Helen George, known for her role in Call The Midwife, has expressed concerns about the current threat to feminism and women’s rights in the face of rising nationalism, particularly highlighting figures like Nigel Farage and Andrew Tate.
In the upcoming season of the BBC1 series, the storyline will delve into the Women’s Liberation movement, showcasing the nurses of Nonnatus House engaging with feminist activism, including symbolic acts like burning bras. The show, known for its strong female characters and commitment to women’s rights, spans historical narratives from the 1950s to the 1970s.
George, who portrays midwife Trixie Aylward in the series, voiced her apprehensions regarding the growing influence of nationalist movements and personalities like Farage and Tate. She expressed worries about the emergence of an anti-feminist sentiment fueled by a resurgence of traditional masculinity, drawing parallels to the dystopian society depicted in Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale.
The actress highlighted the potential regression in women’s rights, citing concerns over restrictive legislation, such as anti-abortion laws, and the broader implications for gender equality in the UK. She also emphasized the ongoing relevance of contentious topics like abortion, underscoring the importance of safeguarding reproductive freedoms.
As Call The Midwife prepares for its upcoming season, George shared insights into the show’s future plans, including a temporary hiatus for the main series and the development of a prequel featuring a younger cast set in wartime London. Additionally, a movie adaptation of the beloved series is in the works for release in 2026, providing a new creative direction for the franchise.
George’s reflections on the societal shifts and potential challenges ahead underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality in an evolving cultural landscape.