'I love being part of a drama!'

Jenny Agutter on Call the Midwife, living in Cornwall and why she won't retire

- VICKI POWER

For 14 years, Jenny Agutter has been the anchor of Call the Midwife as Sister Julienne, the serene beating heart of Nonnatus House. Since the first episode, she's kept calm and order at the nunnery, and nurtured the young midwives in her care.

And Jenny is so convincing that when people stop her in the street, they always ask about the Midwife stories - and she is delighted by that.

'I love being part of a drama,' says Jenny, 73. 'When someone has recognised me, they speak to me about Call the Midwife. They never ask about my role - they're focused entirely on the stories. I get so many letters about them and how they've affected people. It's gratifying.'

Jenny's fan mail shows her just how deeply Call the Midwife has touched viewers. 'I had someone writing about being unwell with rheumatoid arthritis and feeling trapped, which I understand well because my mother had it,' continues Jenny. 'This woman said the series gave her hope and showed that people have the strength to get through difficult circumstances.

'People wrote that it helped them through Covid because it gave them a sense of community that they didn't have at that time. I've had loads of letters from people saying the show has been terribly important to them in one way or another.'