Tess Bateman

On 24 April 2003, it was announced that actress Suzanne Packer had joined the cast as Tess Bateman, an emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) in the emergency department (ED) of Holby City Hospital.{{cite news |last1=Atkinson |first1=Joanne |title=Keeping Mum; From Brookside to Broadway, and Tiger Bay to Casualty, actress Suzanne Packer tells Joanne Atkinson about returning to live in Wales. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Keeping+Mum%3B+From+Brookside+to+Broadway%2C+and+Tiger+Bay+to+Casualty%2C...-a0100539362 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Western Mail |date=24 April 2003 |via=The Free Library}} Packer attended an audition for the role, where she was offered the part. The actress liked the security the regular role of Tess offered her.{{cite news |title=Interviews: Suzanne Packer |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne_2/page1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627013616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne_2/page1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-06-27 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |date=June 2004}} Packer began filming in April 2003 and for the role, she relocated from New York City to her hometown Cardiff, where her family are based. The actress had given birth to her son, Paris, in December 2002, so she enjoyed being near her family again. Her parents were able to help her with babysitting while she filmed Casualty in Bristol. Having recently given birth, Packer suffered from "nappy brain", stemming from sleep deprivation and causing her to struggle with learning lines. Where she would previously isolate herself so she could learn her scripts, she could not do this with a baby.

Packer had previously guest starred on Casualty in 1995 as a patient who was nearly killed. As this character, the actress was involved in a water stunt. The actress' mother was a nurse, so Packer would often ask her for advice on the medical terminology used in the script. The actress had to overcome her squeamishness for the role.{{cite news |title=My Big Welsh Challenge; She juggles a busy life and career but how will Suzanne Packer match up to a new language? |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/My+Big+Welsh+Challenge%3B+She+juggles+a+busy+life+and+career+but+how...-a0142247882 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Daily Post |date=18 February 2006 |via=The Free Library}} Her mother's job meant that she never watched Casualty, but since joining the drama, she began watching it. In an interview with BBC Online, Packer explained that she felt pressure to maintain the standard of the show. After three years in the role, Packer expressed her enjoyment at playing the role of Tess. She told Claire Brand of Inside Soap that her character has suffered "a lot of trauma" and hoped that she would get a "reprieve soon".

Tess is characterised as "a traditionalist" who wants to maintain standards that she was taught in nursing college.{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/08_august/25/casualty.pdf|title=Casualty series XVIII|publisher=BBC|date=25 August 2003|access-date=20 January 2021}} She is billed as "quite old school [and] quite strict". She is a highly experienced nurse who knows how to handle others.{{cite web|title=Character: Tess Bateman|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/characters/profiles/index.shtml?content/_tess/page1|website=BBC Online|access-date=20 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203192051/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/characters/profiles/index.shtml?content/_tess/page1|archive-date=3 December 2007|url-status=dead}} Her appearance as "a kill-joy and inflexible" can cause her to appear like "a bit of a stiff" to the younger members of her team.{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Holly |title=Meet the cast of Casualty |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/2015-08-08/meet-the-cast-of-casualty/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Radio Times |date=8 August 2015}} However, Tess wants to protect her staff and will be there for them in "their darkest hour". Packer thought Tess' work ethic worked as she would get good results with little errors. She added that Tess' experience has proven that this is the best way to achieve the results and that she does not want to "make people's lives a misery". Packer did not believe that Tess was a "bossy" person and instead thought that she "wants everyone to do their best", so reminds them. The actress drew on her experience as a teacher for this aspect of Tess' personality.

Whilst Packer did not always agree with Tess' opinions and worried that she was too "harsh" on her staff, she believed she was realistic, which she had been told by real life nurses.{{cite news |title=Interviews: Suzanne Packer |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne/page2 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |date=December 2003}} She opined that this made Tess a "complex character". Despite her strict work ethic, Tess has a "wicked, dry, sense of humour".{{cite web |title=Tess Bateman |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/Hj2ZddDqj2fGKNCp8tVNqv/tess-bateman |website=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617023501/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/Hj2ZddDqj2fGKNCp8tVNqv/tess-bateman |url-status=live }} The character is also quite maternal; this led Packer to opine that Tess would choose nursing over becoming a doctor. Outside of her job, Tess is religious and regularly attends church, but does not advertise it. Her backstory states that she was raised in Cardiff and is a third generation Jamaican.

The character is introduced as an emergency nurse practitioner, reflecting the rise in nurse practitioners being hired in NHS hospitals. Tess first appears in the first part of the series eighteen double episode "End of the Line", originally broadcast on 13 September 2003. In her first episode, Tess takes control of dealing with patients in the ED following news of a major incident, where a train has derailed and a tunnel has collapsed. Packer felt nervous on her first day of filming, but settled in quickly due to the friendly cast. She dubbed it "one of the easiest first days I have ever had".{{cite news |title=Interviews: Suzanne Packer |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne/page1 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |date=December 2003 |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713002913/https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne/page1 |url-status=live }} Tess establishes good relationships with clinical lead Harry Harper (Simon MacCorkindale) and clinical nurse manager Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson), but clashes with registrar Simon Kaminski (Christopher Colquhoun). In her early episodes, Tess fights to hire a mental health nurse, following an attack on nurse Roxy Bird (Loo Brealey). Consequently, Abs Denham (James Redmond) is hired and despite some initial setbacks, he wins Tess' approval. Packer believed that Abs exposed Tess' maternal nature as she struggles to be hard on him. The actress hoped the character would be used to explore topical issues facing nurses in the National Health Service (NHS).{{cite news |title=Interviews: Suzanne Packer |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne_2/page1 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |date=June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627013616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/casualty/asktheactors/interviews/index.shtml?content/_suzanne_2/page1 |archive-date=27 June 2012|url-status=dead}}

Louis Emerick's casting as Tess' husband, Mike Bateman, was announced on 17 June 2003. Emerick revealed that he and Packer would appear in "a fantastic storyline, [which] we can really get our teeth into".{{cite news |title=The INSIDER: Emergency landing for Brookie duo. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+INSIDER%3A+Emergency+landing+for+Brookie+duo.-a0103527821 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=17 June 2003 |via=The Free Library |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129044120/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+INSIDER:+Emergency+landing+for+Brookie+duo.-a0103527821 |url-status=live }} Emerick was hired for four episodes. The pair previously portrayed a married couple on Brookside, and also worked together in the play Playboy of the West Indies in 1985, which was Packer's second acting role. The actors were excited to work with each other again and Packer felt their history aided their on-screen connection. Tess and Mike had been married for twenty years upon their introduction, and they share three children, including a son, Sam Bateman (Luke Bailey), and a daughter, Saskia Bateman.{{cite episode|title=My Aim is True|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p8fj6|series=Casualty|series-link=Casualty (TV series)|credits=Tom Needham (writer), Jill Robertson (director)|network=BBC|station=BBC One|airdate=1 December 2012|access-date=4 July 2022|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705212346/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p8fj6|url-status=live}} Tess and Mike are introduced in the same episode. Mike works at the scene of the accident as a fireman. He is suspended for negligence surrounding his work on the crash. Mike resigns from his job, causing Tess to worry about how they will cope financially.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='Can't Let Go' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a11983/cant-let-go/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=14 October 2003}} Tess secures him a minimum wage position as a hospital cleaner, while she becomes the department's acting clinical nurse manager, which Packer called "a pretty demanding and stressful job".

Sam is introduced to the show during series 19 as the new receptionist.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='Facing Up' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a15810/facing-up/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=17 September 2004}} Producers used the character to explore bipolar disorder, something Tess struggles to accept. Tess realises that Sam's behaviour is an issue after discovering him deleting patient files. She is "startled" by his distorted speech as he talks about how the information is "dangerous".{{cite magazine |title=Out of control? |magazine=Inside Soap |date=29 January - 4 February 2005 |issue=4 |page=33}} Emerick also reprised his role during the series. Mike is surprised to learn about Sam's illness and is annoyed that Tess did not tell him. They argue and he "storms off", before being involved in a car crash, leaving him critically injured.{{cite magazine |title=Family crisis |magazine=Inside Soap |date=5-11 March 2005 |issue=9 |page=35}} Tess is "shocked" when Mike later files for divorce from her, and returns to work tipsy after a lunch break, prompting Abs to cover for her.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='Last Orders' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a35664/last-orders/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=7 August 2006 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105252/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a35664/last-orders/ |url-status=live }}

At the beginning of the twentieth series, in September 2005, Fleur Butler (Laura Donnelly) is introduced as a love interest for Sam. Fleur has a personality disorder, which makes her "highly manipulative" and chaotic.{{cite magazine |title=Roll call |magazine=Inside Soap |date=10-16 September 2005 |issue=36 |page=35}} Packer explained that Tess dislikes Fleur and feels "very suspicious" of her and her intentions towards Sam, mainly because she is a "naturally overprotective" mother.{{cite magazine |last=Brand |first=Claire |title=Drugged! |magazine=Inside Soap |date=8-14 October 2005 |issue=40 |page=20}} On Sam's birthday, Tess and Fleur make plans to celebrate. While Tess plans for a small house party, Fleur turns the house into a "full-scale nightclub". Packer pointed out that it was "a bit over the top for a house party". Tess tries to express her concerns, but Fleur dismisses her, worrying Tess. Packer told Brand (Inside Soap) that Fleur has a "possessive attitude" and acts like she is "the mum and its her home". Fleur calms down and offers Tess a glass of wine, which she has drugged. Tess then collapses and Packer noted that she has no knowledge about what is happening. She commented, "Tess is completely in the land of oblivion".

As Tess becomes unconscious, Fleur stands over her with a knife. Packer opined that Fleur is "completely unbalanced" and although she appears "happy-go-lucky", she is capable of serious things. The twist continues into the following episode as Sam returns home. Fleur claims that Tess is drunk and has passed out, but soon admits that she drugged her. She claims that Tess wants Sam sectioned and he needed protecting.{{cite magazine |title=Fleur's fury |magazine=Inside Soap |date=15-21 October 2005 |issue=41 |page=42}} Sam finds Fleur trying to strangle Tess and interjects. Fleur then grabs a knife, but they are saved when Abs and Nina Farr (Rebekah Gibbs) arrive at the party.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='All's Fair In Love And War' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a24863/alls-fair-in-love-and-war/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=30 September 2005 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214140636/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a24863/alls-fair-in-love-and-war/ |url-status=live }} Packer enjoyed filming the scenes as she did not have learn any lines and had to lie in a bed for two days. She joked that it was "one of the most relaxing episodes" she had ever filmed.

In 2008, the character was involved in a stunt to mark the opening of the show's twenty-third series. The stunt took place over two episodes broadcast on consecutive nights with Tess' survival used as a cliffhanger between the episodes.{{cite magazine |last=Ellis |first=Sarah |title=Mortal combat |magazine=Inside Soap |date=13-19 September 2008 |issue=37 |page=37}} When teenager Sammy Malone (Finn Atkins) is admitted to the ED, she clashes with Tess and wrecks her office, before fleeing. Tess is unimpressed and goes to find her on her break. Packer explained that Tess is "furious" and "wants to tell this girl exactly what she thinks of her". She finds Sammy at the local council estate and chases after her, ending up on a building site. Sammy refuses to talk to Tess, who slips and falls, becoming impaled on a metal girder. Sammy watches and does not help Tess; instead, she steals her phone and films her. As she runs away, Sammy is run over by an ambulance driven by Dixie Dixon (Jane Hazlegrove).{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='The Farmead Menace: Part I' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a127451/the-farmead-menace-part-i/ |access-date=12 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=28 August 2008}} Consequently, nobody knows where Tess is. Packer called this "a terrible twist".

Charlie becomes worried about Tess and discovers her phone with Sammy. After seeing the footage of Tess impaled, he and Big Mac (Charles Dale) head to the estate and try to find Tess. When they find her, they take her to the ED where Adam Trueman (Tristan Gemmill) treats her in resus,{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='The Farmead Menace: Part II' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a127453/the-farmead-menace-part-ii/ |access-date=12 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=28 August 2008}} and saves her. A hydraulic system was used to perform the stunt. As Packer fell, the girder rose with them meeting in the middle. The actress opined that it was "very clever", but she found it "very uncomfortable". Packer spent seven hours suspended in the air while filming the impalement, which she struggled with. She told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that it "took every ounce of my muscle fibre to deal with that and not think about the discomfort".

Alex Walkinshaw was introduced as staff nurse Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher in July 2012. Tess bonds with Fletch and Walkinshaw thought that Tess likes the humour he brings to the ED.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title='Casualty' newcomer Alex Walkinshaw teases Fletch role - interview |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a390517/casualty-newcomer-alex-walkinshaw-teases-fletch-role-interview/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132441/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a390517/casualty-newcomer-alex-walkinshaw-teases-fletch-role-interview/ |url-status=live }} Producers explored the relationship between the characters and it is developed into an affair across a long-running story.{{cite news |last1=Reilly |first1=Elaine |title=Alex Walkinshaw: 'Fletch sleeps over at Tess's!' |url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/casualty/casualty-news/alex-walkinshaw-fletch-sleeps-over-at-tesss-93116/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=What's on TV |date=30 May 2013 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206235853/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/casualty/casualty-news/alex-walkinshaw-fletch-sleeps-over-at-tesss-93116/ |url-status=live }} Walkinshaw opined that the story develops naturally and "just make[s] sense". He explained that the story pairs "two people you wouldn't expect",{{cite magazine |last1=Tyler |first1=Laura-Jayne |title=Drama & Daytime - Alex Walkinshaw |magazine=Inside Soap |date=24-30 August 2013 |issue=34 |page=41}} adding that Tess and Fletch share a mutual respect and understanding, and he relaxes Tess from her intensity of her position. The actor told Elaine Reilly of What's on TV that the story features "a lot of pain and struggle" for the characters. Packer and Walkinshaw enjoyed working together and discussed their scenes prior to filming them.

A special BBC Red Button episode, "Mistletoe and Rum", was commissioned as part of the story. It starts to explore Tess and Fletch's relationship, before it becomes a central plot in the show. As the team celebrates Christmas, Tess and Fletch spend time together, but discover Tyron, a homeless man who needs emergency treatment when he goes into a hypoglycaemic coma. The pair work together to save his life.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title='Casualty': Sunetra Sarker directs new Red Button special |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a444693/casualty-sunetra-sarker-directs-new-red-button-special/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=12 December 2012 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206234653/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a444693/casualty-sunetra-sarker-directs-new-red-button-special/ |url-status=live }} Sunetra Sarker, who portrays Zoe Hanna, directed the special and praised the performances of Packer and Walkinshaw. She added that the special would be "a treat for all the fans".

Writers progressed the story after Tess is put in a vulnerable position. While jogging, she witnesses a stabbing and after dealing with the situation in the ED, she returns home, where she is physically threatened. Fletch arrives and protects her; they then have sex. Walkinshaw explained that Tess feels "scared and emotional" and in the moment, the pair acknowledge their feelings for each other. Tess later discovers that she is pregnant with Fletch's baby, but she has an abortion.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Casualty's Alex Walkinshaw to reprise Fletch role in Holby City |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a561534/casualtys-alex-walkinshaw-to-reprise-fletch-role-in-holby-city/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=1 April 2014 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204150502/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a561534/casualtys-alex-walkinshaw-to-reprise-fletch-role-in-holby-city/ |url-status=live }} The story was challenged by Fletch's marriage and his family, who were introduced to the series. Walkinshaw thought this was important to portray, so the audience can get "a clearer picture of the triangle". Claire Cage was cast as Fletch's wife, Natalie Fletcher. While visiting Fletch at work, she feels faint and is admitted into the ED. Tess treats her and discovers that she is pregnant. While Zoe suggests treating other patients, Tess wants to remain professional.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title='Casualty': Tess, Fletch face awkward day at work - spoiler pictures |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a518536/casualty-tess-fletch-face-awkward-day-at-work-spoiler-pictures/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=25 September 2013}} However, she becomes distracted and administers another patient with the wrong medication, before leaving work. The error leaves the patient in danger.

The focus of the story shifts to Fletch and Natalie's marriage after Tess rejects him. When Fletch admits that he loves her, Tess denies feeling the same, so he decides to focus on his marriage. Natalie learns that Fletch has had an affair. He claims the woman was a nurse who has left the hospital and Tess supports his story. Walkinshaw told Reilly that Natalie would feel "really hurt and betrayed" if she discovered Tess' lies.{{cite news |last1=Reilly |first1=Elaine |title=Casualty's Alex Walkinshaw: 'If Natalie knew the truth she'd be devastated!' |url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/casualty/casualty-news/casualtys-alex-walkinshaw-if-natalie-knew-the-truth-she-d-be-devastated-124272/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=What's on TV |date=23 February 2014}} Fletch is ejected from the family home, but an incident involving his daughter reunites them. Walkinshaw said that Fletch acknowledges the "massive problems" created by the affair. Tess encourages Natalie to forgive Fletch for his actions, which Walkinshaw thought was "obviously very difficult" for Tess to do.

Producers revisited the story as part of Fletch's departure from the series, which serves as the end of the story. Jonathan Phillips, the episode's producer, wanted his final episode to focus on his relationship with Tess.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021bvrd |title=Behind The Scenes of Falling Part 2 |date=21 June 2014 |people=Walkinshaw, Alex; Phillips, Jonathan |work=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |access-date=2 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820202215/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021bvrd |archive-date=20 August 2016 |url-status=live }} The episode is set around an explosion and train derailment. Series producer Erika Hossington explained that this was a conscious choice to include a regular character in the stunt as the audience enjoy this.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Casualty producer Erika Hossington shares show gossip - part one |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a590766/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-shares-show-gossip-part-one/ |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923060554/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a590766/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-shares-show-gossip-part-one/ |url-status=live }} The stunt was of a large scale and involved a train on its side, covered by debris, ladders and railway sleepers. It was filmed over multiple nights in cold weather. The crew struggled to find a location to film the stunt and visited many locations, but most of them were not suitable due to their size and logistics. Phillips wanted to create "a real spectacle" with the stunt. Despite the grandness of the stunt, Phillips wanted the affair to be "right at the heart of the episode" and ensured this was reflected in the script.

Tess is travelling on the train when it derails; Fletch learns this and rushes to help at the scene. Walkinshaw explained that in this moment, Fletch realises his true feelings for Tess. He thought that Fletch was "brave, stupid [and] romantic" by rushing into accident to save Tess. The actor told Reilly that although Tess and Fletch have tried to act as only friends, it would not work in the long-term, which is explored following the crash.{{cite news |last1=Reilly |first1=Elaine |title=Casualty's Alex Walkinshaw: 'Fletch is gallant and does the right thing' |url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/casualty/casualty-news/casualty-s-alex-walkinshaw-fletch-is-gallant-and-does-the-right-thing-144125/ |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=What's on TV |date=25 June 2014 |archive-date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820075159/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/casualty/casualty-news/casualty-s-alex-walkinshaw-fletch-is-gallant-and-does-the-right-thing-144125/ |url-status=live }} Phillips opined that the episode should "create a sense of what's at stake for these two characters" with the pivotal moment being the characters reconnecting amidst a dramatic situation. He added that the characters are "forced to face their destinies together" and evaluate whether their future involves each other. Consequently, they agree they cannot continue as they are and Fletch quits his job. Walkinshaw explained that selflessly, Fletch "put Tess first".{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Alex Walkinshaw talks Holby City arrival: 'Fletch needs to move on' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a589501/alex-walkinshaw-talks-holby-city-arrival-fletch-needs-to-move-on/ |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=10 August 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714095832/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a589501/alex-walkinshaw-talks-holby-city-arrival-fletch-needs-to-move-on/ |url-status=live }} Writers used Fletch's departure to progress Tess' character as she deals with the aftermath of their affair. Hossington told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that Tess becomes "starchy and all about the work", which would have a negative impact on her team.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Casualty producer Erika Hossington shares show gossip - part two |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a590770/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-shares-show-gossip-part-two/ |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128025731/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a590770/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-shares-show-gossip-part-two/ |url-status=live }}

Emerick revealed, via social media, in April 2015 that Packer had left Casualty, although the news was not confirmed by the show.{{cite tweet|last=Emerick|first=Louis|author-link=Louis Emerick|user=thelouisemerick|number=589346421003911168|date=18 April 2015|title=@packersuzanne Ah babe..So made up U came,and your lovely friend!Now U left #Casualty we free to work together again..YES!Love ya xx|access-date=9 January 2021}} Hossington later explained that the character's departure was not announced, in tradition with other cast exits. Tess departs in the series twenty-nine episode "Knock Knock Who's There?", first broadcast on 15 August 2015. Bailey reprised his role as Sam for the character's departure. In the narrative, Tess contacts Sam, who introduces her to his newborn son Charlie. Tess then decides to quit her job and move to Leeds to help Sam and Charlie.{{cite news |last1=Reilly |first1=Elaine |title=Is Tess quitting the Holby ED? |url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/is-tess-quitting-the-holby-ed/ |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=What's on TV |date=8 August 2015}} The character also appears in a cameo during the following episode.{{cite episode|title=Forsaking All Others − Part One|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b068232y|series=Casualty|series-link=Casualty (TV series)|credits=Asher Pirie (writer), Jordan Hogg (director), Sue Howells (producer)|network=BBC|station=BBC One|airdate=22 August 2015|access-date=9 January 2021|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319153143/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b068232y|url-status=live}} Following criticism that Tess' exit was "low-key", Hossington responded that character exits varied based on other storylines in the show as sometimes, it does not feel appropriate to portray big exit stories alongside other prominent stories. She also admitted that while Tess' exit appeared "underpowered in the moment on screen", it had further "repercussions" for other characters, such as Charlie and Zoe, two characters who were close to Tess.{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Casualty producer Erika Hossington on future stories: 'Things will get quite dark for Iain and Rita' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a775337/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-on-future-stories-things-will-get-quite-dark-for-iain-and-rita/ |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=27 November 2015 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407202629/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a775337/casualty-producer-erika-hossington-on-future-stories-things-will-get-quite-dark-for-iain-and-rita/ |url-status=live }} Packer reprised the role for another cameo appearance in the show's thirtieth anniversary episode "Too Old for This Shift", first broadcast on 27 August 2016.{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/08/16/casualty-anniversary-episode-spoilers-stunts-death-returns-trailers-and-surprises-everything-you-need-to-know-6070708/|title=Casualty anniversary episode spoilers: Stunts, death, returns, trailers and surprises – everything you need to know|last=Lindsay|first=Duncan|date=16 August 2016|work=Metro|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816223228/http://metro.co.uk/2016/08/16/casualty-anniversary-episode-spoilers-stunts-death-returns-trailers-and-surprises-everything-you-need-to-know-6070708/|url-status=live}}

In 2021, the show's producers invited Packer to reprise her role as Tess for a two episode Christmas special, airing as part of series 36.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Casualty confirms Tess Bateman return for two-part Christmas special |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a38329935/casualty-spoilers-tess-bateman-return-christmas-special/ |access-date=11 January 2022 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=23 November 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120232144/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a38329935/casualty-spoilers-tess-bateman-return-christmas-special/ |url-status=live }} The character's return was officially confirmed by the show on 23 November 2021, although the news had been leaked through the actress' Spotlight CV prior to the announcement.{{cite news |last1=Hegarty |first1=Tasha |title=Casualty star Suzanne Packer tipped for shock return as Tess Bateman |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a38182193/casualty-star-suzanne-packer-return-tess-bateman/ |access-date=21 November 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=7 November 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121212009/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a38182193/casualty-star-suzanne-packer-return-tess-bateman/ |url-status=live }} The special, "Remember Me", was written by Barbara Machin and was originally broadcast on 4 and 11 December 2021. It explores Tess and Charlie's now-estranged friendship. Packer felt "delighted and very flattered" to be invited back to the show and revisit Tess, who she called "a legacy character" who means a lot to her personally.{{cite news |last1=Reilly |first1=Elaine |title=Suzanne Packer reveals all on her return as 'Casualty' favourite Tess Bateman |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/features/suzanne-packer-reveals-all-on-her-return-as-casualtys-tess-bateman |access-date=12 January 2022 |work=What to Watch |date=7 December 2021}} The actress was also pleased to work with Thompson and Holly Aird, who guest stars in the episodes, again under Machin's script. She dubbed it "a dream return". When asked about returning to the show again, Packer said that she would providing she was asked by producers and it worked with her other commitments. She opined that Casualty was "irreplaceable" and "a comfort blanket".

Since her departure, Tess has been supporting Sam and his son, Charlie. Packer told Elaine Reilly of What to Watch that Sam's mental health became worse which in turn impacted Tess' own mental health. She commented, "She's been drowning and surviving, and is only now starting to get her mojo back." Tess' return is set on Christmas Day 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when the ED is suffering a nursing shortage; she signs up for an agency shift at the hospital to assist. Packer noted that Tess is also keen to see her friends again, especially Charlie. However, Charlie is cold with her, leaving Tess "deeply hurt". It soon emerges that Charlie has a suspected brain tumour. Packer explained that Tess has been "so overwhelmed with her own situation" that she regretfully has not been aware of Charlie's situation. Writers did not want to end the pair's friendship so they are reunited before Tess leaves again. Packer commented, "Their deep respect and love for each other helps them to realise that no amount of resentment or misunderstandings can destroy their friendship."

For her portrayal of Tess, Packer was awarded the 2006 Screen Nation Award for Female Performance in television. The actress was surprised to win the accolade and thought the drama's nomination reflected the production team's work.{{cite news |title=Casualty tales shrugged off by fun mum |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/casualty-tales-shrugged-fun-mum-2297552 |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=Wales Online |date=11 November 2006 |archive-date=19 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119232804/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/casualty-tales-shrugged-fun-mum-2297552 |url-status=live }} At the 19th National Television Awards in 2014, Packer was longlisted in the Drama Performance category for her role as Tess.{{cite news |last1=Duncan |first1=Amy |title=National Television Awards 2014: Full list of nominations |url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/09/17/national-television-awards-2014-full-list-of-nominations-4032250/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=Metro |date=17 September 2013}}

A reporter of The Telegraph included Tess in the ten best characters of Casualty. They wrote that "calm and firm" Tess "endured her fair share of drama".{{cite news |title=Casualty: the 10 best characters |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/25/casualty-the-10-best-characters/tess-bateman/ |access-date=3 February 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=30 July 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221205919/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/25/casualty-the-10-best-characters/tess-bateman/ |url-status=live }} A Daily Post reporter dubbed Tess "sensible", while Christine Klabacher from the Warrington Guardian labelled her a "po-faced nurse". Emma Bullimore of the Radio Times called the character "lovely [and] responsible".{{cite news |last1=Bullimore |first1=Emma |title=From forgotten loves to forbidden flings – Casualty's 9 best romances |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/2020-04-04/casualty-best-romances/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Radio Times |date=4 April 2020}} In April 2020, she ranked her affair with Fletch sixth in the show's best romances. She called it "so-so-scandalous" and commented, "We shouldn't have been willing them to stay together, but we couldn't help it." The story garnered a mixed response and Walkinshaw told Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap that "It's like Marmite - people either love it or hate it." In 2012, Inside Soap described Tess and Charlie as "the mum and dad of Casualty". Producer Nikki Wilson recognised the characters' importance and highlighted their relationship, agreeing that they are the parents of the whole department". She hoped they would continue to feature in the show.{{cite magazine|date=14–20 January 2012|title=Secrets of Casualty!|magazine=Inside Soap|publisher=Hearst Magazines|pages=38–40|issue=2}}

Tess' first episode was rated the best ever episode in an online poll ran by the show's website for its twenty-fifth anniversary in September 2011.{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/09_september/06/casualty.shtml|title=Casualty train crash voted viewers' favourite episode|publisher=BBC|date=6 September 2011|access-date=20 January 2021|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210191035/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/09_september/06/casualty.shtml|url-status=live}} In the same poll, the episode featuring the character's impalement was nominated.{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/08_august/30/casualty.shtml|title=Casualty launches search for viewers' favourite moments|publisher=BBC|date=30 August 2011|access-date=3 February 2021|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207091218/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/08_august/30/casualty.shtml|url-status=live}} Tess' impalement story received criticism for its portrayal of council estates by Jules Birch of Inside Housing.{{cite news |last1=Birch |first1=Jules |title=Housing from hell |url=https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/comment/housing-from-hell-15161 |access-date=3 February 2021 |work=Inside Housing |date=20 April 2009 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207164407/https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/comment/housing-from-hell-15161 |url-status=live }} Klabacher was not surprised that Tess survived her accident and dubbed the scene "a Tess kebab".{{cite news |last1=Klabacher |first1=Christine |title=A trio of Tesses |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/3961738.a-trio-of-tesses/ |access-date=3 February 2021 |work=Warrington Guardian |date=9 December 2008}} The story also received complaints to Ofcom, who criticised the repeated use of "extreme scenes" aired pre-watershed. In a statement, they said that the scenes of Tess impaled, combined with a graphic car crash, led to "a sustained and concentrated run of distressing and shocking scenes".{{cite news |last1=Welsh |first1=James |title=Gory 'Casualty' scenes rapped by Ofcom |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a141917/gory-casualty-scenes-rapped-by-ofcom/ |access-date=3 February 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=12 January 2009}} Tess' exit was included in The People{{'s}} television highlights for 15 August 2015.{{cite news |title=August 15 Saturday; Choice. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/AUGUST+15+SATURDAY%3B+CHOICE-a0424727953 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=The People |date=9 August 2015 |via=The Free Library}} Radio Times{{'}} Alison Graham criticised the realism of Tess leaving without a notice period.{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Alison |title=Knock Knock Who's There? - Review |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/dqwzfm/casualty--series-29---41-knock-knock-whos-there/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=Radio Times}} In March 2019, Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy expressed a wish for Tess to return to the show,{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Who could come back to Casualty? 10 returns we'd love to see, from Nick Jordan to Ruth Winters |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a865225/casualty-who-should-return/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104204921/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a865225/casualty-who-should-return/ |url-status=live }} which was echoed by series producer Loretta Preece in September 2019.{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Casualty: 13 exciting secrets and spoilers from the show's new boss Loretta Preece |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a29001829/casualty-spoilers-loretta-preece/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |date=14 September 2019 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126001709/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/a29001829/casualty-spoilers-loretta-preece/ |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Casualty character external link|Hj2ZddDqj2fGKNCp8tVNqv/tess-bateman|Tess Bateman|new=yes}}

{{Holby|Casualty}}

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Category:Casualty (TV series) characters

Category:Fictional Black British people

Category:Television characters introduced in 2003

Category:Fictional nurses in soap operas

Category:Welsh female characters in soap operas

Category:Fictional British health professionals