Casualty star Elinor Lawless has dealt with her own share of serious health issues over her life. The 42 year old actress joined the BBC drama’s cast in 2021 and has since been involved in some gripping storylines. Her portrayal of Stevie Nash even earned her a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2022 Inside Soap Awards. Audiences may also recognise her from previous roles in EastEnders and Doctors. Born in Draperstown, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Elinor has faced her own health battles off screen. At the tender age of three, Elinor was diagnosed with two heart conditions. Medical professionals found that she had a hole in her heart and anomalous pulmonary venous connection, a condition where blood flows to the organ in the wrong direction

. Read more Casualty star Melanie Hill’s incredibly famous ex and ‘very painful’ split She spent much of her childhood in hospital and underwent open-heart surgery at seven years old at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Fortunately, after numerous check-ups, she was given a clean bill of health at 21. Elinor spoke about her past hospital experiences, stating: “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’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.” Elinor is married to Peter Basham, an EastEnders actor, and shares a son with him, Joe. Peter featured in EastEnders as PC Anthony Rogers in 2019. His work includes parts in significant productions; he partook in the blockbuster James Bond flick Skyfall and had appearances in the detective series Sherlock.

Notably, Peter shone alongside Peaky Blinders ‘ star Cillian Murphy in the acclaimed film Inception, playing Jet Captain. Their son Joe’s arrival was ahead of schedule, tipping the scales at a mere 2.2 kilograms and subsequently required 10 days in a dedicated baby unit for care. Elinor has previously opened up about her gratitude for the National Health Service after witnessing their care for her child, remarking: “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.” She went on to express her deep respect for the NHS, especially for their recent efforts, adding: “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.”