Filming for the next series of Call the Midwife is currently underway, with the upcoming season expected to launch the characters into a new generation, taking place in the 1970s. The critically acclaimed show had its series 13 finale in March. Character Trixie Franklin (played by Helen George) hinted that she would be leaving Poplar to reunite with her husband Matthew Aylward (Olly Rix), who has moved to New York, US, for work.
Elsewhere in the BBC series, actress Judy Parfitt has played fellow character Sister Monica Joan since 2012. The star has had an illustrious career spanning many decades from stage to film and on TV. The 88-year-old has gathered various BAFTA nominations over the years and has starred in some popular TV series over the past few decades.
Her career started in 1953 when Judy graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and she headed to the theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she starred alongside iconic actors like Laurence Olivier. BAFTA nominations followed for her work on the silver screen with her performances in The Jewel in the Crown, and playing Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice, putting her in line for an award. A nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role as Maria Thins in 2003's Girl with a Pearl Earring followed but unfortunately she didn't get the nod for the top prize.
Roles in Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek and Vera followed as she starred in some viewers' favourites. In 1963, Judy married.