Tina Seabrook

Tina was a feisty young nurse, often pulled up by her superiors for her blunt tone and for forgetting how much she still had to learn. Tina's confident attitude was undermined when she was raped by a patient's husband. Her recovery was slow and difficult, but helped by the arrival of fellow junior nurse, Chloe, who brought optimism and fun back to Tina's life.[4]

— An excerpt from Tina's profile on the official Casualty website.

Tina was initially billed as "over-keen" and clumsy, but "a promising member of staff".[2][5] Of her role within the emergency department, Goose said "Although she's the lowest grade of nurse, she tends to make decisions herself rather than ask those above her. She keeps on getting into trouble with those above, her. But she isn't jaded or cynical so I hope the viewers will take to her."[2] Tina did not receive any support from her parents, making her "determined and headstrong".[6] Goose shared some similarities with her character, as they were both independent and enthusiastic. The actress continued, "she's young and a bit naive but still speaks her mind and is very determined. I'm like that."[3]

Goose did not think Tina's uniform was sexy or flattering, describing it as "functional and comfy".[3] The uniforms were later updated and changed to green scrubs, which Goose said was "far more comfortable and practical". She also thought the nurses looked more efficient.[7] During her tenure, Tina's personality changed and she became more resilient and confident. Goose stated that Tina "bounces back from whatever's thrown at her", making her more fun to play.[8]

Tina was raped in the hospital by Edmund White, played by Richard Hope (pictured).

Towards the end of series 12, Tina's first major storyline arc began as she was raped by a patient's husband.[6] When the producers informed Goose she was getting the dramatic storyline, she was not "daunted" and instead used the opportunity to show her skills as an actress.[6] Goose immediately undertook research for the storyline, before the writers had a chance to script it.[6] She spent a total of six months researching the topic.[9] She also spoke with rape counsellors ahead of filming, which lasted for a month.[6] Producers hoped the four-part storyline would increase ratings and raise awareness of the dangers nurses face at work from similar attacks.[9] The storyline also dealt with the issue of government cuts, as the "cash-strapped" hospital's CCTV fails to capture Tina's assault.[9]

Tina is dragged into the hospital toilets and raped by Edmund White (Richard Hope).[6] Goose called him "a particularly nasty" type of rapist, as he also uses emotional violence and threats to terrorise her. The actress said, "It's a revenge thing. They seem like regular, nice kind of people. You wouldn't expect them to be like that."[9] Following the assault, Tina goes into denial and initially tells her colleagues that she has been robbed. Goose explained that Tina tries to cope with her ordeal alone, as she feels that she had "let everyone down". She also feels that she has lost control and does not want her friends to attempt to put her "back together again".[6] Gavin Docherty of the Sunday Mail observed that Tina's behaviour was typical, as many women were worried that the police and court procedures after reporting an assault would be degrading.[9]

Goose admitted she struggled to "switch off" after a day filming the storyline, saying "I was never out of it. I was a lot more introverted and felt quite withdrawn."[9] After the storyline aired, she received letters from real-life rape victims and she replied to them all offering her support.[10] Tina eventually tells fellow nurse Eve Montgomery (Barbara Marten) about her ordeal.[6] Goose hoped Tina would be able to get over her assault and emerge stronger.[6] During the following series, Tina was shown to be rebuilding her life and becoming her bubbly self once more.[10]

As the rape storyline concluded, Goose teased a potential romance for her character. The actress had suggested Tina was given a love interest, as she wanted to show that it is part of recovering from an assault.[10] Tina later begins a relationship with senior house officer Sean Maddox (Gerald Kyd). He is the first person she has sex with following her rape.[8] A love triangle develops when Sean has an affair with Tina's best friend Chloe Hill (Jan Anderson). At the end of the thirteenth series, Tina discovers Sean has gotten Chloe pregnant.[8] Goose told Wendy Granditer of Inside Soap that Tina feels "totally betrayed" by Sean and Chloe, but instead of getting upset, she begins acting aggressively towards the pair.[8] Goose was pleased with the changes to Tina's personality during the storyline, saying "When she first started in the show she was bubbly, but that was all. Now I get the chance to show another side to her, the bitchy side that comes out when she finds out about Sean and Chloe."[8] The actress admitted that when she played Tina's new "no-nonsense" side, she got a bit bored shouting all the time, so she asked the directors if she could change things to avoid the audience growing tired of Tina behaviour.[8]

Tina rejects both Chloe and Sean in the wake of her discovery. While Sean fights for his relationship with Tina, Chloe struggles with whether to keep the baby or not.[11] Tina also has to cope with the situation on her own, as her confidant and fellow nurse Sam Colloby (Jonathan Kerrigan) fights for his life, after being pushed over a balcony.[8] Tina later visits Sam in Cornwall, where he is recovering, and learns that he does not want to return to the hospital. Tina misses having Sam around to talk to, and Goose commented, "It's like her whole world is falling apart."[7] The actress was pleased to be a part of the long-running storyline.[12] She admitted that she was unsure how she would react if she was in a similar situation as Tina, but thought she would regain her confidence and continue on.[12] When Tina learns that Chloe is having an abortion, she supports her through it and they reconnect.[4] Tina also dates consultant Max Gallagher (Robert Gwilym), despite still having feelings for Sean.[13]

In December 1999, Goose announced her intentions to leave the show the following year. Her decision to leave was influenced by the arrival of younger cast members, and the departures of her co-stars and friends Rebecca Lacey and Jonathan Kerrigan.[12] She commented, "I've been left alone. It's a different dynamic now, but it's still fun. I seem to always be in male company these days and I'm desperate for a girly night out."[12] Tina departure storyline was "unusual", as it was filmed in Australia.[14] During the shoot, Goose feared being bitten by a scorpion or venomous snake.[15]

After learning from Max that Sean was leaving Holby, Tina realises that she loves him and proposes to him as his train leaves the station. She then decides to follow Sean to Australia, but she is unsure of his location.[14] Tina soon becomes stranded in the outback and falls unconscious from dehydration.[16] Sean rescues her and they later call the hospital to inform everyone that they are getting married.[17] Maddox reprised his role in 2006. Sean was "bitter" upon his return, as he and Tina had separated and he rarely saw their child.[18]