"I pretty much know about my character's life from the off, I don't know why, I've never been able to pinpoint it, but fortunately as an actor it's always been something that's come very natural to me. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Casualty cements its status as the longest running primetime medical drama in the world. Hospital porter turned healthcare assistant MacKenzie Big Mac Chalker was a Casualty staple from 2007 until his departure in 2016. Reunion Tour?, Loretta Preece, Series Producer, says: There is a 35th anniversary smorgasbord to offer both new and old fans of Casualty with huge stunts, faces from the past, some indelible new characters and some wonderful story twists. Charles Dale bids a sad farewell this weekend, as he leaves CASUALTY after nine years on the show. Represented by the archer, Sagittarians are always on a quest for knowledge. Those little things.". ", Another posted: "Well done, hope it all goes well for you. With twenty years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Elaine writes for Whats on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and (opens in new tab)www.whattowatch.com (opens in new tab) covering a variety of programs from gardening and wildlife to documentaries and drama. He's been isolated all his life, he looked after his mother til the day she died. We had to abide to Covid restrictions which is not easy but we did it. . Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Charles Dale was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire in 1963. Ive been very lucky with work since we came out of lockdown and fortunately I had a week off between two series that Im filming, so a very easy decision. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current . You will receive a verification email shortly. moved to London and trained at LAMDA. He is known for being a TV Actor. Charles Dale, added: Its lovely to be back with my friends again, especially, THE Tony Marshall. record shop in Tenby and both his parents were keen amateur actors. What to Watch is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. James overdoses a patient. Despite the change in direction, the Welsh star, 59, confirmed he is not retiring from acting. The Corrie star . Charles Dale is a member of Richest Celebrities and TV Actors. The actor - who played Dennis Stringer in the ITV soap from 2000 to 2002 - will be swapping acting for politics as he stands for election at his local council. The same can be said for receptionist Noel (Tony Marshall) who tragically passed away at the beginning of the year in Casualtys BAFTA award winning Coronavirus episode. And because of what's happened to Mac in the past, his mental state isn't that strong that he can handle them. Are you like him in any way at all? Acting isn't always a long-term career option and many former soap stars have stepped out of the limelight to support their families and go back to a quieter life. The popular BBC medical drama Casualty is turning 35 this week and Welshman Charles Dale is making a return for the hour-long episode. I love playing Big Mac, hes very funny, makes me laugh, so all the little bits and pieces that I do running around pushing my trolleys is always good fun, but actually to have something that you can get your teeth into is good and interesting. "They do such an extraordinary job. But one former Coronation Street actor has been found fulfilling a rather normal job, while still enjoying a very successful acting career. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The Pembrokeshire Murders: ITV release thrilling trailer, Dennis Stringer (Charles Dale, right) telling Eileen (Sue Cleaver) about his affair with Janice (Vicky Entwistle), Charles as Mackenzie 'Big Mac' Chalker in Casualty, Charles' grandad owned the music shop from 1947, and dad Laurie, took the shop on in 1964, What time does Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial kick off today and how to watch, Harry Styles makes career U-turn as he gears up to read Bedtime Story on CBeebies. Played by Charles Dale Big Mac tries to be everyone's friend and loves nothing more than sharing a few jokes over a nice cup of tea. With Georgia Taylor, Lucy Gaskell, Tristan Gemmill, Hasina Haque. "Mac basically realises that it's time he stood up for himself and that he can't run from things that happened in the past all his life." Return of the Mac! Big Mac and Noel are reunited in Casualty's anniversary episode. My characters have always made sense to me and it does make life easier." "No it doesn't bother me, well except for one time that did make me flinch. This article about a British television actor born in the 1960s is a stub. Casualty have announced the return of Noel, Big Mac and Cal as part of the 35th anniversary celebrations. Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter. Work has been a little quieter for the telly veteran so far this year but the new town councillor doesnt mind. Elinor Lawless as new consultant Stevie makes a splash right from her first episode and I am confident she will become one of the most talked about characters in Casualtys history. After leaving school in 1979, he became an assistant stage manager (through a Youth Opportunity Scheme) at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, where he stayed for a year. An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi. The audience are going to love the episode!, Charles Dale, says: Its lovely to be back with my friends again, especially, THE Tony Marshall. He also talks frankly about the good and the bad aspects of working on BBC1's flagship medical show and gives Big Mac fans a glimmer of hope We can't believe you're leaving Casualty after eight years. "Today a staff member from my local paper came into my shop (another long story, and no, I havent retired) and asked me if I wanted to pay 50 to have my name and contact details put in the paper alongside the other candidates. Thank you for signing up to Whattowatch. Does Mac feel that he has made Jessica a target? Les then tried to take his own life on New Year's Day but Dennis tracked him down and rushed him to hospital. Charles Dale Expand search. After occasional acting roles, he moved to London and trained at LAMDA.He broke into television, when he appeared in Morgan's Boy (1984) and also worked consistently for the English Shakespeare Company. "You have to find a balance," he explained. " Coronation Street spoilers: Frightened Hope begs Fiz not to attack her, Coronation Street stars Georgia Taylor and Charlie De Melo fuel romance rumours with birthday selfie, Coronation Street spoilers: Daisys gut punch as mum Christina starts dating her stalker Justin, Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon reveals baby sons name and meaning behind it, 10 soap spoilers this week: Coronation Street kidnap, Emmerdale Suzy exposed, EastEnders exit, Hollyoaks custody battle, Do not sell or share my personal information. Big Mac (Charles Dale) gets a Christmas tree. Includes exclusive content, spoilers and interviews before they're seen on the site. Charles' fans were quick to praise the star on his huge career move. Known for his roles in Casualty, as Big Mac, Chef in '90s dark drama, The Lakes, Coronation Street's Dennis Stringer, recently he's been spotted in ITV big hitters, The Pembrokeshire Murders and Unforgotten. Get the latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! Despite this, he will return for a guest appearance in the 30th anniversary at the start of series 31. Charles Dale was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire in 1963. ", CD: "T and I have a very special relationship. Casualty will kick-off its 36th series with a special feature length anniversary episode. The episode will also see the instruction of new character Stevie, played by Elinor Lawless. If you would like to make a contribution to help to complete the database, please contact bill.beigel@ww2research.com, with thanks! Privacy Policy. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). After leaving school in 1979, he became an assistant stage manager "The crew, as usual, were wonderful, with loads of friends and familiar faces. Something went wrong, please try again later. We see him helping Jessica and then they run into a gang "That's right a gang of young lads. He stayed away for 20 years before being drawn back to his roots when the sense of hiraeth got too much. . "I try and do different things and I think that has hampered my career to a certain degree," he told the publication. My mum and dad were big amateurs, and very good quality amateurs so I grew up sitting in the back of rehearsal rooms playing with my toy soldiers so I always watched people rehearsing. It was a joy working with my son as well as of course Charlie Dale and Richard Winsor. He appeared in a couple of West End shows and played Dennis in Coronation Street (1960) for eighteen months. [5], In 2017, he played Hugo in the new musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.[6][7]. Read more: Rhod Gilbert takes over DIY SOS presenting role for Children in Need special. Did you learn more about Mac doing this episode? It was a joy working with my son as well as of course Charlie Dale and Richard Winsor. The feature-length episode will include some familiar faces from Casualty's 35-year history, Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Casualty star Charles Dale on Big Macs shock return for BBC1s 35th anniversary celebrations. I think maybe two years later of him working in the hospital, yes! (through a Youth Opportunity Scheme) at the Torch Theatre in Milford BA1 1UA. Charles Dale: Billy Traynor: Charles Dale: Larry Steadman: Charles Dale: Lisa Duffin: Catherine Shipton: . Charles Dale (born 4 February 1963) is a Welsh actor known for playing Big Mac in Casualty, Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street, Gary "Chef" Alcock in The Lakes and Clive Eustace in The Eustace Bros. [1] [2] He was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Could this weeks flashback lead to a more permanent return to the wards for Big Mac? But he's no pushover, says actor Charles Dale How did you feel about having a whole episode devoted to your character? He departed in the show's 999th episode "You Make Me Sick", which aired in June 2016. His father ran a record shop in Tenby and both his parents were keen amateur actors. Charles Dale: 'Big Mac stands up for himself' (Image credit: BBC) Big Mac prides himself in being Casualty 's friendly, reliable porter. Further roles emerged in ITV's Steel River Blues (2004) and a children's series Barking! Charles has also made appearances in several dramas including A Touch of Frost,The Bill,New Tricks,Where the Heart and The Pembrokeshire Murders. Ive been very fortunate over the years and I have been very busy! Most Popular #112652. Rita relishes in Iain's comfort and attention. We talked to a very modest Charles Dale about his epic exit from Casualty this Saturday. Beginning in 1986 Casualty has taken a prime time Saturday . Coronation Street and Casualty actor Charles Dale reveals surprising new career 20 years after dramatic soap death Shan Ally Published: 15:26, 26 Apr 2022 Updated: 16:46, 26 Apr 2022. He is married and lives in Wales with their son. He has been involved in a number of storylines over the . Is he the sort of character you reckon you could have a pint with?! The special will take the cast back in time as another character, Cal Knight played by Richard Windsor, is also making a return and two new characters will also be introduced. 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Follow actors to get notifications and filter by them in top charts. Official Sites, He is the only actor to have appeared in both live-to-air episodes of TV's, In the cast of Casualty as the porter Big Mac [July 2008], View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. He later appeared as Clive, in Paradise Heights (2002) for the BBC with Neil Morrissey and Ralf Little as well as its spin-off The Eustace Bros. (2003). Television [ edit] Could you ever do Mac's job for real? Charles father, Laurie, then took over the shop in 1964. The awards highlight educators from around the country cited by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention . He resigned after admitting to stealing pills because of his painkiller addiction. Bath I did amateur dramatics. Big Mac and Noel are reunited in Casualty's anniversary episode. as DS Gareth Rees in The Pembrokeshire Murders as Mackenzie 'Big Mac' Chalker . Even while he spent nine and two years on Casualty and Coronation Street respectively, he still managed to keep things interesting. It's like anything, you always know who the troublemakers are." He has also made appearances in Lovejoy, Soldier Soldier, Bramwell, A Touch of Frost, Touching Evil III, The Bill, At Home with the Braithwaites, Burnside, Steel River Blues, New Tricks, Where the Heart Is, Holby City, Spaced, Rocket Man, The Pembrokeshire Murders and Unforgotten. Charles Dale is a Welsh actor known for playing Big Mac in Casualty, Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street, Gary "Chef" Alcock in The Lakes and Clive Eustace in The Eustace Bros. Charles Dale (born 4 February 1963) is a Welsh actor known for playing Big Mac in Casualty, Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street, Gary "Chef" Alcock in The Lakes and Clive Eustace in The Eustace Bros.[1][2] He was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales. 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