Introduction

Helen George, best known for playing Nurse Trixie Aylward in the BBC’s Call the Midwife, has been a household name for over a decade, delivering babies and drama in Poplar’s gritty streets. But recently, she’s made waves with big career news outside the beloved period drama. On July 29, 2025, sources like Devon Live reported George is stepping into new territory with a pantomime role at Richmond Theatre and a TV project alongside a “TV icon.” This isn’t just a side gig—it’s a bold move for an actress who’s been a fan favorite since 2012. Why does this matter? For fans, it’s a chance to see her stretch her acting chops beyond Nonnatus House. For entertainment journalists, it’s a case study in how actors balance long-running roles with fresh challenges. Let’s unpack what George is up to, why it’s significant, and what pitfalls she might face in this career pivot.

Helen George’s New Pantomime Role: A Festive Leap

George is set to star in Richmond Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, a big departure from her Call the Midwife scrubs. Pantomimes are a British holiday tradition, blending comedy, music, and audience participation. According to Devon Live, the show promises “laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and plenty of boos and hisses” []. For George, this is a chance to flex her comedic and theatrical skills in a live setting, something she hasn’t done extensively since her early stage work.

Why does this matter? Pantomime is a high-energy, family-friendly format that demands charisma and quick audience connection—skills George honed on Call the Midwife but will now test in real-time. It’s also a smart move to stay visible during the show’s off-season. But there’s a catch: pantomime can be a gamble. If the performance feels flat or the production is lackluster, critics and audiences can be brutal. A 2023 review of a London pantomime on The Stage noted that even big names can flop if the script doesn’t deliver. George needs to nail the slapstick and audience banter to avoid being overshadowed by the spectacle.

Common mistakes? Over-relying on star power without embracing the pantomime’s silly spirit. If George plays it too safe, she risks coming off as stiff. On the flip side, going too big could alienate fans used to her nuanced Trixie. The consequence of getting it wrong? A hit to her stage cred, which could make future theater roles harder to land. But if she pulls it off, this could open doors to more West End gigs.

Joining a TV Icon: A Mysterious New Project

George’s other big announcement is a TV project alongside a “TV icon,” as teased by Digital Spy and MSN UK [][]. Details are scarce, but the buzz suggests it’s a high-profile role that could elevate her beyond Call the Midwife. This follows her recent stint on ITV’s Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, where she held her own alongside names like Lucy Punch and Sir Lenny Henry []. The new project could be a drama, comedy, or even a reality show, but the “TV icon” angle hints at something prestigious—maybe a guest spot on a major series or a co-starring role in a new production.

Why is this significant? Branching out into new TV projects shows George is avoiding typecasting, a real risk for actors tied to long-running shows. Call the Midwife has been on since 2012, and while it’s a ratings hit, staying too long can pigeonhole an actor. Look at Jessica Raine, who left the show in 2014 to pursue diverse roles like The Devil’s Hour []. George’s move signals she’s thinking long-term about her career.

Mistakes to avoid? Picking a project that doesn’t suit her strengths. If the role leans too far from her established persona—say, a gritty crime drama when fans love her warmth—it could confuse audiences. The consequence? A lukewarm reception that dims her star power. She’ll need to choose roles that balance her Call the Midwife charm with something fresh. Posts on X show fans are excited but nervous, with one user saying, “Hope it’s not too different from Trixie—she’s perfect as is” [].

Balancing Call the Midwife with New Ventures

George’s new projects come as Call the Midwife gears up for a two-part Christmas special in 2025 and its 15th season in 2026, with filming partly in Hong Kong []. She’s confirmed to return as Trixie, meaning she’s juggling multiple commitments. This isn’t new for her—she’s managed stage roles and TV appearances before, like her 2015 Strictly Come Dancing stint. But the scale of her new projects raises the stakes.

Why does this matter? Multitasking across platforms is common for actors, but it’s tricky. A 2024 Hollywood Reporter article noted that actors who overcommit risk burnout or diluted performances. George’s Call the Midwife role requires emotional depth—Trixie’s storylines often tackle addiction, marriage, and loss. If she’s spread too thin, her performance could suffer, alienating fans who expect her A-game.

Common pitfalls? Scheduling conflicts are a big one. Filming in Hong Kong while rehearsing for a pantomime could lead to exhaustion. Another mistake is neglecting Call the Midwife fans. If she seems less invested in Trixie, social media could light up with complaints—X posts already show fans are sensitive to cast changes []. The consequence of messing this up? A damaged reputation as a reliable lead. But if she balances it well, she could become a versatile star, like Jenny Agutter, who’s mixed Call the Midwife with films like Captain America [].

The Challenges of Stepping Out from a Hit Show

Leaving the comfort of a hit show like Call the Midwife to try new things is bold but risky. The show’s success—BBC One’s top new drama since 2001—gives George a solid platform, but it also sets a high bar []. Other actors, like Megan Cusack, who left in 2025 to pursue theater, have faced similar challenges []. Cusack said, “Sometimes, you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone to grow” []. George seems to share that mindset, but the transition isn’t easy.

Why is this tough? Fans form strong attachments to characters. When Miriam Margolyes left her role as Mother Mildred in 2021 due to a packed schedule, some fans were gutted, with one X post calling it “a betrayal” []. George risks similar backlash if her new roles overshadow Trixie. Plus, the entertainment industry is brutal—new projects don’t always hit. A 2023 flop pantomime in Manchester got panned for “trying too hard to be modern,” per The Guardian. George needs to pick projects that resonate without alienating her base.

Mistakes to avoid? Taking on roles that clash with her image or feel like a cash grab. If the TV project with the “TV icon” is a dud, it could dent her credibility. The consequence? Fewer offers for quality roles down the line. She’ll need to lean on her training—her early work in musicals like The Woman in White shows she’s got range—to make these risks pay off.

What Fans and Journalists Are Saying

The buzz around George’s career moves is loud, especially on X. Fans are thrilled but cautious. One user posted, “Helen George in a panto? Yes please, but don’t leave Trixie!” []. Another said, “Excited for her TV project, but it better be good” []. Journalists are framing this as a natural step for an actor at her career stage. Prima Magazine called it “an exciting new role” that builds on her versatility []. This mix of fan excitement and industry support suggests George has momentum, but she’ll need to deliver to keep it.

Why does this matter? Public perception shapes an actor’s career. A 2025 Variety article noted that fan reactions on platforms like X can make or break a star’s pivot. If George’s new roles get positive buzz, she could attract bigger projects. But if fans feel she’s abandoning Trixie, the backlash could be swift. Common mistakes include ignoring fan sentiment or oversharing project details too early, which can set unrealistic expectations. The consequence of missteps? A dip in fan loyalty that’s hard to recover.

FAQs

What new projects is Helen George working on outside Call the Midwife?

Helen George is starring in Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre and a new TV project with a “TV icon,” as reported on July 29, 2025 [][]. The pantomime is a festive, comedic role, while the TV project details are still under wraps but promise a high-profile collaboration.

Will Helen George leave Call the Midwife for these new roles?

No, George is confirmed to return for the 2025 Christmas special and season 15 of Call the Midwife []. She’s balancing these new projects with her role as Trixie, though fans worry about her commitment if her schedule gets too packed [].

Why do actors like Helen George take on side projects?

Actors take side projects to avoid typecasting and grow their careers. George’s pantomime and TV roles show she’s testing new genres, much like Jessica Raine did after leaving Call the Midwife in 2014 []. It’s a way to stay versatile and relevant.

What risks does Helen George face with these new roles?

The biggest risks are overcommitting and alienating fans. A packed schedule could lead to burnout, affecting her Call the Midwife performance. If the pantomime or TV project flops, it could hurt her reputation, as seen with some failed stage shows in 2023 reviews by The Stage.

How do fans feel about Helen George’s career moves?

Fans are excited but nervous. X posts show enthusiasm for her pantomime and TV project, with comments like “Can’t wait to see her on stage!” but also concern about Trixie’s future, like “Don’t leave Call the Midwife!” [][].

Conclusion

Helen George’s leap into a pantomime and a mysterious TV project marks a pivotal moment in her career. She’s capitalizing on her Call the Midwife fame while pushing into new territory, a move that could cement her as a versatile star or risk fan backlash if it falters. By balancing Trixie’s emotional depth with the lighthearted chaos of pantomime and a high-profile TV gig, she’s showing ambition—but it’s a tightrope. Fans and journalists are watching closely, as seen in X posts and Devon Live reports [][]. Want to weigh in on her next steps? Share your thoughts below or check out Call the Midwife on BBC iPlayer to see why she’s a fan favorite.