Why Lucille Left BBC's Call The Midwife? What Happened to Lucille in Call the Midwife?
by Madhumitha | Updated Jan 11, 2024
Why Lucille Left BBC's Call The Midwife?
Leonie Elliott, the actress who portrayed Nurse Lucille Robinson in "Call the Midwife," confirmed that Lucille left the show at the end of series 12. Lucille's departure was linked to a storyline involving her character's struggles with mental health. After marrying Cyril in the 2021 Christmas special, Lucille faced challenges such as a miscarriage and dealing with abuse following Enoch Powell's speech. These hardships took a toll on her mental well-being.
In the storyline, Cyril used their savings to buy Lucille a ticket to Jamaica, where she could be with her family. Despite the support from Cyril, Lucille decided not to return to the show, as confirmed by Leonie Elliott in a post on social media.
The actress expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray Lucille and represent the Windrush generation on the show. After spending six years on "Call the Midwife," Leonie Elliott was ready to explore new opportunities in her acting career.
Therefore, Lucille's departure from "Call the Midwife" was a result of the character's personal struggles and the actress's decision to move on to new projects.
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What Happened to Lucille in Call the Midwife?
In Call the Midwife, Lucille Robinson, portrayed by Leonie Elliott, faced significant challenges in the storyline that led to her departure from the show. Lucille's character went through a series of emotional and personal struggles during series 12.
At the start of the season, Lucille was depicted as dealing with mental health issues, a theme that unfolded throughout the episodes. Her character experienced a miscarriage and also endured abuse following Enoch Powell's speech. These difficult circumstances took a toll on Lucille's well-being, and as the season progressed, it became evident that she was reaching a breaking point.
In the storyline, Lucille's husband Cyril, played by Zephryn Taitte, supported her by using their savings to purchase a ticket to Jamaica so she could be with her family. Lucille ultimately decided not to return to the show, and her departure was confirmed by the actress, Leonie Elliott. The decision marked the end of Lucille's journey on "Call the Midwife."
The show addressed important themes through Lucille's character, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues and the impact of societal events on personal lives. Lucille's departure was a significant moment in the series, highlighting the complexities and struggles that characters faced during the late 1960s setting of the show.
Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife is a popular TV show about a group of nurse midwives working in East End London during the late 1950s and 1960s. The main actors include Jessica Raine, Miranda Hart, Helen George, and others. The show is made by Neal Street Productions, owned by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, and Caro Newling.
It first aired in 2012 and is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who worked with the Community of St. John the Divine in London. The series follows the daily lives of midwives in Poplar, portraying both ordinary life and historical events of the time.
The show gained high ratings, becoming the most successful new drama series on BBC One since 2001. It has continued with annual series and Christmas specials. In the United States, it airs on PBS.
Call the Midwife has received positive reviews, praised for addressing important social issues like healthcare, teen pregnancy, adoption, and more. It explores various types of love in each episode. The show's success comes from its engaging storytelling and its ability to touch on relevant topics.
Call the Midwife Plot
Call the Midwife is a heartwarming TV series set in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the lives of midwives and nuns at Nonnatus House in London's East End. Led by newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee, the show beautifully captures the challenges and joys of delivering babies in a deprived community.
Each series delves into significant themes and historical events, ranging from the "Baby Boom" and post-war immigration to the introduction of medical advancements, such as gas and air for pain relief.
The narrative courageously tackles social issues like poverty, tuberculosis, LGBT rights, and the impact of major cultural shifts on the characters' lives. With simplicity and sincerity, "Call the Midwife" weaves a tapestry of human experiences, showcasing the compassionate care provided by the midwives while shedding light on the broader issues of the times.
The Christmas special episodes further extend the show's exploration, offering glimpses into missions in South Africa, the Outer Hebrides, and the Order orphanage.
Who Played Nurse Lucille in Call The Midwife?
Leonie Elliott portrayed the character Nurse Lucille Anderson in the popular BBC series "Call the Midwife." Lucille is a Jamaican nurse who joined Nonnatus House in the eighth series of the show, which premiered in January 2018. Lucille's character is significant not only for her skills as a nurse but also for representing the experiences of Caribbean nurses who moved to the UK in the 1960s to contribute to the growing demand for healthcare services within the National Health Service (NHS).
Throughout her tenure on the show, Leonie Elliott's portrayal of Lucille was praised for its authenticity and depth. Lucille faced various challenges, including navigating cultural differences, overcoming prejudice, and handling complex medical cases. Her character added diversity to the storyline and shed light on the contributions of Caribbean healthcare professionals during a pivotal period in British history.
Elliott's performance as Nurse Lucille brought attention to important social and historical aspects, making her a beloved and respected character among "Call the Midwife" fans. The show continued to explore Lucille's personal and professional journey, contributing to the rich tapestry of stories that depict the lives of midwives and the communities they serve in Poplar, East End London.
Who is Leonie Samantha Elliott?
Leonie Samantha Elliott is a highly regarded British actress, best known for her standout portrayal of Lucille Anderson in the widely acclaimed BBC series "Call the Midwife." Her performance in the show, which explores the lives of midwives in London's East End during the 1950s and 1960s, has earned her significant recognition and popularity. However, her talent extends beyond this role.
In addition to her role in "Call the Midwife," Leonie showcased her versatility by playing Cherry Patterson in the comedy-drama "Danny and the Human Zoo," where she starred alongside the renowned Lenny Henry. This further demonstrated her ability to bring depth and authenticity to various characters across different genres.
Her work in "Danny and the Human Zoo" highlighted her comedic timing and dramatic range, proving that Leonie Samantha Elliott is not only a skilled actress but also someone capable of delivering compelling performances across a diverse range of roles. With her notable contributions to both drama and comedy, Leonie has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and leaving a memorable mark on the shows she's been a part of.
Leonie Samantha Elliott Career
Leonie Samantha Elliott, a British actress, has been part of various TV shows and films. She played Fiona in the TV series Black Mirror in 2016 and also appeared in an episode of the BBC medical series Casualty the same year. One of her notable roles is as Cherry Patterson in the comedy-drama Danny and the Human Zoo alongside Lenny Henry, which aired on BBC One in August 2015. Additionally, she has been in other TV shows like Undercover Heart, Tube Tales, Holby City, and The Bill.
In the film Wondrous Oblivion, she portrayed Jamaican immigrant Judith Samuels, a cricket enthusiast who befriends the main character. On the stage, she has performed in The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, London, Annie on a UK Tour, and Concrete Jungle at Riverside Studios, London. From November 2015 to January 2016, she was part of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Her breakthrough role came in January 2018 when she debuted as Jamaican nurse Lucille Anderson in the popular BBC series Call the Midwife, depicting the experiences of Caribbean nurses in the UK during the 1960s. In 2019, she participated in the celebrity edition of The Chase on ITV, winning £1,000 for her team before being eliminated in the Final Chase.
Why Lucille Left BBC's Call The Midwife-FAQs
Leonie Elliott, the actress who played Lucille, confirmed that her departure was a personal decision, marking the end of her six-year journey with the show.
Lucille's departure was scripted in the series 12 finale after facing challenges, including a miscarriage, abuse, and struggles with mental health. She left for Jamaica to be with her family.
Yes, Lucille's exit was intricately woven into the storyline, reflecting the character's personal challenges and providing a fitting conclusion to her narrative arc.
No, after the series 12 finale, Leonie Elliott confirmed that Lucille would not be returning, expressing gratitude for the six years she spent on the show.
Fans expressed both sadness and understanding, appreciating Leonie Elliott's portrayal of Lucille and acknowledging the importance of addressing complex issues in the character's storyline.