Call the Midwife stars talk Christmas gifts, hidden talents and karaoke

Helen George

Gabriel Tate: The midwives are taking part in “Poplartunity Knocks” this year. What’s your hidden talent?

Helen George: My partner Jack once said that I’m really good at packing for holidays, so that’s probably my hidden talent! It’s useful with the family – I can get a lot in a suitcase and we’re having a mini-break this Christmas, so I’ll be using my talent then. Other than that, I sing, and have done from before I started acting. I’m about to play Anna in a touring production of The King and I.

GT: Do you sing for fun as well?

HG: For fun it’s usually a bit of jazz. Maybe Billie Holiday, but not really performing it, more for myself. I don’t think Billie Holiday should ever be replicated for karaoke; that doesn’t feel appropriate! On a night out, it would be the Spice Girls.

GT: Who is the most talented member of the Midwife cast?

HG: We’re a pretty talented bunch. Jenny Agutter [Sister Julienne] is amazing because she’s not only the most fantastic actress, but also has this incredible other life where she does so much for charity. Cliff Parisi [Fred Buckle] is obviously “Mr Showman” and fabulous. Laura Main [Shelagh Turner] is very quiet, but a different character from what you might imagine – she loves to sing and dance.

GT: What would you buy Trixie for a present this year?

HG: I’m not a fan of the new medical bags, so I’d quite like a different one of those for her. They’re supposed to be clean and wipeable, but they’re also very awkward and bulky. I much prefer my old leatherbound one, which I still have at home, actually.

GT: What would she get you?

HG: Something beautiful from Fortnum & Mason. It would be thoughtful, perfect and plush.

Megan Cusack

GT: What’s your hidden talent?

Megan Cusack: The only thing that I can think of is doing a very, very good kookaburra noise. That is literally all I’ve got for you. I don’t know where it began, I’ve just always been able to do it.

GT: When does that come in handy?

MC: At parties! One year a friend of a friend was over for a New Year’s party and he mentioned that his family had a kookaburra in their garden. He recorded me doing the bird sound, sent it to his mum, she played it and the kookaburra responded!

GT: Can you sing?

MC: Absolutely not. I cry when I have to sing. I remember having to sing in a play once and someone said it was my natural Celtic emotion getting the better of me. Actually, I was just terrified.

GT: What are the Midwife cast’s hidden talents?

MC: Cliff Parisi flies planes, Zephryn Taitte [Cyril Robinson] is an amazing martial artist, Linda Bassett [Nurse Crane] does all sorts of crafts, Laura Main and Helen George are incredible singers. Max Macmillan [Timothy Turner] is a musician with perfect pitch.

GT: What would you buy for Nancy?

MC: A muzzle to stop her saying things without thinking? Other than that, a year’s supply of cinema tickets for her and Colette.

GT: What would she get you?

MC: Probably some jewellery. I’d be really touched but I would never wear it unless I was seeing her. I’d put it on before going into the café, have our coffee then take it off as soon as I left.

This interview originally appeared in Radio Times magazine.

Read more:

• Call the Midwife shares behind-the-scenes Christmas special teaser
• Call the Midwife set for emotional Christmas as 2 characters leave
• Call the Midwife stars reveal what they love about Christmas special

Call the Midwife Christmas 2022 special airs today at 7:55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Call the Midwife season 12 airs on New Year's Day at 8pm, with previous series available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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