Casualty star Michael Stevenson has opened up about what is in store for his character, paramedic Iain Dean, now that his relationship with wife Faith Cadogan (Kirsty Mitchell) seems to be over. Fans of the long-running BBC medical drama have seen the couple break up in recent weeks, even though they are expecting a baby, and relations between the pair have gone from bad to worse. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk and other media, Michael reflected on the friction between colleague Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless), who just happens to be Faith's best friend. Asked if the fact that Iain is now (somewhat) footloose and fancy free meant something might happen between them, he pondered.

"I think it's an interesting one, because I sense that maybe sometimes there would be a desire for that from the fans. I think Iain does have an affection towards Stevie in a very different way that he does to Faith. You would probably get a sense that that might seem like a more fitting relationship," he said.

"They love to laugh together a lot. They take the mickey out of each other a lot. There seems to be an underlying flirtation between the two.

"I think both characters have got a hell of a lot going on in their personal lives right now. But it's the world of dramatic television so who knows?," he teased adding: "That's why we love it."

One thing is certain - Iain is set to stick around for a while as Michael confided he had just finished shooting the 40th anniversary special of the show, which is set to air in September.

"We [just] finished filming the 40th, which is incredible. And as always, with Casualty, every time there's a celebratory moment and anniversary, they pulled out all the stops. So it's one to be anticipated, for sure," he revealed.

"I was chatting with one of our execs today, and we were talking about certain episodes, and I was like, 'Oh, remember that anniversary...'

"Then you suddenly realise that you've been part of quite a few different anniversaries, which makes me feel really old.

"But none of them becomes more insignificant than the other. Every one of them is just an absolute joy to be part of. I remember when we were talking about and planning the 30th, and that buzz and that excitement just never, ever leaves you.

"My job is incredible. I've got the best job in the world. I'm very, very lucky."