Call the Midwife icon confirms future on BBC show after unexpected exit

Call the Midwife fans have been left fearful one iconic character would not return for the new series of the much-loved BBC show.

Helen George, 40, has portrayed Trixie Franklin on the period drama since it launched in 2012.

However, during the last series of the show, which aired earlier this year, Nurse Trixie bowed out of Poplar for a new start in America. The midwife's huge decision came after husband Matthew (Olly Rix) left Poplar and travelled to New York to seek out new business opportunities after he went bankrupt.

But Matthew had also questioned Trixie's commitment to being a wife and step-mum to his son Jonty as she also dedicated herself to her work. After much thought, and a lot of tears, Trixie also left East London and headed to the States to be with her family as the series concluded.

Helen George in Call the Midwife

But it appears Trixie does return to Poplar in the next season of Call the Midwife, which is set to air at the beginning of 2025 following on from the annual Christmas special.

Helen has been spotted on set filming scenes as Trixie following the show's announcement that production had started for the new season.

Helen, who's among the few remaining original cast members on the show, was also seen sporting beige shirt and green skirt, which is believed to have been part of her wardrobe for the role.

Last month, the adored actress also took to her Instagram Story to share a selfie dressed as Trixie and tagged in the official Call the Midwife profile. In the stunning snap, Helen dons her trademark blonde bobbed hairstyle teamed with a glam make-up look consisting of bold lipstick.

Helen George confirms Call the Midwife return with Instagram selfie

She also wore a patterned turtle neck and bright red nail varnish. On one finger she also wears a huge diamond ring which could be a telling sign that her on-screen husband Matthew is also returning.

The Christmas special is expected to be the last episode set in the 1960s as it moves into the swinging 70s.

"Series 14 is set in 1970, launching us into an exciting new decade," show creator Heidi Thomas confirmed. "We can’t wait to bring you another season full of touching, exciting, emotional stories from Nonnatus House."

Call the Midwife returns on Christmas Day.

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