BBC Call The Midwife Helen George's love life - co-star split to on-set romance rumours

Helen George has been on Call the Midwife since 2012 (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions)

The Call The Midwife Christmas special is a huge part of the holiday season and this year's episode marks the beginning of the 14th series of the popular BBC drama.

Last year's festive instalment, set in 1968, was packed with dramatic moments for fan-favourite Helen George. With newlyweds Matthew (played by Olly Rix) and Trixie (Helen) anticipating their first Christmas together, viewers are left wondering what lies ahead for Helen's cherished character during her brief return to Nonnatus House.

However, it's not just on-screen where Helen has faced tumultuous times in her romantic life, as her off-screen experiences have also seen their share of highs and lows.

Helen was previously wed to actor Oliver Boot, but their marriage ended after three years. Their separation occurred just weeks before Helen took to the dance floor in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

Helen and Jack announced their split in July 2023 (Image: Getty)

Shortly after, she began a relationship with Jack Ashton, whom she met on the set of Call The Midwife in 2015, a year after he joined the cast as Reverend Tom Hereward.

While Helen's character Trixie rejected his on-screen proposal, the two actors fell in love while filming the 2016 Christmas Special in South Africa.

They welcomed their first child, Wren, in 2017, and their youngest, Lark, was born in 2021.

Helen and Jack's romance came to an unexpected end in July after seven years together, leaving fans in shock.

Helen shared with The Mirror: "Some months ago, we separated. Our two beautiful girls remain the focus and I respectfully ask for privacy for this next chapter."

Helen George has two children (Image: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

Insiders claim the split was down to the couple growing apart.

A source revealed to the publication: "Helen and Jack's decision to end their relationship has been amicable, and no one else is involved. They have just grown apart as a couple.

"Until now, only their closest friends and family have known what is going on, but in recent weeks it has been shared more widely. They are both incredibly committed to working together to be the best parents they can for their two daughters.

While Helen George hasn't made any official statement about her current romantic status, she was seen exiting co-star Olly Rix's West London residence in November.

This sighting sparked speculation of a budding romance between the two actors, who also play love interests on screen. The pair first crossed paths on the show when Trixie, played by Helen, helped deliver the baby of Fiona and Matthew, who is portrayed by Olly.

Helen sparked rumours of a romance with Olly Rix (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Laurence Cendrowicz)

Olly, 36, became single in July following his split from makeup artist Natasha Fagri after a seven year relationship, coinciding with Helen and her partner Jack's separation. Witnesses informed The Sun on Sunday that Olly appeared "relaxed" while Helen seemed "a little dishevelled" upon her departure.

A source disclosed: "It's been a tricky year for both Helen and Olly. They have been spending a lot of time together on set, walking their dogs together and chatting a lot. They both have respect for each other as actors and they are supportive of each other and dedicated to their roles on the drama. The changes in their relationships have caused a lot of upheaval."

Meanwhile, Helen's representative affirmed to Mirror Online: "Yes, she went to visit a friend for a cup of tea - like all friends do - and as we have always said, there is nothing more to this."