Helen George teases emotional BBC Call the Midwife twist as she admits 'one may shed a tear at some point'

The actress said the seasonal instalment “would not be the same if one didn’t shed a tear at some point”, promising emotional moments alongside the festive cheer.

Airing across two parts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the special is set in 1971 and follows storylines unfolding in both Poplar and Hong Kong.

Over the years, Trixie’s journey has included battles with alcoholism, professional success as a senior nurse and midwife, and her marriage to Matthew Aylward.

Speaking about the new Christmas episodes, Ms George described them as “really fun”, explaining that the nurses and midwives are left to fend for themselves.

“It’s really fun because the nurses and midwives are left at home alone without the grownups,” she explained.

“And it all goes a bit wrong. Trixie, for once, isn’t part of the party, which is so frustrating, but she has to come home and clean it all up after a hard night’s work. The rotters!”

When asked whether viewers should expect an emotional watch, the actress was unequivocal.

“A Call the Midwife Christmas special would not be the same if one didn’t shed a tear at some point,” she said.

“There will be moments of contemplation and reflection over the episodes, swiftly followed by some uplifting Christmas cheer."

Ms George also revealed she gets to wear her “favourite costume I’ve ever worn” in the special.

“I get to take part in a Christmas parade where we travel along on a very Christmassy-looking van with these incredible costumes,” she said.

“I wear an angel costume. It’s probably the favourite costume I’ve ever worn. It’s got a 1970s twist. It’s a beautiful white coat with a fur trim and angel wings coming out of the back, and then these really cool glittery stars.

“For me, it was a lot of fun dressing up. This is probably one of the most Christmassy Christmas specials we’ve ever done.”

Fred Buckle, played by Cliff Parisi, also returns as Santa Claus in the 2025 festive episodes.

This year, Fred takes on a “double dose” of Santa duties, appearing both in Poplar and Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, Fred and his wife Violet travel to visit Violet’s son, with Fred donning his Santa suit to entertain children at a local orphanage.

Back in Poplar, he reprises the role once again for the traditional Christmas parade and celebrations.

Mr Parisi has joked that he may hold the record for playing “BBC Santa”, having also portrayed the festive figure during his time on EastEnders.

The role has become a cherished tradition for fans of Call the Midwife’s Christmas specials.

Reflecting on Mr Parisi’s Santa appearances, Ms George said: “He’s done so many! I can’t even remember whether it’s the same costume the whole way through.

“I feel like it has been just dusted off. We did one when we visited a hospital and gave gifts out to children, and that was loads of fun.

“But he really loves doing it. He really embodies Santa Claus when he gets into it, although he doesn’t really have a Nordic accent. I feel he needs to attempt that at some point!”

Ms George also shared her own favourite Christmas memory, recalling large family gatherings.

“Probably big Christmases with all of my extended family playing charades,” she said. “We’d all dress up for Christmas Day and go as various characters and just have a lovely big old family Christmas.”

When asked which Call the Midwife character she would invite for Christmas dinner, Ms George joked she would “probably not” choose Sister Monica Joan.

“She’d just complain about the main course before the pudding came,” she joked, adding that Sister Julienne “would be fun, but I wouldn’t want to get drunk in front of her”.

Mr Parisi, meanwhile, described playing Santa as “an honour and a privilege”. “I just wish we filmed it at Christmas, because it’s normally roasting hot and I’ve got to be in a beard, a wig, a hood, a hat, boots, gloves and a big coat,” he said.

“It’s usually the first thing we film in May, June or August, so of course it’s very warm. But I’ve been Santa for 24 years, including nine on EastEnders. I’ve probably got the record!”

Describing his experience playing the iconic Christmas legend, Mr Parisi said: "It's fresh in my mind! There were lots of excited children, apart from one little girl who just kept crying," he explained.

The actor added: "She had the sweetest little face, but they had to take her out, so she didn't get a present in the end. But all the others did, and when they opened them, props hadn't put anything in them, so they were empty. Santa is a bit of a swear word out there right now!"