Casualty explores the traumatic aftermath for Siobhan following a brutal attack in last week’s cliffhanger – as revealed in the BBC iPlayer early release.
The closing scene in episode 3 of current box-set series Learning Curve saw the much-loved character walking home late at night after putting in some extra time at the hospital. She was pushed from behind by a mystery attacker, as her keys landed on a grate. The credits rolled as sounds suggested someone was dragging her away.
This week’s episode reveals harrowing details of her assault, and begins to delve into the devastating impact on the clinical nurse manager…
*** WARNING – spoilers for tonight’s BBC One episode of Casualty ahead ***
What happened to Siobhan during her attack in Casualty?
Viewers will know from the ending of last week’s episode that she was attacked while on her way home.
In the latest episode, we join Siobhan the morning after, as she sits on her bed looking contemplative.
She then gathers together some clothes in a bag, before arriving at an official-looking building which turns out to be a SARC (sexual assault referral centre).
Undergoing a forensic examination, Siobhan calmly explains where there was contact with the attacker.
“Neck, thighs, backs of legs,” she begins. The nurse then observes a bruise on the small of her back.
“I was pushed and then dragged,” Siobhan continues.
The forensic nurse then asks: “Did the assault involve any vaginal contact?” Siobhan’s voice falters as she says ‘yes’.
Who attacked Siobhan in Casualty?
This we don’t know… yet. She assumes it is someone unknown to her, answering ‘yes’ when the forensic nurse asks: “So I understand this was an assault by someone you don’t know?”
But Siobhan is determined that this man will not get away with what he’s done. Later in the episode she tells her SARC advisor: “I want to give details, and I want to speak to the police. Whatever it takes to get him. This is for me.”
Does Siobhan reveal her attack to her colleagues in the ED?
After her visit to the sexual assault unit, Siobhan goes home and tries to relax. Unable to silence her mind she heads into the chaos of work.
In this episode she explains away being late for work as sleeping through, but is clearly off her game. When Flynn demands to know what is going on, Siobhan loses her temper.
“I was attacked, okay, walking home last night,” she releases. “I’ve been to the SARC and I’ve filed a police report.
“Let’s just leave it there, I’ve told you what you need to know as my boss. I’ll be back tomorrow, ready to fix what needs fixing.”
But her assault does come up again with some colleagues as this series progresses.
Cam – who was the subject of assault previously – will become involved in the storyline.
Melanie Hill on character Siobhan’s sexual assault storyline
Actress Melanie Hill, who has played Siobhan for three years, told Lorraine: “It’s a story that needs to be told, as bad things happen to women and men of all ages.
“I think what’s good is we haven’t sensationalised it. It happens so quickly – it’s the actual medical things that happen to her afterwards.”
Speaking of taking on the plot, she added: “It’s mixed blessings. I was excited to take it on. But also you’ve got to go to very dark places, and make sure we give it the respect that it deserves.
“Siobhan does lose the plot a bit, it’s a rollercoaster. But she loves her patients – she’s all about work.”
And the storyline might make people think twice about public service staff, Melanie hopes.
“I hope this makes makes people a bit kinder,” she said. “People come into the ED on the worst day of their lives but don’t think that the people working there might be having the worst day.”