NUN BETTER THAN ME SAYS MIDWIFE’S JUDY
CALL The Midwife star Judy Parfitt says film and TV bosses give too many roles to Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.
The actress, 81, believes landing the role of Sister Monica Joan in the BBC drama was a rare victory over her rivals.
Judy told the Daily Star Sunday: “I am so lucky to be part of Call The Midwife because usually if there are any parts for that age Maggie or Judi are playing them.
“When I got it I thought ‘I’ve got one on you’. I do feel lucky. But then the show is lucky to have me.
“I still want to try to be better every time I do a scene. I feel the same now as I did when I first started acting.”
Maggie Smith, 82, starred in rival period drama Downton Abbey until it ended last year after six series.
But Call The Midwife, which also stars ED GLEAVE Jenny Agutter, 64, and Linda Bassett, 66, is set to run for at least nine series.
Judy added: “The casting on this was just fantastic when we first started and it still is now.”
The sixth run of Call The Midwife kicks off tonight at 8pm on BBC One and fans can expect more hard-hitting plots.
Judy said: “We are continuing with the Thalidomide storyline that started last year.
“I think that is really important. And there is an episode I was involved with about a man with Down’s syndrome.
“What I love about this series is it makes you think about things you haven’t thought about for a while or might not even know about at all.” ED’S TIP: It’s usually between EastEnders and Corrie. But over the past year Emmerdale has nabbed a string of awards so I’m predicting another big win for them. WHO’S UP: After a sensational return, Cold Feet has been shortlisted for the drama prize. It’s up against Game Of Thrones, The Night Manager and Happy Valley. 2016 WINNER: Downton Abbey ED’S TIP: The Night Manager swept the board at the Golden Globes so it will be a major shock if it doesn’t thrash its rivals again on Wednesday evening. WHO’S UP: Five of our most talkedabout shows will be battling it out in one of the most competitive categories on the night. I’m A Celebrity, Love Island, MasterChef, The Apprentice and The Great British Bake Off are all up. 2016 WINNER: Bake Off ED’S TIP: A whopping 14million of us switched on for Bake’s Off last series on the BBC so judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood should start preparing an acceptance speech now. Creator Brendan O’Carroll has probably cleared space in his cabinet already. WHO’S UP: This award has been introduced because period dramas are just as popular as reality shows these days. Victoria, Call The Midwife and Poldark have all made the shortlist after pulling in bumper ratings last year. Netflix’s Stranger Things and the BBC’s Peaky Blinders are also up. ED’S TIP: Call The Midwife easily wins when it comes to viewing figures but I think Victoria will be crowned winner on Wednesday. WHO’S UP: