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Josh Griffiths

Josh Griffiths
Casualty character
JoshGriffiths.jpg
First appearance "Chain Reaction"
8 September 1989
Last appearance "The Stag, the Dog and the Sheep"
4 February 2017
Portrayed by Ian Bleasdale
Spinoff(s) Casualty@Holby City
Duration 1989–2007, 2016–2017
Information
Occupation Paramedic
Ambulance Duty Officer
Spouse(s) Helen Griffiths (until 1997)
Collette Kierney (2001–03)
Children Ashley Griffiths (son)
Sarah Griffiths (daughter)

Josh Griffiths is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Casualty, played by Ian Bleasdale. The character made his first appearance during the fourth series episode "Chain Reaction", which was broadcast on 8 September 1989. Josh was a paramedic, who worked for the fictitious Holby Ambulance Service. Josh became one of the longest serving characters during his time in the show. Bleasdale decided to leave the show in 2007 and Josh departed in the twenty-second series episode "Finding the Words", first broadcast on 3 November 2007. Bleasdale reprised the role for the show's 30th anniversary feature-length episode in August 2016, and made another guest return in 2017.

The character was based on real life paramedic Clive Haddrell, who advised the script writers on the accuracy of the paramedics featured in the show. Actor Ian Bleasdale was initially contracted for a small amount of episodes as a guest paramedic. He made his debut as Josh during the fourth series on 8 September 1989. Bleasdale was asked to return for more episodes during the following series, and then for 14 episodes of the sixth series in 1991, before continuing in the role.

After appearing in the show for eighteen years and becoming one of the longest serving actors, Bleasdale announced his departure in August 2007. He chose to leave Casualty in order to pursue new acting roles and spend more time with his family. Bleasdale had decided to quit the show two years prior, but stayed for his character's storylines. He filmed his final scenes in July. Series producer Oliver Kent stated that the character's exit would allow him to make a return in the future.

Bleasdale wanted Josh to have a happy ending, following a series of bad events in his life. He did not want to act out a death scene. Bleasdale said Josh would find "true happiness" towards the end of his time in the show. Josh met and fell in love with a woman while he was on holiday. He then decided to leave Holby to be with her and shared a "touching farewell" with his friend Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson). Josh departed during the episode broadcast on 3 November 2007.


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