Victim star confirms that Dylan’s autism story will continue | Soap

Favorite Casualty character Dylan Keogh (William Beck) faces a journey of self-exploration recently when his colleague Patrick (Jamie Glover) reveals he is on the autism spectrum.

In a population-based study by University College London (UCL) in 2023, researchers estimate that there may be between 150,000 and 500,000 people aged 20-49 in England who have autism, but have not yet received a diagnosis.

This can be the result of many things from lack of funding, to unprecedented circumstances. For Dylan, this is what happened.

Reflecting on his reaction to this storyline, actor William Beck said that while he hoped to explore this side of Dylan, he was aware of the sensitivity surrounding giving attention to adults living with autism without previously receiving a diagnosis:

“I know that it will be very important to remember that each individual is the most important individual, and I rarely think that people will choose to define themselves with a diagnosis. Dylan, I would say, that would be especially true of people who have not yet faced by this obligation to examine this matter that he has probably put to the back of his mind.

‘Again, it’s about remembering that Dylan is Dylan. He is a good doctor, he has to work and he has to finish. These things, like the weight of the storyline that is in the background. In our show, sometimes the bubble is away for a few episodes and then it will be explored. For this, it’s bubbling away and it’s like there’s a monkey behind it – it needs to be fed but it doesn’t want to.’

‘Then, when you get to the point where he takes the monkey from behind and wrestles with it, the answer is more complicated than you would think. The answer is more nuanced and hopefully, the most familiar to people. It’s not specific to say well this is how it is for people, it says first and foremost, it’s about you.

He added: “We live in a psychologically literate society now, and psychiatrically literate, mental health literate in a way that previous generations didn’t. So we’re forced to face things.

“There’s a lot of talk in mental health about the spectrum, and I think that’s the key to understanding it – the spectrum is the infinite possibility of meeting some or none of these diagnoses – we’re all somewhere. The point is to hopefully give people who already know later , that we are all somewhere.’

The storyline ends when Dylan reads the results of his autism test. As for Will, he confirmed that he would be interested in seeing more of this, but knew that it would all depend on time as well.

‘I think it depends on what happens to him’, he said.

‘There are, of course, situations where the storyline could be re-examined, but the way the storyline is just a sidekick to the Patrick/Dylan story. That’s where the good stuff is explored, as part of another story line. Sometimes it gives you a chance to wear it lightly. I think there is every opportunity to review it but it has to be at the right time.’

In a recent episode of the medical drama, Dylan broke our hearts when he had to say goodbye to his sick dog Dervla.

‘We haven’t seen him in the show for so long, and he was a defining character when Dylan was first introduced as well’, Will said, discussing this arc.

‘To see what people can take from the story, a lot of their own experience with animals. It seems like an incredibly obvious thing to say but many people deal with bereavement through their pets, so it’s a fantastic way to tell the story through continued drama. In terms of acting, we have to put aside the story because it can be done for you. It’s really sad to see the way people have reacted.’

Reflecting on filming the scene, Will explained:

‘That’s the funny thing. I am very lucky in the sense that I have had many storylines as Dylan over the years. Story lines like this, what you learn is that you can’t keep up with everything all day long. It’s just a few tiny drops of the stuff. One must remember that no one wants to cry and be angry in front of others, what people admit is a battle not to get upset in front of others.

‘A day of filming like this is the best way to get your spirits up, just like how you spend your day in real life. When you have a moment where everything goes quiet and everyone concentrates, it’s like opening the top bottle. What’s amazing is what he did for the writing and direction as well. It’s great to be a part of.’

In the midst of this difficult time for Dylan, he finds himself in a situation called mental health nurse Sophia (Kellie Shirley).

‘Do you think Dylan knows what that is?!’, laughed Will.

‘It was a maelstrom for him. K9’s grief, upheaval at work, he tried to kill himself with his co-workers, Dylan feels bullied! Someone stopped and looked at him for a long time and I just thought he was going to leave, let’s go!’.

‘Dylan’s just going to be confused by the whole thing’, she added, pondering the possibility of Dylan and Sophia actually confronting their feelings.

‘To come to a firm conclusion about the status of their relationship today, it must be different for them tomorrow!’.

As the conversation continued, Will and I spent time diving into the Casualty archives and reflecting on the many dramatic stories that Dylan had worked on.

As a result of being part of the show for so long, Will has watched the show continue to grow.

‘It is the first and foremost privilege’, he said.

“For a long time, I think the only reason I was able to do it for so long was that I never felt safe. You have to feel that way, of course, but it’s never felt in one place. Of course, being an actor, no security. No secret Covid comes as a terrible surprise, but remind the actors that we don’t do it for the money. You have to fight with every episode and every take like the first.’

I can’t end this chat without asking Will what’s ahead for Dylan over the next few weeks. Of course, they don’t know much about it, but it shows that Dylan…

‘Had an unexpected surprise at dinner…he crossed paths with the law…and I even managed to hint at his upcoming mustache.’

amazing.

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