Call The Midwife cast talk Christmas in Poplar with tear-jerking moments and uplifting festive cheer

This year’s festive trip to Poplar sees Call the Midwife celebrate Christmas with two episodes.

The residents of Poplar are preparing for Christmas while Fred (Cliff Parisi) and Violet (Annabelle Apsion) get ready to fly to Hong Kong to visit her son. On arrival and carrying parcels for the sisters, they head to the Hong Kong Branch House but immediately spot that a large building has collapsed in a landslide and it appears there are casualties.

Back home, Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) confirms the news and a rescue mission is hastily organised. A team from Nonnatus make emergency plans to head out to Hong Kong.

Call the Midwife is a Neal Street production (2 x 60mins) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Executive Producers for Neal Street are Pippa Harris, Heidi Thomas and Ann Tricklebank and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gaynor Holmes.

JN

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Meet the cast

Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne)

What takes the residents of Nonnatus House to Hong Kong this Christmas?

We've heard about the mission being there, but we've not seen it and of course, that's where [the Turners’ adopted daughter] May comes from. We discover the ground underneath the mission has made it collapse so they get a small party together to go out to Hong Kong to see what they can do to help, try and find new premises and take care of things.

Displacement seems to be the theme of the episodes this year….

The whole piece is very much about unsteady ground. Everything is about people being displaced in some way and the changes bringing something new and fresh. But in other ways, it's very disturbing. Back in Poplar, they're dealing with a family who are completely displaced. They are travellers who have no home, and who are having a child.

Does Sister Julienne undergo a bit of an epiphany in the midst of disaster?

Sister Hilda joins us in Hong Kong and that’s lovely, and although it's difficult under the circumstances, there’s the excitement of being able to make a difference and the energy that creates in a place where you're actually working with people that really need you. That stays with Sister Julienne. So, when she returns to the UK, it's what she's kind of hankering for. That's what was needed in the East End in the early days, but now it’s all gone.

How was filming in Hong Kong?

It was wonderful. I have a special connection with it because the from the age of three to six or seven, I was in Singapore and we visited Hong Kong, though a very, very different Hong Kong. It’s extraordinary - great tall buildings, lots of lights, really built up, nothing from what I remembered at all as a child. I sort of enjoyed it then, but it was just something one looked at. Going there to work gives you a completely different view.

What stood out the most this time?

One of the things that fascinated me - and it's part of our story - is the Walled City. It’s a place that nobody could go because it was part of China. It was taken down in 1990, but it was still there in 1971. It was the most densely populated place on earth - something like 60,000 people all squished into a square mile. We were filming right near where it used to be. Hong Kong has been touched by so many cultures, not only China and Britain. The cultural differences between those two at that time [1971] is interesting.

Was there time for sight-seeing?

My youngest cousin's partner still lives there, so on my free days I got to see the other side of Hong Kong: the hills, the beaches, the ocean. It was completely different to the built up, lit up commercial centre. I kind of fell in love with all of that.

Tell us about the rickshaws…

It's kind of a poetic license using rickshaws, because they were being overtaken by taxis in ‘71. There weren't any rickshaws left so they had to make them for us. We were taken around in them which was great fun.

What about filming in that humidity?

It was very, very hot and steamy. Our producer says it doesn't look as hot as it felt because everything is so green and that takes away the sense of dry heat that people tend to think of. Many of us tried to cool down with fans and ice packs but of course, the more you do that, the hotter you're going to get because your body is fighting it. I gave into it and just got really hot! By the end of the day my lovely white linen gown was completely soaking.

And then there were reports that a typhoon was coming!

One was apparently coming which was all over the news. The winds became really bad on the Saturday night when we weren't working but we were told to be careful because it was going to get bad that night. In the early hours of the morning, it really was stronger. On Sunday, the strongest winds were blowing. They said not to open the curtains of the hotel in case anything hit the window. But we were facing the water so there was little chance. Of course, I had a jolly good look outside because it was rather amazing seeing all the water whipped up.

Actually, I was rather naughty. We were told we couldn't go out but I did a little shot for Danny (Laurie) because he wanted to see what it was like to be in a typhoon. But the wind was blowing me all over the place. I wasn’t going to hang around for the rain to start!

Molly Vevers (Sister Catherine)

What’s going on with Sister Catherine this Christmas?

There's lots going on. She gets involved in a case with two mums-to-be who are Irish travellers and living in a camp there. Along with Joyce, she gets enlisted to go and help them out. As the story unfolds, there's a lovely character called Queenie, who has a heartbreaking back story. Sister Catherine is pivotal in supporting her and helping her process the grief she's been through. It's a really heart-rending story but woven in with all the Christmas magic of the rest of the episode.

What it was like to film the Christmas parade?

I loved filming the Christmas parade. It was so much fun. Renee, Natalie and I were all angels on the float, and we had to have a stunt coordinator because it was technically a stunt, as we were tied to the float with these invisible ropes so that we could do sort of Angel acting. It felt like Mission: Impossible!

What's your favourite childhood memory of Christmas?

The year that we got bikes. My mum bought us second-hand bikes, and me and my brothers all shared a room, and we had two sets of bunk beds. She was being Santa Claus, and I can remember her just wheeling the bikes in silently.

Which Call the Midwife character would you have over for Christmas dinner?

Probably Sister Veronica, because I feel like she would bring some really good home baking.

Rebecca Gethings (Sister Veronica)

What takes Sister Veronica to Hong Kong?

We get news that the mother house there has collapsed so we rush out there to be of assistance. Fred and Violet are also there, because Violet's son is high up in the police force there. We're all out there really as grist to the mill to help as much as we can.

And she comes across an abandoned baby…

She and Nurse Crane find a newborn baby who's been left in a cardboard box, literally hours after being born. It's all looking quite bleak, but then the mother comes to collect the baby, so that's a really lovely moment, but tough for Sister Veronica. She has bonded with this baby. She's got these mixed feelings of delight that this baby's going to be okay and reunited with his mother, but also this illogical wanting of the baby herself.

Has she come to a crossroads in her life?

Given her age, she's feeling the end of an opportunity to become a mother, which obviously, as a nun, is not on the table anyway. It's a physiological pull that she's going through, as she's always in close quarters with babies. It's a story that will continue throughout the series. You'll see that need grow in her.

Tell us about Fred as Santa…

Fred’s got his Santa costume with him - which would surely take up quite a lot of suitcase space - to entertain the orphans. Cliff was an absolute trooper that day, because that was the hottest day. He had eight fans on him! I doff my wimple to him.

How was Hong Kong for you?

Oh, my goodness, Hong Kong was amazing. What a privilege to be able to go to the other side of the world. We were filming in extreme temperatures, and we had a typhoon while we were there, and we were all locked in the hotel and watched the trees bending and the sea squalling. It was amazing. But the heat! The first day I was drenched in sweat. But you do acclimatise.

Which Call the Midwife character would you have over on Christmas Day?

All of them, obviously, but I suspect Shelagh is a very good cook, so she could come over and cook for me. She'd probably clean up afterwards too, wouldn't she? She's very neat.

Linda Bassett (Nurse Phyllis Crane)

How did you find Hong Kong?

It was really interesting. I was worried about going just because of the flight and the distance from home, but it was great fun because we went to places that you wouldn't go as a tourist. The people were lovely and the crew were smashing, so kind. You know, sometimes if you're a bit slow in a queue or a bit slow in the Tube, people tut or sigh and get impatient. There was none of that. I really enjoyed it.

How was travelling in the rickshaw?

It was fun. We went up and down the same street, obviously, to get all the different shots. We had to close the road, and there were lots of people watching.

Helen George (Trixie Aylward) 

What is Trixie up to this Christmas?

It's a really fun Christmas special because the nurses and midwives are left at home alone without the grownups. 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!

Are we to have our heartstrings tugged this year?

A Call the Midwife Christmas special would not be the same if one didn't shed a tear at some point. There will be moments of contemplation and reflection over the episodes swiftly followed by some uplifting Christmas cheer!

Any good Christmassy costumes this time?

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

What’s your favourite Fred as Santa moment?

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, I think. 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!

What's your favourite childhood Christmas memory?

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

And which character from the show would you have over for Christmas dinner?

Probably not Sister Monica Joan, because she'd just complain about the main course before the pudding came. Sister Julienne would be fun, but I wouldn't want to get drunk in front of her!

Natalie Quarry (Rosalind Clifford)

What’s in store for Rosalind this Christmas?

She’s up to a fair amount! There's a big Christmas parade, and she's very involved in making the costumes. They're beautiful - lovely angels ones - and there’s an amazing array of floats, one of which has the midwives on it. It's all very magical. And it's snowing! There's also a big party while all the grown-ups have gone away, and we get to have a wild night of playing sardines and such. You get to see Rosalind let her hair down a bit, which she doesn't do that much, because she's a well-behaved midwife. It’s nice to see the characters play around in that different space without the nuns present.

What Christmas events do you enjoy?

I love a carol concert. I really, really enjoy singing carols. And even though it's not fireworks night, if there are ever any fireworks around, I love them too.

What’s your favourite childhood memory of Christmas?

Where I grew up, we used to have a nativity procession through the town, and one year I got to be Mary riding on the donkey. It was very, very exciting. My twin sister was Joseph, which is a little bit weird. But I was I was living it up!

Which Call the Midwife character would you have over for Christmas dinner?

Maybe Joyce, because I think she's really fun, and she'd be up for a good chat and a nice dinner. Or Geoffrey. He’d be a fantastic dinner guest.

Renee Bailey (Joyce Highland)

Did you enjoy the Christmas parade?

It was the most Christmassy and so fun because there's loads of kids dressed up as Christmas puddings, and Joyce, Trixie and Rosalind as angels waving from a float.

Sounds like a good time is had by all!

There's also a party that happens, which I think people are going to love, because there are lots of little surprises. It’s the first time that we properly see my character letting her hair down and just having fun. And there are surprises the next day as well! People wake up and forgot what they did the night before… It's very on brand for Christmas.

What is the most exotic place you've spent Christmas?

When I was 10, I went to New York for Christmas, because some of my aunts and uncles lived there. It’s any kid’s dream, because all Christmas films are set in New York, and it was snowing, so it was the first proper snowy Christmas I’d had. And you get to see the big Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre. That was a real moment for me.

What’s your best childhood memory of Christmas?

Christmas 2001, I was six. I remember my mum used to do this thing where she'd put little presents at the bottom of my mine and my sister’s beds, things like coloured pencils or whatever. And then we got a Dreamcast, which came out at the same time as the PlayStation. It was like the best Christmas ever. Me and my sister rinsed that console for about four or five years!

Annabelle Apsion (Violet Buckle)

What takes the Buckles to Hong Kong for Christmas?

You may have forgotten that Violet has two grown up sons, which were mentioned when she first came into the story. So Violet and Fred are off to visit her son, Derek, who is in the police force there. She doesn't normally refer to her sons, and that might be because she misses them so much. But she's very excited about going to see Derek.

What it was like to film there?

It was very exciting. I was last there about 35 years ago, when I was filming Soldier, Soldier. Everybody was fantastic to us and so friendly. We all loved exploring as much as we could, and it was a wonderful experience. We went to lovely beaches by boat. I'd never been to that part of Hong Kong before. But it was very hot and humid, so we had lots of fans on us all the time.

What about the rickshaws?

The were great fun. I'm glad I didn't have to pull one of them, just sit in it. I'm not sure when they were last in use, but in our storyline, we go to the city from the airport by rickshaw, which might have been quite a long way. The rickshaw runners obviously got very hot, and then it would rain, so there were a few continuity issues! But they had nice big hats on, which helped. It was a great treat to ride in an original rickshaw.

Have you got a favourite Fred as Santa moment?

The time when he split his trousers! That has to be my favourite.

What’s your best childhood memory of Christmas?

When it snowed, because we used to have a toboggan. We’d go up to a local hill and go down it on the toboggan. I remember my dad showing us how to do it. One time, he set off down the hill and then he disappeared into the bushes with his feet sticking out! Snowballs, snowmen - anything to do with snow, really. The magic of the snow falling was always my favourite part.

Cliff Parisi (Fred Buckle)

What was it like to film in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong was extraordinary, a real eye opener. I've never been that far east before. I’ve always wanted to go, but I don't like flying long-haul, but of course, I went because it was work. But I got there, and we had the most fabulous time. I discovered tea properly and the food was delicious. But what was lovely about Hong Kong were the people. They were absolutely fantastic and really helped us. The crew were fabulous too.

Tell us about filming on the ferry…

Filming on the ferry was fun. It was a big old boat, and we had to keep moving it backwards and forwards, because obviously we needed to keep the same background. So, we'd pull out, we'd do a shot, something would obviously go wrong - because it always does - and you then have to reverse it back again. So, we never did the actual crossing, which I really wanted to do. It reminded me of going on the tour boats in London, which I love.

And the rickshaws…

We had to get the rickshaws specially made because they don't have them any more. They got rid of them years ago. So these guys were all dressed up as rickshaw drivers, and we were charging around. Yeah, poor fella pulling it - he lost the point of balance at one stage, and we went backwards! We all had a great laugh.

How did modern-day Hong Kong manage to pass for 1971?

The part we filmed in wasn’t as high tech - there are still parts that aren’t so modern off the main streets where it's all neon. One of the cafes we were filming in was ancient. It went right away back to the 1930s and hadn't been changed at all - Formica tables and chairs, cardboard boxes of noodles stacked in the corner – the place hadn't been decorated. It was interesting to see a bit of old Hong Kong.

Fred plays Santa again! But what was it like playing him there?

It's fresh in my mind! There were lots of excited children, apart from one little girl who just kept crying. 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!

How does it feel to have been Santa in every Christmas special of the series?

It’s been 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 and it can get a bit sweaty. It’s usually the first thing we film in May, June or August, so of course it’s very warm. But yeah, I've been Santa for 24 years including nine on EastEnders. So, for 24 years I've been Santa at the BBC. I’ve probably got the record!

What's your favourite childhood memory of Christmas?

We lived in this big old drafty Victorian house with huge bay windows at the front. It had no heating and was freezing so we all slept in one room, mum and dad in the double bed, bunk beds for me and my sister.

Anyway, one year when I was about four, I woke up in the early hours as light was streaming in through the windows, because of the snow, which lit up the room. There was a twinkling on the floor, and I looked down, and as far as the eye could see, there were Matchbox cars and other toys. There was a little milk float just like the one that used to come around our streets. I looked out the window hoping for the milk float to come around the corner but of course it was Christmas day. The milkie needs a day off as well, buddy.

Zephryn Taitte (Cyril Robinson)

What happens to Cyril this Christmas?

He has a wealthy, mysterious visitor who makes Cyril focus on life a bit more.

Tell us more about the visitor…

Cyril receives a letter from a Mr Fisher saying that he would love to come and stay in the flat Cyril’s renting because it was his childhood home and because he's terminally ill. He wants to compensate Cyril for it, which Mrs. Wallace is all too keen and eager to accept. Mr Fisher is Jewish and we have a Hanukkah Festival of Lights celebration with him, which is a lovely experience for Cyril.

It is ultimately an uplifting story?

Yes. It's a story of reminiscence and appreciating your life, which is why Cyril reflects on his life and the future, especially with himself and Rosalind. It reminds Cyril of the important things in life and who you spend time with. It’s a lovely Christmas story.

Tell us about your role in the Poplar Christmas Parade

I’m with a steel band called Solid Steeling. It’s a parallel to my life, because when you go on Christmas Carnival Cruise Lines, it's a party with tequilas and cocktails and steel bands, and it's a celebration of life. But it’s such a juxtaposition between the summary vibes and the Christmassy environment, it was a great day. The director was calling, ‘More snow! More snow!’ Then, ‘Too much snow! Too much snow!’. But we didn't know the song we were doing, so there's a lot of us adlibbing and mumbling! I hope it comes off!

Where did Father Christmas leave your presents?

This is going to be a sad story! When I was a child, my family said, ‘Santa isn't real. You know who buys your presents? Us.’ They didn't want Santa getting all the glory. They left my presents under the Christmas tree.

Christopher Harper (Geoffrey Franklin)

What’s in store for Geoffrey this year?

Christmas is very special for Geoffrey. He’s part of the amazing street parade and starts making angel costumes with tinsel and ostrich feathers etc. But things take a surprising turn when he and Trixie stumble across a mysterious and suffering figure in the street, and it's someone that he knows. It starts him off on quite an emotional journey.

How was filming Christmas in May?

It was a spring day, and the set was all sprayed white and then filled with children and amazing costumes. When the sun set and the lights came up, it was suddenly just magical. The costumes that Geoffrey's made looked incredible – obviously! It was just spectacular.

What Christmas events do you like to be a part of?

In October I make Christmas mincemeat and I start a Christmas cake. It’s time to get together all the brandy and raisins and whatever else it takes. But my favourite part of it are those early evenings, candles in jam jars, etc. It completely changes the way everything looks.

Where did Father Christmas leave your presents when you were young?

Under my toes at the foot of the bed. It was that crinkle that made me realise it was Christmas Day, Now, whenever I have people to stay at Christmas, I always do stockings. In fact, if I go to someone else's house, I'll bring a stocking. I want other people to have the crinkle.

Stephen McGann (Dr Patrick Turner)

What brings the Turners to Hong Kong?

There's a very personal dimension to the Turners with Hong Kong through May. So there's a history, although they've never been there. Those worlds collide to do something quite special.

What was it like filming in Hong Kong?

It's a weird feeling going along in a rickshaw with a screaming director who can hardly be heard. But it was great fun. One of the best days we did was in a crowded street with lots of shops and markets in. We were right in the middle of central Hong Kong and got all the atmosphere and the smells of the market and the place, it was just... visceral. We had so much to do in a relatively short space of time and we only had some of the cast and we were like a cosy little team. It was a gorgeous, frantic, hilarious moving two weeks, which I hope will come across on screen. It was really very special to be involved in.

Did you attract attention?

Call the Midwife plays in many parts of the world, but it doesn't play in Hong Kong. So, there was this wonderful fascination from the locals. They make lots of films there, but you could see them running towards us. They were like, ‘Who is it? Who are those two sad old blokes?’ But it was great for us. It was just lovely to be so far away and filming in such an iconic place.

Did you have fun with Cliff in the ferry scenes?

The Star Ferry is this is old ferry that goes between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. I've never been to Hong Kong before this year but being from Liverpool I was familiar with ferries. But this was your famous Star Ferry. We took one of them out into the big port area which is one of the great vistas of the world. I was excited about that way before we started filming. It fulfilled everything that we'd hoped for.

And how was the weather?

Very hot indeed! We went in the summertime which was the only time we could go to film. And if you've done film and TV for many years in different kinds of places, you get a bit macho about it. You think, we can take a bit of humidity, a bit of heat. But when we got out there it was like walking into a sauna. And all the locals were saying, ‘What are you filming here in summer for? We go inside. You're mad!’

How is filming with the kids who play the Turner children at Christmas?

When we film with the kids at Christmas, we always have prop presents – just a tatty old box that’s empty. But of course if you give a kid a Christmas present, that kid is going to want to open it. We've had it with the Turner kids for years. Last time I remember little Ned, who plays Teddy, had been given sweets all day, had been treated kindly on set, and now someone gives him a Christmas present. What's the kid going to do? Open it. You should have seen the outrage on the kid. You offend some very deep sense of yuletide justice! We had to say, ‘It's going to be all right, mate. You'll still get something from the big man!!

What’s your best childhood Christmas memory?

The excitement of having five kids in this little house where we grew up, all of us getting our Christmas presents at the end of our beds. We’d all get up in the middle of the night playing with our toys. By the time my poor parents were up, it was an absolute riot! In the afternoon we’d go to my Auntie’s and get more presents, and because it was back in the Sixties and Seventies, you might even get a Snowball or a sherry, despite being only a kid.

Which Call the Midwife character would you have over for Christmas dinner?

I would love, love, love to have Cliff over because he's just so funny and he tells such brilliant funny stories. He's a wonderful guy and a great mate.

Laura Main (Shelagh Turner)

How was Hong Kong?

It was just a life highlight, if I'm honest. Getting to do the travel, getting to do really interesting work on camera, getting to be with your friends and we just made so much of the time that that we had there both on camera and off. It was an extraordinary opportunity. All the things I’ve done and places I’ve been over the past 15 years - South Africa, the Outer Hebrides, and now Hong Kong. What this show has allowed me to be part of is just amazing and I'm so grateful for it.

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