Dame Vanessa Redgrave, known for her role in Call the Midwife, has returned as the narrator for the fifteenth series of the BBC One show. The latest season of this popular period drama continues to enthrall viewers with the stories of the dedicated nuns and nurses at Nonnatus House in their weekly appearances on screen.
Set in 1971, the show, which first premiered in 2012, is based on the experiences of midwife Jennifer Worth in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the Sisters of St. John the Divine. The current season covers various significant events, such as the nurses’ involvement in the Women’s Liberation movement, a distressing case of slave labor and child abuse, and the challenges faced by Nonnatus House amidst the reorganization of the National Health Service.
Vanessa Redgrave, aged 89, gives voice to the character of Jenny Worth, a midwife who sought refuge in Poplar to escape a complicated love situation. Since the show’s inception, Vanessa has been the voice introducing each episode, setting the stage for the compelling narratives that follow.
Having been a prominent figure on screens since 1958, Vanessa’s illustrious career includes winning an Oscar in 1977 for her role in Julia. Some of her most notable works in film include Camelot (1967), Isadora (1968), and Howards End (1992), among others.
Vanessa was previously married to Tony Richardson, an esteemed English director and producer, with whom she shares two daughters, Natasha and Joely Richardson. Natasha, also an actress, tragically passed away in a skiing accident in 2009. Joely Richardson has appeared in various films and TV series, showcasing her talent across different genres.
Following her relationship with Timothy Dalton, Vanessa later rekindled a romance with Italian actor Franco Nero, whom she eventually married in 2006. The couple had a son, Carlo, in 1969, who has pursued a successful career as a screenwriter and film director.
“Call the Midwife” airs every Sunday at 8 pm on BBC One and iPlayer. For the latest updates on showbiz, TV, movies, and streaming news, visit the Everything Gossip website.