Tess Bateman
Tess Bateman | |
---|---|
Casualty character | |
Mistletoe and Rum " (2012) | |
In-universe information | |
Occupation |
|
Spouse | Mike Bateman (until 2006) |
Significant other | Adrian "Fletch" Fletcher |
Children | Sam Bateman (son) Saskia Bateman (daughter) |
Relatives | Charlie Bateman (grandson) |
Tess Bateman is a fictional character from the
The character develops friendships with
One of the character's later stories saw her have an affair with married nurse
Casting
On 24 April 2003, it was announced that actress
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.[3] The actress' mother was a nurse, so Packer would often ask her for advice on the medical terminology used in the script.[3] The actress had to overcome her squeamishness for the role.[4] Her mother's job meant that she never watched Casualty, but since joining the drama, she began watching it.[3][5] In an interview with BBC Online, Packer explained that she felt pressure to maintain the standard of the show.[6] 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".[7]
Development
Characterisation
Tess is characterised as "a traditionalist" who wants to maintain standards that she was taught in nursing college.[3] She is billed as "quite old school [and] quite strict".[1] She is a highly experienced nurse who knows how to handle others.[8] 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.[9][10] However, Tess wants to protect her staff and will be there for them in "their darkest hour".[10] 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".[3] Packer did not believe that Tess was a "bossy" person and instead thought that she "wants everyone to do their best", so reminds them.[6] The actress drew on her experience as a teacher for this aspect of Tess' personality.[6]
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.[6][2] She opined that this made Tess a "complex character".[2] Despite her strict work ethic, Tess has a "wicked, dry, sense of humour".[9] The character is also quite maternal; this led Packer to opine that Tess would choose nursing over becoming a doctor.[3] 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.[9]
Introduction and family
The character is introduced as an emergency nurse practitioner, reflecting the rise in nurse practitioners being hired in NHS hospitals.
Sam is introduced to the show during series 19 as the new receptionist.[15] Producers used the character to explore bipolar disorder, something Tess struggles to accept.[10] 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".[16] 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.[17] Tess is "shocked" when Mike later files for divorce from her,[10] and returns to work tipsy after a lunch break, prompting Abs to cover for her.[18]
Drugging
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.[19] 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.[7] 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".[7] Packer pointed out that it was "a bit over the top for a house party".[7] 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".[7] 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".[7]
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.[7] 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.[20] Sam finds Fleur trying to strangle Tess and interjects. Fleur then grabs a knife,[20] but they are saved when Abs and Nina Farr (Rebekah Gibbs) arrive at the party.[21] 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.[7]
Impalement
In 2008, the character was involved in a stunt to mark the opening of the show's
Charlie becomes worried about Tess and discovers her phone with Sammy. After seeing the footage of Tess impaled, he and
Affair with Fletch
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.[26] Producers explored the relationship between the characters and it is developed into an affair across a long-running story.[27] Walkinshaw opined that the story develops naturally and "just make[s] sense".[27] He explained that the story pairs "two people you wouldn't expect",[28] adding that Tess and Fletch share a mutual respect and understanding, and he relaxes Tess from her intensity of her position.[27] The actor told Elaine Reilly of What's on TV that the story features "a lot of pain and struggle" for the characters.[27] Packer and Walkinshaw enjoyed working together and discussed their scenes prior to filming them.[27]
A special
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.[27] Tess later discovers that she is pregnant with Fletch's baby, but she has an abortion.[30] 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".[27] 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.[31] However, she becomes distracted and administers another patient with the wrong medication, before leaving work. The error leaves the patient in danger.[31]
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.[32] 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.[33] 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.[33] Tess encourages Natalie to forgive Fletch for his actions, which Walkinshaw thought was "obviously very difficult" for Tess to do.[33]
Producers revisited the story as part of Fletch's departure from the series,[30] 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.[32] The episode is set around an explosion and train derailment.[32] Series producer Erika Hossington explained that this was a conscious choice to include a regular character in the stunt as the audience enjoy this.[34] 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.[32] 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.[32] Phillips wanted to create "a real spectacle" with the stunt.[32] 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.[32]
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.[32] 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.[35] 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.[32] He added that the characters are "forced to face their destinies together" and evaluate whether their future involves each other.[32] Consequently, they agree they cannot continue as they are and Fletch quits his job. Walkinshaw explained that selflessly, Fletch "put Tess first".[36] 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.[37]
Departure and returns
Emerick revealed, via social media, in April 2015 that Packer had left Casualty, although the news was not confirmed by the show.[38] Hossington later explained that the character's departure was not announced, in tradition with other cast exits.[39] 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.[40] The character also appears in a cameo during the following episode.[41] 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.[39] 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.[39] 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.[42]
In 2021, the show's producers invited Packer to reprise her role as Tess for a two episode Christmas special, airing as part of
Since her departure, Tess has been supporting Sam and his son, Charlie. Packer told Elaine Reilly of
Reception
For her portrayal of Tess, Packer was awarded the 2006
A reporter of
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.
References
- ^ The Free Library.
- ^ a b c "Interviews: Suzanne Packer". BBC Online. BBC. June 2004. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Casualty series XVIII" (PDF) (Press release). BBC. 25 August 2003. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ The Free Library.
- ^ a b c "Interviews: Suzanne Packer". BBC Online. BBC. December 2003. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Interviews: Suzanne Packer". BBC Online. BBC. December 2003. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Brand, Claire (8–14 October 2005). "Drugged!". Inside Soap. No. 40. p. 20.
- ^ "Character: Tess Bateman". BBC Online. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Tess Bateman". BBC Online. BBC. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d Wade, Holly (8 August 2015). "Meet the cast of Casualty". Radio Times. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Interviews: Suzanne Packer". BBC Online. BBC. June 2004. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ The Free Library.
- ^ Tom Needham (writer), Jill Robertson (director) (1 December 2012). "My Aim is True". Casualty. BBC. BBC One.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
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- ^ "Out of control?". Inside Soap. No. 4. 29 January – 4 February 2005. p. 33.
- ^ "Family crisis". Inside Soap. No. 9. 5–11 March 2005. p. 35.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "Roll call". Inside Soap. No. 36. 10–16 September 2005. p. 35.
- ^ a b "Fleur's fury". Inside Soap. No. 41. 15–21 October 2005. p. 42.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Ellis, Sarah (13–19 September 2008). "Mortal combat". Inside Soap. No. 37. p. 37.
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- ^ a b c Klabacher, Christine (9 December 2008). "A trio of Tesses". Warrington Guardian. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Reilly, Elaine (30 May 2013). "Alex Walkinshaw: 'Fletch sleeps over at Tess's!'". What's on TV. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ a b Tyler, Laura-Jayne (24–30 August 2013). "Drama & Daytime - Alex Walkinshaw". Inside Soap. No. 34. p. 41.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Walkinshaw, Alex; Phillips, Jonathan (21 June 2014). Behind The Scenes of Falling Part 2. BBC Online. BBC. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- ^ a b c Reilly, Elaine (23 February 2014). "Casualty's Alex Walkinshaw: 'If Natalie knew the truth she'd be devastated!'". What's on TV. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ Reilly, Elaine (25 June 2014). "Casualty's Alex Walkinshaw: 'Fletch is gallant and does the right thing'". What's on TV. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
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- ^ Emerick, Louis [@thelouisemerick] (18 April 2015). "@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" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 January 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
- ^ Reilly, Elaine (8 August 2015). "Is Tess quitting the Holby ED?". What's on TV. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
- ^ Asher Pirie (writer), Jordan Hogg (director), Sue Howells (producer) (22 August 2015). "Forsaking All Others − Part One". Casualty. BBC. BBC One.
- ^ Lindsay, Duncan (16 August 2016). "Casualty anniversary episode spoilers: Stunts, death, returns, trailers and surprises – everything you need to know". Metro. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
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- Wales Online. 11 November 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ Duncan, Amy (17 September 2013). "National Television Awards 2014: Full list of nominations". Metro. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "Casualty: the 10 best characters". The Telegraph. 30 July 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ a b Bullimore, Emma (4 April 2020). "From forgotten loves to forbidden flings – Casualty's 9 best romances". Radio Times. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Secrets of Casualty!". Inside Soap. No. 2. Hearst Magazines. 14–20 January 2012. pp. 38–40.
- ^ "Casualty train crash voted viewers' favourite episode" (Press release). BBC. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Casualty launches search for viewers' favourite moments" (Press release). BBC. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ Birch, Jules (20 April 2009). "Housing from hell". Inside Housing. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
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- ^ Graham, Alison. "Knock Knock Who's There? - Review". Radio Times. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
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