Call the Midwife stars who tragically died including one aged just 48

It's hard to fathom that period drama launched way back in 2012 - and it's still going strong. With 14 series under their belt, the cast have become cherished by fans all across the world, with icons like Miranda Hart, Helen George and Laura Main appearing over the years.

The programme shows no signs of stopping, with series 15 expected to premiere in 2026. There's even been talk of a spin-off series centred around Helen's character Trixie as a younger woman training to be a nurse. Sadly, though, since its inception in the early 2010s, we've had to say goodbye to a number of actors who appeared in Call the Midwife.

Clare Cathcart - Mrs Torpy

Aged just 48 when she passed away after an asthma attack, Clare Cathcart had played Mrs Torpy on Call the Midwife in a 2014 episode. She was also known for her stints on everything from Holby City to CBBC series Tracy Beaker Returns. She was sadly found dead in her Brighton home.

Her representative confirmed that same year: "It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart. Clare was brilliant, fearless, and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented."

It continued: "Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."

Her Call the Midwife co-stars paid tribute to the star at the time, with Miranda Hart penning: "Reeling from closer to home news of Clare Cathcart. Had the privilege of some serious laughing with her on Call the Midwife. A ball of joy."

Ronald Pickup - Philip Worth

Actor Ronald Pickup had a long and illustrious career, and appeared as Philip Worth - the husband of Jennifer Worth, played by Vanessa Redgrave - in Call the Midwife. Better known for appearing in Fortunes of War and The Life of Verdi, Pickup also starred in Doctor Who and The Crown.

Sadly the actor died in February 2021 at the age of 80, following a long illness. His agent confirmed he "passed away peacefully [...] surrounded by his wife and family. He will be deeply missed."

Ronald was married to Lans Traverse, tying the knot in 1964. They welcomed two children together, actress Rachel and son Simon, with Ronald appearing alongside his famous daughter in an episode of Midsomer Murders.

Jane Whittenshaw - Nurse Barrington

Jane Whittenshaw appeared in a 2017 episode of Call the Midwife - but she also held roles in Broadchurch, Casualty and BBC soap EastEnders over the years. She even recorded more than 500 radio plays across her career.

Her agent confirmed her death in 2023 with a statement that read: "It is with profound sadness we must announce the passing of Jane Whittenshaw, a much-loved and highly respected client of over 30 years. She slipped away peacefully on Saturday last, with her husband, Hugh, best friend, Rebecca, and carers at her side.

"As well as an esteemed client, Jane was a dear friend, who was generous to a fault and great fun to be around. She was an immensely talented actor and a voice superstar, who leaves an extraordinary legacy of over 500 radio plays, courtesy of multiple stints on the BBC Radio Rep and many independent productions. She was a true professional, an absolute joy to work with and loved by all who did so. We offer our sincerest condolences to Hugh and the family."

She was just 53.

Warren Clarke - John Lacey

In 2014, actor Warren Clarke died at the age of 67. He had played John Lacey in the second series of Call the Midwife, but was better known for his roles in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and TV series Dalziel and Pascoe.

Call the Midwife paid tribute to the actor on social media at the time, tweeting: "Saddened to hear of the death of wonderful Warren Clarke. Condolences to his family, from all at #callthemidwife xx".

Warren reportedly died almost penniless, with his estate valued at around £13,000 at the time of his death. He is said to have lost money investing in 2013 action film The Numbers Station.

Warren struggled with money throughout his life, having to borrow money from colleagues to carry on working after his bank card was rejected at an ATM. His wife even pawned her engagement ring so the couple could continue to pay their bills.

Kev Corbishley

Crew member Kev Corbishley worked as a standby rigger on Call the Midwife's camera and electrical department from 2020 until 2022, when he sadly died.

In his memory, an episode of Call the Midwife was dedicated to Kev, with a message reading: "In memory of Kev Corbishley. 1965-2022." The show later explained Kev was "a dearly loved member of our crew who died very recently. He will be missed."