Jenny Agutter was ‘deeply affected’ by harrowing Call The Midwife abuse story
The star explained how the story of historical abuse related to her work with children.
Actress Jenny Agutter has told how she was “deeply affected” by filming a harrowing story about historical child abuse for the Call The Midwife Christmas special.
Her character, Sister Julienne, in the hit BBC One period drama became embroiled in the emotional story line that featured EastEnders actress Anita Dobson at its heart.
She helped to reconcile a family torn apart by the actions of an abusive father following his death in the Big Freeze blizzard of 1962.
“I work with Action for Children, mainly with projects to do with youth homelessness. The point is to keep families as much together as they can, and indeed stop young people going out in the street.
“They deal a lot with abuse, whether it’s sexual abuse or physical abuse. Most young people end up on the street not because they choose, not because it seems like a more romantic life, but because they’re running away from something ghastly.
“So, when I get a story like this, it actually deeply affects me because it rings very true.”
The festive spectacular saw a number of dramatic story lines unfold, including a miraculous caravan birth, a pantomime and frozen toilets.
Trixie Franklin was forced to give up a romantic ski trip to Switzerland due to the horrendous weather conditions.
“I definitely felt more emotional about it,” said the 33-year-old.
“I love babies, and I’ve always found these scenes emotional, but it’s something else this time.”
Call The Midwife will return for a seventh season in the new year.