Casualty is to introduce its first ever transgender character as part of the regular cast later this month, the BBC has announced.

The character of Sah - played by newcomer Arin Smethurst - joins the paramedic team and is described as "a cool character" who soon meets their match in the shape of boss Jan (Di Botcher).

"I am honoured to be joining the spectacular Casualty family as a shiny new paramedic!" said Smethurst.

"I'm so excited to portray this transgender, non-binary, salty but fiercely compassionate character and hope they are not only well-received, but also a source of awareness for those who have never met someone like me. I can't wait for you to meet Sah!"

Senior exec producer Deborah Sathe added: "We are delighted to welcome Arin to the Casualty family and launch our new paramedic Sah for the Saturday night audience.

"Sah will get themselves into all sorts of professional adventures whilst masking their own personal sorrow. In a world where our privacy is something to be treasured, will Sah be able to keep theirs?"

Casualty continues Saturday nights on BBC One.