Actress Helen George returns to Nonnatus House for the 'Call the Midwife' special

Dec. 22—Helen George knows what a gift the BBC drama series, "Call the Midwife" is.

Since the first season, George has been able to bring Trixie Franklin to life on screen. It's a role that she doesn't tire of and knows what a blessing the show is to its fans.

"The series was originally planned for one season and very few episodes," she says. "It's because of the fans that we are now going into the 12 season for the show."

"Call the Midwife Holiday Special" will air at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1 and available to stream on the PBS Video app. The app also has the previous four holiday specials to stream and will also air beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.

"Call the Midwife" follows the nurses, midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House in London's East End during the 1960s.

The special follows the midwives' move to their maternity clinic and are delighted when their first patient is a familiar face — all while getting ready for the Christmas holiday.

Life in Poplar returns to normal after the tragic train crash, and everyone unites for a festive talent show.

George is humbled at the reach of "Call the Midwife." She says the series reminds her of growing up and watching TV with her family.

"I'm always watching TV on Christmas Day," she says. "We're such tele-addicts. We watch the king's speech and now we have our own holiday special that has become sort of a new tradition for many."

Looking back at her time on "Call the Midwife," George says it took her years to fully comprehend what she's been a part of.

"I don't watch my work," George says. "It's been such a privilege that was originally going to be six episodes. We've just filmed season 12. After a decade of working on this series, I think that it's brought back the nostalgia of watching one episode at a time. I think that the old-fashioned format really helps make the series a family event. It appeals to a wide audience."

George is proud of the journey that Trixie has been on for the nearly 12 season.

"She's such a complete character," she says "On her personal side, there are things happening for her. She sits really well in grief and tragedy, and equally when things are going good. It's so refreshing as there are lots of magical moments for her."

As for the Christmas special, George enjoys the stories woven into each one.

"There's always a Christmas story in there," she says. "Of course, there has to be some sort of medical story line. The fact that we get 90 minutes to tell the story makes a huge difference."

ON TV

"Call the Midwife Holiday Special" will air at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1 and available to stream on the PBS Video app. The app also has the previous four holiday specials to stream and will also air beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.