Nurse Rida Amaan (Sarah Seggari) is at the center of one of Casualty: Internal Affairs’ most gut-wrenching storylines yet. Her struggle to expose predatory behavior—and the terrifying consequences she endures—resonates as one of the most powerful arcs in the series to date.
From ambition to horror — what does new opportunity cost?
Rida’s arrival on the hospital’s elite surgical team is meant to mark a high point in her career. She’s proud, driven, and ready to prove herself. But those early days quickly devolve into a nightmare when she crosses paths with surgeon Russell Whitelaw (Robert Bathurst)—a revered but deeply manipulative figure.
Initial discomfort—like being inappropriately touched—goes unexplored. Rida confronts him about a life-or-death patient decision, and he surprises her by conceding. But behind the façade lies a predatory covert operation—one she soon learns is far more sinister.
A chilling plan—and its devastating fallout
Determined to expose Russell, Rida taps into an internal social media group warning female staff of unsafe surgeons. Her bold move backfires spectacularly. Her boyfriend, registrar Sean Redmond, discovers her plan and inadvertently exposes her. With her cover blown, Rida becomes dangerously vulnerable.
When she attempts to record Russell incriminating himself, he attacks—physically overpowering her, and stripping off her hijab in a deeply traumatic moment. The scene is raw, painful, and unflinchingly real.
Behind the scenes: portraying trauma with care
Sarah Seggari reveals the depth of care taken in filming these episodes. The assault was shot over six harrowing hours on a closed set with careful emotional support for cast and crew. The story also addresses the deeper violation caused by assaulting her hijab—a powerful assault on identity and faith.
