My body was so bruised it looked like corned beef
Call The Midwife star Helen George on her early arrival and coping with chronic itchiness while pregnant
She plays headstrong Trixie Franklin in Call The Midwife but Helen George recently had her own medical drama when her Christmas bundle – her second child – came a bit earlier than expected.
Helen already has a four-yearold daughter, Wren Ivy, with her former co-star Jack Ashton (who played vicar Tom Hereward). And her second pregnancy was overshadowed by the same disorder she suffered when carrying Wren – intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a potentially serious liver disorder.
But now their new baby is safely here, Helen and Jack can enjoy their new arrival, while fans eagerly await this year’s Call The Midwife Christmas special, which insiders say is set to be a real tear-jerker.
Here, the star talks about her roles both on and off the screen…
You gave birth recently earlier than planned...
Yes, a bit of a surprise – I went into early labour but all is well and baby is thriving.
How did you find juggling work with your pregnancy?
When I was at work, Jack looked after Wren and vice versa. We have quite a fair split of it. But I was quite adamant to carry on working through my pregnancy, which was absolutely fine. I think
sometimes there is a prejudice that pregnant women shouldn’t work, especially in our industry. It was important to me to carry on. I know it’s not always easy for women to stay working when they’re pregnant. I’m passionate about advocating that we’re fine [to work] and the team can shoot around you. There is no reason that shouldn’t happen.
What’s in store for Trixie?
Well, widower Matthew Aylward pops up, so we look at whether that’s going to go any further. There’s lots going on and it was really fun to film. We have a wedding in this episode as well as lots of births.
When did you finish filming the 11th series?
I finished in September, so I worked for some of my pregnancy. But I had downtime as well, which was nice for getting the baby room ready.
How was the pregnancy this time round?
I think you feel like you know how hard it’s going to be, so mentally you prepare yourself for that. You have less time to wallow in that. I’m not very good at resting. I love working, so allowing myself to be OK with not being at work was a big one.
Did you do anything to relax?
Not really. Jack gets furious with me because I can’t keep still. He will literally just order me to lie down. I’m not very good at it.
But did you sleep well during the pregnancy?
I was very uncomfortable but I can’t complain as it was a good pregnancy really. But the ICP I had with Wren reared its head again. I got this chronic itchiness all over my body. I looked like corned beef I was so bruised. Just walking down the street was like doing a marathon. How has Wren been? She’s very excited about being a big sister and we’re trying to get her involved in the decisions. It’s a four-year
age gap, which is nice.
So can Trixie have it all too?
I think Trixie can have it all – the husband, the kids and the career. I think she’s capable of all that.
Are you excited about Christmas?
I love it and the whole period leading up to it. I’m a big fan, especially now with having kids as well. This year we’ll have a bit more normality. I’ll be booking in the pantos and meeting Santa.
Who will cook the Christmas dinner?
I cooked my first Christmas goose last year and Jack literally said, ‘Please never cook goose again’. It was terrible. It will be a company effort this year. I’m quite a fan of making roast potatoes ahead of time and freezing them. Preparation is the key to a good Christmas. I’ve been soaking my fruit for the Christmas cake since Bonfire Night.