Robert Bathurst Reveals Secrets Behind ‘Tricky’ Casualty Role and Cold Feet’s Lasting Impact!

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What’s the view from your sofa?

For nearly two and a half decades, I’ve resided in the gardens and fields of the Weald region in Sussex. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, yet it can be quite muddy, especially during January and February. The soil is dense, thick clay, as you can observe.

What’s your garden like?

In our household, my wife Victoria excels at gardening, particularly with flowers. On the other hand, I take care of the vegetable garden. Every fortnight, I plant lettuce, mizuna, rocket, and parsley, followed by a variety of tomatoes, leeks, kale, and purple sprouting broccoli. Essentially, anything that appeals to slugs.

Are you an outdoorsy person?

Residing in a rural area, my lifestyle naturally leans towards outdoor activities, yet I find pleasure in both open spaces and city sidewalks.

What programmes are you currently enjoying watching?

I could spend hours upon hours enjoying horse races, and if I had my way, that’s what I’d do each and every day. If I were to pass away someday, I would imagine myself peacefully watching a race as my final moments on earth. However, unless I’m physically at the racetrack, I won’t be able to do so in reality.

Are you a gambling man then?

I don’t enjoy the gambling aspect; rather, it’s the tales, the eloquence, and the journalism that captivate me. It’s the challenge that I find appealing. To be a winner, you must be willing to fail 80% of the time. It’s a game about hope, not certainty.

Is that a bit like being actor?

In acting, I discover that satisfaction is primarily gauged in terms of dissatisfaction, so if a performance doesn’t leave you feeling disappointed, it’s a success. Many jobs can be quite enjoyable to perform, but they may not turn out well. You don’t realize they’re subpar while you’re working on them – only when they are broadcast.

Alternatively, he excels in his role due to his extensive experience, and his commanding presence is a testament to this longevity. Some may find his interpersonal style complex, but his exceptional skills place him at the top of his profession, and he has no qualms about expressing his abilities to others.

As a fan, I’ve always been intrigued by how Casualty integrates realism into its medical storylines. Being an actor, I was given the opportunity to work alongside actual surgeons and observe surgeries firsthand. I must admit, it was quite challenging to adapt to such a high-pressure, life-or-death environment. But the learning experience was invaluable, and it definitely helped me bring a more authentic portrayal of my character to life.

During a special behind-the-scenes day at a London teaching hospital, I shadowed a surgeon. Although I’m usually queasy about such things, it proved incredibly insightful for observing procedures and learning about the intricate hierarchy around the operating table, as well as proper handling of surgical tools. For my first operation, I was tasked with removing someone’s spleen. As I stepped into the operating theater, everything was prepared – the patient was open, all organs visible, and a layer of fat covering them. In that moment, I vowed never to eat toad-in-the-hole again!

Are you good in a crisis?

I find it incredibly admirable when individuals run towards danger or accidents. To me, those in the emergency services are almost superhuman, and I’m not one of them. I’m genuinely thrilled for them – they are skilled, calm, and detached – to take action first. Sometimes, this aspect of medics and characters like Russell is misunderstood. In order to perform their duties effectively, they have to be detached, which can appear as if they don’t care. However, they do care deeply, but I wouldn’t want my surgeon to share my pain or empathize with me – instead, I want a surgeon who can heal me efficiently.

Do you think it’s accurate to say that “Cold Feet,” where you portrayed the character David, was the pioneer of British dramas set around a kitchen island?

Cold Feet primarily revolved around the relationships among six characters and their day-to-day lives. It was one of the early domestic dramas, but what truly set it apart was its setting in Manchester. As we approach the 30th anniversary since its pilot episode next year, the genre of kitchen island drama has become a global phenomenon.

Casualty continues on Saturday 31st May at 8:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Consider adding “Casualty” to your list of shows on the TopMob: Recommended TV Shows app – grab it today for daily suggestions, special features, and much more!

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2025-05-27 17:04