The actor, who has previously starred in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, is currently playing Siobhan McKenzie in Casualty, which has been off-air for the second week running due to scheduling clashes.

Despite rumours swirling that the actor could leave the show, Melanie has made clear she’s settled within the cast of the BBC medical drama and shows no signs of leaving any time soon.

“I’m happy to be part of a team again,” she told The Mirror. “I like seeing everyone every morning and the comfort of knowing I’ve got regular work.

“When I was younger, I enjoyed the feeling of ‘what’s next?’ and meeting new people, but as I’ve got older, I prefer the familiarity. I did Waterloo Road for four years and then Corrie was seven years and hopefully Casualty will be for the next seven.

“I just take each day as it comes but I can’t see any reason to leave. I really enjoy it and feel very grateful.”

She also revealed that there are no plans to retire any time soon, explaining, “As long as my brain keeps going, I’m quite happy to carry on working. I love it and I love the routine. I get a bit lost at Christmas when you’ve got time off. I prefer to have structure.”

Casualty fans have had a mixed response to Melanie’s character, Siobhan.

‘I’m loving the tension between Stevie and Siobhan. @Elinor_Lawless and @MelanieJHil have great chemistry,’ wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter.

While another said, ‘All I’m going to say is protect Stevie and Siobhan at all costs.’

Meanwhile, another wrote, ‘Siobhan being clinical lead doesn’t make sense ??! #Casualty it’s supposed to be a doctor not a nurse manager?!’

Tune in next week on Saturday 6th July to find out what’s next in store for the residents of Holby ED.