A labour OF LOVE

HELEN GEORGE and MEGAN CUSACK on family, friends and festive cheer in Poplar

- CAREN CLARK

CALL THE MIDWIFE NEW CHRISTMAS DAY, 8.15PM, BBC1 DRAMA

The seasonal specials of BBC1's popular period drama Call the Midwife are always hectic but heart-warming affairs. This year is no exception as our beloved residents of Nonnatus House find themselves juggling tears, treats and triumphs, as well as lashings of snow...

Set in December 1968, the episode sees Poplar hit by space fever as Apollo 8 prepares to orbit the moon, but the nuns and midwives are also busy helping two anxious mums-to-be, along with troubled war veteran Mr Sharma (played by Goodness Gracious Me's Kulvinder Ghir).

Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt), meanwhile, is giving cause for concern as she believes she won't see another Christmas, but can her colleagues and friends find a way to offer her some yuletide cheer? TV Times caught up with fan favourites Helen George, 39, who plays stylish nurse Trixie Aylward, and Megan Cusack, 27, who portrays spirited midwife Nancy Corrigan, to find out more...