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Casualty's Jason Durr reveals mum and sister-in-law died within days of each other

Jason Durr attends the Inside Soap Awards at The Hippodrome on October 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Jason Durr attends the Inside Soap Awards at The Hippodrome on October 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Casualty star Jason Durr has revealed his family’s heartbreak during the coronavirus lockdown as his mother died after contracting COVID-19, just days after his sister-in-law died of cancer.

The former Heartbeat actor told of the devastating chain of events during a recent interview, and heaped praise on the “incredible” NHS staff who treated his late relatives.

The 53-year-old told The Mirror: "Lockdown and this whole coronavirus period has been incredibly challenging for so many families. I can completely understand what so many people have been going through.

Read more: Casualty’s Charlie and Connie held hostage this week

"It's been a very peculiar time in all our lives. But the support we had for my sister-in-law from the NHS nurses and doctors was incredible. My mum's carers went above and beyond to help her through it. I think it makes you realise what's important in life.

Actor Jason Durr, who plays PC Mike Bradley, in the Yorkshire TV drama 'Heartbeat', which is to return for a ninth series on ITV.   (Photo by Tony Harris - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
Actor Jason Durr, who plays PC Mike Bradley, in the Yorkshire TV drama 'Heartbeat', which is to return for a ninth series on ITV. (Photo by Tony Harris - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

"You just need to be kind to people and understand what they might be going through. People are going through very difficult times with their families or losing someone, so it's tough for everybody.

"I might dress up as a nurse and put on my scrubs but my ultimate respect and thanks goes out to all those real nurses and doctors who have been doing such an incredible job on the front line."

Related: Casualty skipped episode decision defended by BBC

Like many TV dramas, Casualty has been impacted hugely by the pandemic, with filming coming to a holt as the virus spread.

Back in March, the BBC said in a statement: “In light of the spread of COVID-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice.”

Though filming is yet to resume, Durr has admitted he and colleagues can’t wait get back into their scrubs, and promises the show “will be back as big, bold and brilliant as ever”.

Casualty continues on BBC One tonight at 8.40pm.