I'M REALLY BAD AT STICKING TO RULES

HELEN GEORGE ON WHY SHE NEVER MAKES NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS, HER RECENT PREGNANCY AND HER FESTIVE PLANS

- ANGELA HAGAN

She plays headstrong Trixie Franklin in Call The Midwife, but Helen George recently had her own medical drama when her Christmas bundle – her second child – came a bit earlier than expected.

Helen already has a four-year-old daughter, Wren Ivy, with her former co-star Jack Ashton (who played vicar Tom Hereward). And her second pregnancy was overshadowed by the same disorder she endured when carrying Wren – intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a potentially serious liver disorder.

But now their new baby is safely here, Helen and Jack can enjoy their new arrival, while fans eagerly await this year’s Call The Midwife Christmas special. In it, Helen, 37, is joined by cast regulars Leonie Elliott, Stephen McGann and Jenny Agutter, while Miriam Margolyes reprises her role as Sister Mildred. And insiders say it’s set to be a tear-jerker!

Here, the star talks about her roles both on and off the screen…

Hi Helen! You gave birth recently a little earlier than planned...

Yes, a bit of a surprise – I went into early labour, but all is well and baby is thriving.

How did you find juggling work with your pregnancy?

When I was at work, Jack looked after Wren. We have quite a fair split of it and vice versa. But also I was quite adamant to carry on working through my pregnancy, which was absolutely fine. I think sometimes there is a prejudice that pregnant women shouldn’t work, especially in our industry. It was important to me to carry on.

What’s in store for Trixie?