JENNY AGUTTER (SISTER JULIENNE)
Jenny, what’s Sister Julienne up to this Christmas?
She has a particularly busy Christmas. There is an exploration of a new medication for fertility which brings with it a mother who is expecting twins as a result, which is wonderful. The birth all happens rather excitingly. I always enjoy childbirth scenes, but this particular one was very difficult to film, interesting but just a bit cramped.
What else is going on with her?
Sister Julienne is always worried about Nonnatus House, although we’re in a pretty good place financially, and she’s got ideas about the future. And the only other concern, as Winter approaches, is Sister Monica Joan. Winter is tough –and Sister Monica Joan feels she’s not going to get through it and won’t be there next year. She is very depressed and it is up to Sister Julienne to help her see that there is no reason to believe these dark thoughts – and that there is a great deal of vitality in her.
Trixie’s brother Geoffrey (Christopher Harper) returns after we met him at their wedding – what’s that been like?
He’s just such a lovely, fun character to have around – totally unpredictable. As an actor, Christopher is just great fun. It seems he may be homeless when he arrives to stay with us. I don’t know what the future might hold for that character, but it would be lovely to see him again.
Just how Christmassy is this year’s special?
This is very much Christmas at home at Nonnatus, but it doesn’t at all miss that whole magical sense of Christmas. It’s quite a special one for everybody. There’s something in there which is going to be a surprise to everybody. Totally unexpected. There’s quite a build-up – but I can say no more!