Renee Bailey on Call the Midwife's new arrival: "Joyce is a force"

In addition to the returns of much-loved favourites like Trixie Aylward (Helen George) and Shelagh Turner (Laura Main), this season will also see the addition of several new characters, including student midwife Joyce Highland (Renee Bailey).

So what's Joyce like, and what might be on the cards for her as she arrives in Poplar? Well, actor Renee Bailey recently spoke to Radio Times magazine and gave her two cents.

"Joyce is a force," said Bailey of her character, "She is driven and knows what she wants. She’s come to England from Trinidad and was training in Birmingham before London.

"I’ve tried to bring in a little more softness as well as qualities that I love in Black women generally. I don’t want her to just be this stereotypical idea of what a strong black woman looks like. She has a lot of tenderness."

On filming her first birth scene, a Call the Midwife staple, Bailey continued: "My first birth scene was with Laura Main (Shelagh Turner).

"When the actor playing the mum was pushing, I was pushing with her! Then I thought, “No, this is Renee now, this isn’t Joyce. Joyce is a professional, she doesn’t push along with the mothers!” We were on our knees for hours.

"We had pads on them, but the next day, both mine and Laura’s knees were bruised!"

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Bailey also revealed what is was like to audition for her role on the show, saying: "During the in-person recall, I brought props, because the scene was so active. I’ve never done that before – I thought they were all going to laugh at me. I brought '60s clothes, cigarettes and trophies, because Joyce is putting hers up in the scene.

"One of them was a fake Oscar I found in my mum’s kitchen cupboard! When I got the offer, I was in the little Tesco near my house having a meltdown in the salad aisle!"

Previously speaking to Radio Times magazine, executive producer Dame Pippa Harris said of Joyce and her new roommate Rosalind (Natalie Quarry): "They’re a wonderful addition to the show. I can’t wait for the audience to meet Joyce and Rosalind and to follow their journeys, by bicycle, through the streets and lives of Poplar’s residents."

Safe to say we can't wait either!

Season 13 of Call the Midwife will air on Sunday 7th January 2024 on BBC One. All past 12 seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Drama hub for more news and features.

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