Pillar of the COMMUNITY

ZEPHRYN TAITTE on why Call the Midwife's kindly Cyril holds a special place in his heart

-  CAREN CLARK

CALL THE MIDWIFE

SUNDAY, 8PM, BBC1 DRAMA 

If we were in trouble, we would definitely want Cyril Robinson on our side! Since the caring mechanic-turned-social worker first appeared in the eighth series of BBC1’s hit period drama Call the Midwife in 2019, he has ably supported the residents of Nonnatus House and the wider Poplar community with his quiet wisdom and compassion. And actor Zephryn Taitte couldn’t be more delighted to have played the dedicated pastor for the past five years.

‘Cyril is a lovely man and emotionally intelligent – he steps in whenever people are in need,’ smiles Zephryn, as he joins TV Times for an exclusive chat. ‘This role is one of the best experiences of my life – it’s always challenging me. Plus, my granny in Guyana is a pastor, too, so she’s very proud!’

The current series has seen Cyril continue to try to rebuild his life after nurse wife Lucille (Leonie Elliott) departed for Jamaica to recover from a breakdown in the last run. As he has thrown himself into work, he has started a new career as a child welfare officer and, in this week’s penultimate episode, he tries to aid a young mum in a harrowing predicament.

Here, Zephryn reveals more about Cyril’s rewarding job and how it mirrors his own real-life mission to always lend a helping hand…

Could you tell us a bit about the tricky assignment Cyril is involved with, Zephryn?