Tess Bateman

Tess Bateman is a Staff Nurse and former Clinical Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department of Holby City Hospital. She joined the department in 2003. She is currently pregnant with Fletch's baby; an outcome has yet to be depicted. The fact that she is pregnant must mean she is no older than around 50.

As a third generation Jamaican, brought up in Cardiff, Tess is a traditionalist; if there's a rule book then she's swallowed it. She may be viewed as a kill-joy and inflexible, but her heart is in the right place - rules are there for a reason: the wellbeing and safety of the ED and its staff.

Trivia

 * She was devastated when Mike, her husband of 20 years, filed for divorce.
 * Loves spending time with her family.
 * Has a son called Sam, who has Bipolar Disorder.
 * Was there for Charlie when he faced a difficult decision about whether to assist in Megan's suicide.
 * She resigned as Clinical Nurse Manager when she was made the scapegoat over the death of a little boy, but she was later reinstated.

Behind the scenes
Suzanne Packer has portrayed Tess Bateman since her arrival in Casualty in 2003. At some point in 2015, it has been confirmed that she will be leaving the cast, which means that the character will also likely be retired.