Calli Kitson
Published December 3, 2025 1:47pm
Updated December 3, 2025 1:47pm
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Former Casualty star Amanda Mealing has opened up about being rushed into theatre in order to have her eye retina re-attached.
The actress and director, best known for her role as Connie Beauchamp in Casualty, shared on Instagram yesterday that she went to the hospital after suddenly losing vision in one of her eyes.
Amanda, who is 58, shared a picture of her eyes, and the difference in their condition, on her social media page.
She wrote alongside: ‘I’d suddenly lost vision in one eye so went to hospital yesterday morning…by lunchtime I was on the operating table having my retina re-attached, repairs to torn parts and…a gas bubble inserted (who knew?!)?
‘Now I must spend a week prone, face first (used to be familiar!) And THAT was just Monday.
The star praised those that helped her during this scary ordeal and said: ‘And were it not for the beautiful, indefatigable souls @karlcooper426 @glynn.haywardaesthetics I’d simply not be here. You save my day, my arse, my dog and my life every day. Eternity is not enough time to say thank you.
The star is best known for her role as Connie in Casualty (Picture: BBC/PA)
Amanda also works as a director (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
She added: ‘And you, @zoweyb1 for bringing home the cyclops. Thank you all for finding me.’
Amanda’s followers and friends from the industry were quick to share love and support for her. Russell T Davies, of course best known as a showrunner for Doctor Who, said: ‘Oof! But you went there fast, that’s wonderful, that’s fixable. Much love darling xxx’.
Bonnie Langford, TV and theatre extraordinaire, added: ‘Poor thing. Wishing you better xxx.’
Amanda first appeared in the role of Connie Beauchamp in Holby City in 2004, and was a regular until 2010.
She made a number of guest appearances until 2019, whilst also appearing as the same character in Casualty.
The character continued to appear across the soaps until 2022, when Connie and daughter Grace (Emily Carey) both departed together.
During her time on the shows, she was involved in some huge storylines, including a battle with cancer, a violent assault and a diazepam addiction.
In 2021, the BBC decided to axe Holby City after 22 years.
‘I can’t believe it’ Amanda told Metro at the time.
Connie departed the ED in 2022 (Picture: BBC)
‘Particularly for me, it’s the birthplace of Connie. It’s just heartbreaking. When I started Holby, I said to Oliver Kent, the executive producer at the time, “let’s make it the West Wing of the medical world”, it’s got those long corridors, it reminded me of the West Wing so much.
‘I’m so sad, poor Connie’s birthplace is going.’
The role of Clinical Lead at Holby ED continues to be one that introduces fresh faces to the show.
The currently Clinical Lead, Flynn Byron, is played by former Call the Midwife star Olly Rix.
Amanda is also a director, and has directed episodes of Waterloo Road, and CBBC’s The Dumping Ground previously.
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