Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
My Midwife crisis is over
Miriam’s joy at finally landing part.. and as nun rather than ‘East End housewife’
MIRIAM Margolyes has told of her surprise at being cast as a nun in Call the Midwife’s Christmas special.
The Harry Potter actress, known for her foul language, has long lobbied for a role in the hit BBC show.
She said: “I thought I would be some sort of East End housewife or grandmother or something.
“It never occurred to me that I would be a nun. And not just any nun, an important one!”
Miriam, 77, appears tomorrow as Sister Mildred, who arrives at Nonnatus
House with four Chinese orphans. She also said she cherishes the era of the 1950s and 1960s when the show is set and loves it for its “heart”.
She said: “We live in a heartless world. They seem to have been cut out of every politician and most of the leaders in business. The world we’re living in is so ghastly, so awful, I think it’s a beacon in a naughty world.
“Call the Midwife shows the best of Britain and real communities. People use that word ‘community’ an awful lot these days but there doesn’t seem to be much community around – community spirit and friendship and kindness.
“And the show does depict people at their best, caring for other people and having fun together. I’m terribly proud to be in it.”
But despite her delight at finally landing the part she had craved, Miriam insists she will not be tuning in with us tomorrow.
“I hope my performance was satisfactory – you always do – but I never watch my own stuff.”