This week in Casualty, nurse Jay Faldren is stitched up again by Ruth and this time it looks like it could cost him his job. Ben Turner talks about his character Jay, turning 30 and why he’s the man to turn to in a crisis

Does Jay still hold a torch for Ruth?
Jay’s a real family man. With the sense of betrayal he feels about the abortion and the fact Ruth led him on for so long, he thinks that’s it in his head. He’s probably been out on the pull a few times and he’s flirting with everything that comes through the door to eradicate the somewhat painful memory of her.

Is Jay an easy character to play?
Yeah, I love him, he’s a lot of fun to play. He’s very similar to me in many ways. He always likes to find the fun but he’s very serious and very heartfelt at the same time. He has a wonderful lightness to him, that great mix of being an adult – he’s a man’s man – but at the same time he’s a big kid.

Are you good in a crisis?
Yeah, I am good in a crisis. I fill that role for quite a few of my friends. I get lots of phone calls in the early hours of the morning. And I love that. I’m very, very close to my friends and my family. I’m an only child, my parents are divorced, have been my whole life, so I’ve had to play the man from a very young age. I like looking after people.

In the show, Jay is half Iranian. Is this poetic licence or a nod to your family tree?
All of my mum’s side are Persian, I think they got that from me. Initially I was playing an Essex boy but after a couple of months of being in the show they decided to make him a Londoner, born where I was born and half Persian as well. We haven’t really touched on it too much so far.

You’ve just turned 30. Was it a milestone age for you?
Yeah, it was. It feels good. It’s one of those things you dread happening through the later part of your 20s, but I feel strong, like a man. There are a lot of good times to come.

Did you have a party?
I did, I had a big party. I took my girlfriend to Paris on the day, which was amazing. We stayed at the Four Seasons George V, which was absolutely stunning. Then I had a big dinner for lots of my close friends in London and we wined, dined and had a good boogie until the early hours. It’s been busy busy since I’ve been back.

Is it true that you and Aiden Turner from Being Human are cousins?
That’s not true. The only link is we have dark hair and hairy arms! I know him, we’ve hung out a couple of times. My girlfriend Amy Manson is in Being Human, she plays the new vampire, Daisy.

By Linda Gibson