BBC One’s Call the Midwife has returned, with Helen George’s character Trixie Aylward taking on new responsibilities to save Nonnatus House. She has been instrumental in securing additional funding with Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and filling in for Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) during her absence.
Trixie is often seen with her brother Geoffrey, portrayed by Chris Harper, who last appeared in the festive special. In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Chris discussed his off-screen rapport with Helen.
He said: “I think rather like siblings, we take each other a bit for granted as we have known each other so long. Actually all the rest of the other cast and I chat all the time.
“But when Helen and I sit down, we really catch up on the big questions,” he quipped. “It’s lovely, I love Helen to bits.”
Chris also expressed his delight at being included in the “hallowed Call The Midwife WhatsApp group.”
Geoffrey Franklin and Trixie Aylward are siblings (Image: BBC)
He remembered the warm welcome he received, saying: “I got a text from Helen or one of the others just saying ‘I think you are one of us, I think you are here to stay’.”
He continued to laud the entire cast while discussing the addition of Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine. “It’s the nicest group in the world, every morning there are lovely messages of support,” he revealed.
“Molly who has just started, everybody in the group was immediately like ‘Molly you’re so good, isn’t that a brilliant storyline, aren’t you beautiful, isn’t it such a great character, can’t wait to have you back in the next series’.
“And that’s just typical of that group, they are such a lovely group of people.”
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Chris Harper as Geoffrey Franklin (Image: BBC)
The star confessed his yearning to feature more prominently in the series but assured fans of his return within the ongoing season. “I have got my hopes on this next season,” he revealed.
“The one that’s being broadcast now I was actually on a tour doing a job while they were filming it.
“But Geoffrey will make a comeback this series, I will be back. I managed to squeeze one in.”
Call the Midwife airs on One on Sundays at 8pm