BBC Casualty star’s two hidden health battles after being written out of soap

Elinor Lawless, 31, joined the cast of Casualty as Stevie Nash in 2021, and has been at the centre of some of the show’s most intense plots.

Hailing from Draperstown, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Lawless honed her acting skills at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where she was honoured with the Peter Akerman Award for Best Comedy Actress. But when she was just three-years-old, Elinor faced two serious heart conditions.

Doctors diagnosed her with a hole in her heart and anomalous pulmonary venous connection, which causes blood to flow back to the heart incorrectly. Her childhood was marked by lengthy hospital stays, including a major open-heart surgery at just seven-years-old at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Casualty star Elinor Lawless has bravely opened up about her two hidden health conditions ( Image: PA)

After many medical assessments over the years, she received a clean bill of health at 21. Reflecting on her health challenges, Elinor shared: “I was in and out of hospital loads as a kid so I’m au fait with things like cannulas. I remember that time vividly and you remember the level of care.”

She lauded the NHS, stating: “I remember being in the ambulance on the way to surgery and the amazing nurses – Hazel and Ann were my go-to nurses – and the fantastic Dr Craig and Dr Gladstone. Even at that age I was aware I was in good hands.”

The energetic actress disclosed: “I’m all fixed now. I was checked every year until 21 and they fixed me good. That’s why shows like Casualty are so important. These people get to see us at our most vulnerable.”

Away from the camera, Elinor is married to actor spouse Peter Basham with the couple welcoming their son Joe in 2016. No stranger to the razzle-dazzle of showbusiness, Peter has graced screens in EastEnders as PC Anthony Rogers in 2019, in addition to cinematic hits such as Skyfall and Sherlock. He also starred alongside Cillian Murphy in Inception, tackling the role of Jet Captain.

Their son Joe made his early arrival weighing a mere 2.2 kilograms, necessitating a 10-day stay in a special infant unit.

Elinor is married to Peter Basham ( Image: TEDx Talks / YouTube)

Elinor expressed her profound gratitude for the outstanding NHS care provided to both her and her son, stating emphatically: “My little boy was in hospital for ten days and I saw how accomplished and adept the staff are. They looked after my little boy like a nest egg.

“I have a huge amount of respect for the NHS and it’s an honour to get to create these amazing characters and tell these amazing stories. And for the last couple of years the NHS has been a tour de force. I feel so privileged to be part of a show that shines a light on that.”

Earlier in the year, Casualty waved goodbye to actor Derek Thompson, known for his role as Charlie Fairhead, who had been with the series since its inception in 1986, making him the longest-serving cast member until his departure.

Elinor Lawless, 31, joined the cast of Casualty as Stevie Nash in 2021, and has been at the centre of some of the show’s most intense plots. Hailing from Draperstown, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Lawless honed her acting skills at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where she was honoured with the Peter Akerman…