Call the Midwife newcomer 'quite nervous' as series introduces Sister Catherine
BBC One's Call the Midwife returned with a gripping episode featuring a gas explosion at a flat complex and the birth of a baby with spina bifida. Joyce Hyland, portrayed by Renee Bailey, found herself in a challenging situation as she was reminded of her own upbringing while visiting a less fortunate family.
In the meantime, Trixie Aylward, played by Helen George, was tasked with securing additional financial support for Nonnatus House. The episode concluded on a positive note, giving viewers a glimpse of what's to come.
The preview features a woman introducing herself to Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), saying: "Greetings, Sister. I'm Catherine Cantwell."
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The BBC has provided some insight into this new character and the actress who portrays Sister Catherine.
Molly Vevers, known for her role as Heather Shaw in The Rig, plays Sister Catherine. She expressed feeling instantly comfortable on set and praised her co-star Linda Bassett, who portrays Nurse Phyllis Crane.
Vevers shared: "In my first episode, I was filming a lot with the lovely Linda Bassett. I was so grateful to do that in the first few days because she was just so kind and welcoming and helpful.
"In my first few days, we had a birth to do, which is quite scary when you haven't done it before.
"But Linda's just such a calming, warm presence, and she really helped me during that. Playing a nun, I also had a lot of scenes with Jenny and with Judy.
"So it was lovely just working with all of them and becoming one of the sisters at Nonnatus."
The actress confessed to being "quite nervous" about her initial birth scene, noting: "There are lots of tricks in the way that they film the birth, which you don't really know about in advance.
"You're working to get the wide shot and the close up, and then the baby comes in at the last minute.
"I just remember on the first birth that I did, there was a lot of build up to the baby finally arriving. So that started to make me quite nervous."
Sister Catherine is introduced into the fold in episode four of the current series as she embarks on her district midwifery training at Nonnatus House, standing out as the sole trainee residing at the premises.
Additionally, she remains a postulant within the Order, yet to commit to her First Vows. Initially resisting her spiritual calling, she found it unshakable.
Now at Nonnatus, she encounters constant reminders of the life she's foregone - replete with fun, fashion, and family.
The BBC shared a hint: "Sister Catherine keeps her distress from most of her housemates, though Sister Julienne is aware of the situation.
"But the closer Catherine gets to taking her First Vows, the more afraid she becomes. Is she doing the right thing? Can a life lived in the service of God and strangers ever justify the pain she has caused to those who have loved her all her life?"
Catch Call the Midwife on BBC One, Sundays at 8pm.
