There are some serious issues explored in Sunday’s Call the Midwife, when a local mechanic is exposed as being gay and arrested for gross indecency.
Emerald Fennell, who plays brisk midwife Patsy Mount, reveals the depth of emotions around the issue in 1960’s Poplar. She told What's on TV: “With the Sixties coming in, there’s a whole different dynamic to the show. A new era is dawning!
“But the series also plays with darker ideas. This episode is really beautiful, but harrowing. I cried a lot!”
Viewers will see seemingly happily married Tony Amos arrested for gross indecency in a public toilet, having been caught there with another man. The local community is shocked, as homosexuality was still a criminal offence at the time.
Former Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman guest stars as Tony, who finds himself in front of a judge, facing years in jail. Meanwhile, his heavily pregnant wife, Marie, is devastated. But in a surprising turn of events, no-nonsense nurse Patsy is a very vocal champion of the couple, who become shunned by their community.
Emerald explains Patsy’s new softer side, as she offers support to Tony and Marie: “Many emotional things happen to Patsy both professionally and personally and we definitely see her let go of her terrifyingly brusque and efficient facade this series.
“For me it’s a pleasure to be part of something so moving. Every episode is heartrending!”
This episode of Call the Midwife screens on Sunday at 8pm on BBC1. But if you can’t wait till then have a sneak peek at our picture gallery, featuring Richard Fleeshman as Tony Amos.
