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Call the Midwife star Helen George talks about filming the hit BBC show at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

13:21, 01 March 2022

updated: 14:33, 01 March 2022

As the latest series of Call the Midwife came to a dramatic close, some behind the scenes photos were revealed – taken on location in Kent.

The hit BBC show has been shot at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham for more than a decade and actress Helen George has spoken fondly about working in the county.

Helen George, who plays Trixie, says filming in Chatham help to make the show so special Photo: Neal Street Productions/Laurence Cendrowicz
Helen George, who plays Trixie, says filming in Chatham help to make the show so special Photo: Neal Street Productions/Laurence Cendrowicz

The fans' favourite, who has played Trixie Franklin since the programme first aired in 2012, said it was lovely to get back to Chatham to film series 11 and the cast "really missed" not coming to Kent last year because of Covid restrictions.

She added: "It has become a bit of a holiday.

"It's always nice to reconnect as we have been filming there [at Chatham] for so long, it holds so many memories for us."

Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, filming at the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, filming at the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Stephen Vincent McGann, who plays Dr Patrick Turner, poses for a photo behind the scenes Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Stephen Vincent McGann, who plays Dr Patrick Turner, poses for a photo behind the scenes Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

Call the Midwife has been shot at Chatham since filming began in 2010. The first episode was broadcast two years later on January 15, 2012.

The show's creators Neal Street Productions transform the 400-year-old site into 1950s and 1960s East London.

When Trixie and the other characters are seen cycling along the cobbled streets of Poplar, they are actually pedalling alongside the Dockyard's ropery buildings.

In series 11, Trixie shared a tender moment with her suitor at what looked like London's Thames-side dock, complete with Royal Navy sailors, but it was in fact Thunderbolt Pier in the Dockyard.

Throughout all of the series, the Dockyard's Second World War destroyer HMS Cavalier has doubled as a fishing trawler, cargo ship and transport vessel, while the Admiral's Offices exteriors double as Poplar Maternity Home and the London Hospital.

The scene with Trixie and her suitor shot on Thunderbolt Pier in the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
The scene with Trixie and her suitor shot on Thunderbolt Pier in the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Another scene filmed at the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Another scene filmed at the Dockyard Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

The Fitted Rigging House has been used as a replica for the Lisbon Buildings and Rakesby Street Homeless Shelter.

Helen said: "I think the show grows from the space we have at Chatham.

"There is just so much space and air to our sets around there that we can do these massive wide shots and all the lovely crane shots of the docks and other things that really make this show."

Visitors to the Dockyard caught a glimpse of some of the filming for series 11 in June last year.

Leonie Elliott, who plays Lucille Anderson, was spotted on set as she prepared to shoot scenes in her blue nurse's dress, burgundy cardigan and matching cap.

The characters are often scene cycling by the Dockyard's ropery buildings Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (55154286)
The characters are often scene cycling by the Dockyard's ropery buildings Photo: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (55154286)

The drama's creator, Heidi Thomas, has revealed the beloved period drama is likely to finish when the story reaches the mid-70s. Series 11 took place in 1967.

Call the Midwife returns to our screens in December for a Christmas special and next year series 12 will air. The much-loved drama, which attracts around 8 million viewers per episode, has also been renewed for series 13 which is likely to air in 2024 along with another Christmas special.

Fans who are already missing the show can take a Call the Midwife tour of the Dockyard, led by a costumed midwife, and discover the cobbled streets and buildings of Poplar plus iconic locations such as the Grosvenor Hotel and Chummy’s Hill, where Nurse Noakes famously learnt to ride her bike.

The Dockyard also has a Call the Midwife exhibition featuring set, props and costumes. The tour and exhibition were put together with the creators and producers of the programme and some of the stars including Jenny Agutter and Stephen McGann were there for the launch in 2018.

The Historic Dockyard Trust is currently offering 25% off all tour ticket prices.

Tours run until October. Click here to book.

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