Elinor Lawless, known for her role as Stevie Nash in Casualty, leads a life just as dramatic as her on-screen character.

Since joining the show in 2021, Elinor has been open about her personal health struggles, including a secret she kept hidden for years.

This Christmas, she’ll take centre stage in a special episode focused on blood donations, sharing real-life stories that inspired the plot. Elinor has revealed she was born with a congenital heart condition, undergoing open-heart surgery at just seven years old.

This experience has left her unable to donate blood, a fact that deeply affects her. She shared: “I had a congenital heart condition when I was a kid. I had open heart surgery when I was seven and because of that, I can’t give blood and it bothers me. It’s something so beautifully straightforward that we can do for each other and in that situation I was relying on other people to do the thing that I can’t do. I’m here because somebody decided to go to a blood bank that day – that’s just mind boggling.”

Elinor, a mother herself, has expressed her fears that her eight year old son Joe might one day require a blood transfusion.

Elinor is front and centre of the Christmas special (Image:

BBC/JAMES PARDON)

She shared: “I have a little boy and the idea of losing a loved-one simply because there’s not enough of the thing that would make an instant difference – that’s stuff of horror. I’m grateful that people are doing this up-and-down the country and this episode is a vehicle to help give a message gently, but also to say thank you without shoving it down people’s throats.”

The actress believes that shows like Casualty are significant as they portray people “at their most vulnerable”.

Having spent a considerable amount of time in hospitals as a child, Elinor is familiar with medical procedures like cannulas. She vividly recalls the care she received during those times.

“I was in and out of hospital loads as a kid so I’m au fait with things like cannulas. I remember that time vividly and you remember the level of care. I remember being in the ambulance on the way to surgery and the amazing nurses – Hazel and Ann were my go-to nurses – and the fantastic Dr Craig and Dr Gladstone. Even at that age I was aware I was in good hands,” she previously stated.

Elinor has opened up about her hidden health battle (Image:

BBC STUDIOS)

“I’m all fixed now. I was checked every year until 21 and they fixed me good. That’s why shows like Casualty are so important. These people get to see us at our most vulnerable.”

In her personal life, Elinor is married to actor Peter Basham, known for his roles in EastEnders, James Bond hit movie Skyfall, detective series Sherlock and hit movie Inception.

When their son Joe was born prematurely, Elinor and Peter had to stay an additional 10 days in the hospital.

Speaking about her son’s experience, she said: “My little boy was in hospital for ten days and I saw how accomplished and adept the staff are. They looked after my little boy like a nest egg. I have a huge amount of respect for the NHS and it’s an honour to get to create these amazing characters and tell these amazing stories. And for the last couple of years the NHS has been a tour de force. I feel so privileged to be part of a show that shines a light on that.”