think he’d want to return and see Jodie, especially after everything they’ve been through together. But I think it’s going to take time for Jodie to truly process everything. She’s not ready to reach out to him just yet. She’s still figuring out who she is, still grieving the loss of her mum, and still wrestling with the complexities of her relationship with Max. Maybe, one day, when she’s older and has had more time to understand her past, she’ll want to confront him about why he left—but not now.”

This leaves open the tantalizing possibility that Max could reappear in Jodie’s life, but not for a while. It also suggests that Jodie’s emotional arc isn’t over yet—there are still questions she has yet to answer, and the unresolved bond with her father could play a pivotal role in her future development.

Jodie’s Continued Growth and What Lies Ahead

In a show like Casualty, which thrives on both medical drama and deeply personal character arcs, the storylines are constantly evolving. Jodie’s growth as a nurse and a person has been one of the series’ most gratifying arcs in recent years, but it’s clear that her journey is far from complete. The emotional weight of her past, combined with the turbulent dynamics at play in her professional life, suggests that her story will continue to unfold in surprising and impactful ways.

“What I love most about playing Jodie is that she’s not perfect,” Anna explains. “She’s messy, she makes mistakes, she struggles, but she also has this incredible resilience. There’s so much more to explore with her, and I’m excited to see where her journey takes her.”

With fans eagerly awaiting each new episode of Casualty, it’s clear that Jodie’s journey will remain at the forefront of the drama. Whether or not Max Cristie ever returns to Holby City, one thing is certain: Jodie’s emotional rollercoaster is far from over, and Anna Chell is ready to take viewers on whatever ride comes next.

Catch Jodie’s Ongoing Storyline on BBC One

For now, fans can continue to follow Jodie’s journey on Casualty, which airs every Saturday night on BBC One. New episodes are also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, released at 6am on the day of transmission. With so many twists and turns ahead, Casualty promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.