CASUALTY legend Derek Thompson today made a very rare public appearance after quitting the show.

The actor – who shocked fans last year when it was announced he’d be leaving the BBC One soap – was

also seen reuniting with a costar who he had lasted acted with 36 years ago.

The 76-year-old bowed out of the fictional BBC A&E department after a whopping 38 years as consultant Charlie Fairhead.

The much-loved TV star is now moving onto new projects.

Following a stint on BBC’s Blue Lights, Derek took part in a meet and great at the launch of the London Film Fair.

There he was joined by his former Casualty costar Lisa Bowerman, who starred alongside Derek in the soap in the late 80s.

Meanwhile, fans watched Derek’s final scenes on Casualty play out over two special episodes earlier this year.

Last month the actor hinted that it may not have been his decision to leave the show.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid and Ed Balls asked him why he felt it was time to step down – and he gave a cagey response.

He told them: “That’s all rather confused. It’s confused in that there is a truth, and the truth is garnished.”

Derek added: “I can’t really comment on that. I’m writing a memoir.”

In his final Casualty episodes, Charlie’s life was left hanging in the balance after a vicious stabbing.

He was rushed into theatre as his worried colleagues attempted to save his life.

While fans were left scared the iconic character would be killed off, they were stunned to learn he survived the ordeal.

After a miraculous recovery he took one last walk through the A&E department, before a drink with his colleagues.

He then departed Holby City in his yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle.

Meanwhile, The Sun recently revealed how crew working on Casualty have been told there’s just two more series left.

Due to “super-inflation in drama production” and a string of cost-cutting measures, staff say they have been told their contract renewals will be the last.