This week in Call the Midwife, Sister Frances panics when Mother Mildred insists that she attend her first solo birth
This week in Call the Midwife, Sister Frances panics when Mother Mildred insists that she attend her first solo birth
Sister Frances is forced to go solo this week by a forthright Mother Mildred, and the shy young nun is soon providing sterling support to mum-to-be Connie (former EastEnders star Kellie Shirley).
But there’s trouble ahead for Connie’s pregnant neighbour, who makes a nasty discovery…
While the Turners are anxious about having to hand over little May, excitement ensues when they lay on a canapé party – eggs with kipper mousse, anyone?! – as the midwives try to convince Vi to get the council to back a Brook Advisory Centre.
Later, the girls head out to the bingo where one of them gets lucky…
TV Times rating: *****
TV Times meets costume designer Claire Lynch and her talented wardrobe team. Here, Claire, 40, shares the show’s style secrets…
This is your first year on Call the Midwife. Have you enjoyed it?
It’s been a labour of love. The period makes it very special. I’m inspired by films, magazines and photos from the time, and this series is the start of the Swinging Sixties, so it’s an exciting year.
Are the clothes original vintage?
About 98 per cent is authentic, sourced from costume suppliers, markets, vintage stalls or online. I’ve commandeered every loose-fitting 1960s dress for our maternity wear!
I do struggle to find vintage shoes in bigger sizes, though, as people back then had tiny feet! But we make some outfits, too.
Barbara Hulanicki, who started [fashion store] Biba in 1964, designed a pink gingham dress that people went crazy for, so I re-created it for Valerie this series.
The off-duty costumes are amazing. Are the cast ever tempted to keep them?
I do know that Helen’s got her eye on some pieces!
Today’s jumpsuit fits her perfectly. She also had a beaded handbag the other day and said, ‘I’ve been looking for one like that.’ So I suppose it’s possible that handbag might disappear!
Which characters’ looks have you most enjoyed developing?
It’s Valerie (Jennifer Kirby) I’ve changed the most. I’ve given her more of a fashion identity and made her modern, with a kooky edge.
We’re seeing Lucille come out of her shell, too, so we’ve lost her cardigans and moved into Crimplene, plastic earrings and a 1960s silhouette.
Trixie (Helen George) has also evolved and I want her to stand out in bolder prints. For Shelagh (Laura Main), I’ve zinged up the colours.
My inspiration for the Turners was JFK and Jackie Kennedy, with a Steve McQueen-style casual look for Dr Turner – Stephen McGann loved that!
