Casualty exclusive: Sarah Seggari ‘We filmed for six hours on a closed set’

Casualty Exclusive: Sarah Seggari Reveals ‘We Filmed for Six Hours on a Closed Set’ – The Scene That Left Everyone Speechless

In an emotional and candid behind-the-scenes revelation, Casualty star Sarah Seggari has opened up about one of the most intense filming experiences of her career. Speaking exclusively about the recent episode that shook fans to the core, Seggari — who plays the fiercely determined Rida Amaan — described what it was like to shoot an emotionally charged sequence on a completely closed set for nearly six hours straight.

The episode, which has already been hailed as one of the most powerful in Casualty’s recent history, saw Rida pushed to her absolute breaking point. Whether it was moral conflict, physical exhaustion, or emotional confrontation, the result was a scene that left both the cast and viewers shaken — and Seggari has now shared exactly what went into making that moment so unforgettable.

“We Filmed for Six Hours — No One Else Was Allowed In”

In the interview, Sarah Seggari revealed that the production team decided to close the set during filming — meaning only essential crew members were allowed to be present. This decision was made to help create an environment of focus, emotional intensity, and privacy for the actors involved.

“It was just me, the camera operators, and the director,” Seggari shared. “We wanted the space to feel real, raw, and completely immersive. There were no extras, no background noise — just silence between takes and a lot of emotion.”

The scene reportedly involved Rida confronting a painful truth — one that ties directly into the ongoing storyline involving Russell, Jacob, and the mysterious morphine thefts that have plagued Holby ED. Seggari’s performance was described by crew members as “electric” and “devastatingly real.”

“It wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “We filmed for hours without stopping. Every take felt heavier than the last because the story was so emotionally layered. By the end of it, I was completely drained — but also proud. It was one of those moments you know will stick with you forever.”

The Pressure of Playing Rida

Sarah Seggari’s character, Rida Amaan, has become one of Casualty’s most compelling figures — a passionate, principled nurse whose empathy sometimes clashes with the rigid system of hospital politics. Fans have watched her navigate trauma, personal sacrifice, and a growing sense of moral burden as recent episodes have tested her limits.

“Rida is such a complex woman,” Seggari explained. “She’s constantly torn between doing what’s right for her patients and protecting herself. Sometimes that means she makes mistakes, but she never stops caring. That’s what makes her so human.”

Seggari noted that this particular episode pushed Rida to her emotional brink, forcing her to confront choices that could destroy her career — and her conscience.

“It’s one of those episodes where you see Rida completely stripped back. There’s no façade, no armor — just pain, fear, and truth. I think a lot of people will relate to that feeling of being trapped by circumstances beyond your control.”

Working with Robert Bathurst: “He’s Incredibly Generous”

The episode’s most intense scenes featured Rida face-to-face with Russell, played by Cold Feet and Downton Abbey star Robert Bathurst. Their confrontation was the emotional centerpiece of the story — and Seggari praised Bathurst for helping create such a powerful dynamic.

“Working with Robert was extraordinary,” she said. “He’s so giving as an actor. Even when the cameras aren’t on him, he’s completely in the moment, supporting you and responding to every nuance.”

Seggari revealed that the pair spent a significant amount of time rehearsing the scene, discussing their characters’ motivations and emotional triggers. The chemistry between them, she said, came from a shared desire to portray truth rather than melodrama.

“It’s not about shouting or crying for the sake of it — it’s about showing the quiet devastation that happens when two people who care deeply find themselves on opposite sides of the truth,” she added.

The Toll — and the Reward — of Intense Storytelling

When asked about the emotional toll of such demanding filming, Seggari didn’t hold back.

“You can’t help but take some of it home with you,” she admitted. “We’re actors, but we’re also human. When you’ve spent six hours reliving someone’s worst day, it lingers. But that’s also what makes the job meaningful. You get to tell stories that matter.”

The closed-set decision allowed Seggari to fully immerse herself in the moment without distractions. The result, as many fans have said online, was one of Casualty’s most authentic and heartbreaking performances of the year.

Viewers flooded social media with praise following the episode’s airing:

“Sarah Seggari deserves every award possible — that was breathtaking acting.”

“The emotion in that scene was unreal. You could feel every ounce of pain in Rida’s voice.”

“This is Casualty at its best — raw, human, unforgettable.”

What Comes Next for Rida

Though the episode has left fans with more questions than answers, it’s clear that Rida’s story is far from over. The fallout from Russell’s confrontation and Rida’s inner turmoil will continue to ripple through Holby ED in upcoming episodes.

“There’s a lot more to come,” Seggari teased. “Rida’s choices will have consequences — not just for her, but for the people around her. What happens next could change everything.”

As Casualty approaches its next big chapter, it’s clear that Sarah Seggari’s performance has solidified Rida as one of the show’s most layered and beloved characters. Her willingness to go all in — emotionally, mentally, and physically — has brought new depth to the long-running BBC drama.

A Testament to Casualty’s Legacy

Nearly four decades since its debut, Casualty continues to deliver stories that resonate deeply with viewers. This latest episode — and Seggari’s stunning performance — is proof that the show’s heartbeat lies not just in medical emergencies, but in the emotional struggles of the people behind the scrubs.

As Sarah Seggari said so perfectly:

“You can have all the explosions and chaos in the world, but it’s the human connection — the quiet, painful truth between two people — that makes Casualty what it is.”

With her unforgettable performance on that closed set, Sarah Seggari has reminded fans why they keep coming back week after week: for the raw, honest, and utterly human stories that lie at the heart of Holby ED.