Call the Covid chief! Jonathan Van-Tam lines up role with the BBC’s Midwives

COVID expert Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam is to appear on the BBC series Call The Midwife after visiting the set during filming for the Christmas Day special.

The former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who became a reassuring sight during many of the pandemic’s daily televised press conferences, took selfies with the cast after being invited by actress Judy Parfitt, who plays Sister Monica Joan.

Ms Parfitt’s co-star Helen George revealed that Sir Jonathan is now in talks with producers for a role in the next series following the visit with his wife Karen, a former nurse.

Period drama Call the Midwife follows nurse midwives in east London in the 1950s and 1960s

Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Jonathan Van-Tam in in March 2021

Miss George, who plays Trixie Franklin, said: ‘We had Professor Jonathan Van-Tam visit the set. He was such a celebrity, honestly, I was fan-girling over him like he was Justin Bieber.

‘He he came down to set because Judy had emailed him.

‘She got hold of his email address during Covid and just asked a few questions. He apparently got the email and went, ‘Oh my god, Sister Monica Joan’s emailed me!’ They started up this friendship, so she brought him to set.’

Miss George added: ‘He really loves the show, which is always amazing, when a medical professional, especially someone like him, loves the show. He asked for selfies with us all.’

Sir Jonathan, who left his Government role in March, now works at the University of Nottingham. 

Chief Scientific Adviser Vallance (L) and Dep. Chief Medical Officer Van-Tam (R) in 2021

Former Minister Matt Hancock is jabbed by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam

Meanwhile, Miss George told of her joy at finally being able to kiss on-screen boyfriend Matthew Aylward, played by Olly Rix, in the BBC1 Christmas special – Covid regulations previously ruled it out.