"From On-Screen Sparks to Real-Life Forever: Call the Midwife’s Olly Rix, 40, and Anna Chell, 29, Are Engaged—Just Months After His Split from Helen George"
Love has found its way into Nonnatus House—and this time, it’s not just for the characters.
In a heartwarming twist that has delighted fans of the beloved BBC drama Call the Midwife, co-stars Olly Rix and Anna Chell are officially engaged, confirming months of speculation with a tender announcement that marks a new chapter for both actors—personally and professionally.
The news comes less than a year after Rix’s highly publicized split from his former fiancée, actress Helen George (who played Trixie Franklin on the show), sending ripples through the Call the Midwife fanbase. But now, as Rix, 40, prepares to marry his 29-year-old co-star—the radiant nurse-turned-actress who plays Nurse Lucille Anderson—the narrative has shifted from heartbreak to hope.
A Romance Born Behind the Scenes
Though their characters have shared only modest screen time, off-camera, Rix and Chell’s bond has been quietly blossoming since she joined the cast in 2019. Friends say their connection deepened during long filming days in east London, late-night script reads, and mutual support through the emotional weight of portraying midwives in 1960s Poplar.
“They’ve always had this quiet chemistry,” reveals a crew member who’s worked on the show for over a decade. “Not flashy—just steady, kind, and real. You could see them laughing together between takes, sharing lunch, checking in on each other. It felt genuine from the start.”
The couple kept their relationship tightly under wraps, rarely posting about each other online and avoiding red carpets or high-profile events. But insiders say the engagement was no surprise to those who’ve watched them grow closer—especially after Rix and George amicably parted ways in early 2024 following a five-year relationship.
Moving Forward with Grace
Helen George, who left Call the Midwife in 2022 but remains close to the cast, has reportedly handled the news with grace. “There’s no bad blood,” says a mutual friend. “Helen and Olly ended things respectfully, and she’s genuinely happy for him. She even sent Anna a sweet message when she heard the news.”
For Chell, the engagement is a joyful milestone in a life already marked by resilience. The daughter of a single mother and raised in Derbyshire, she worked multiple jobs before landing her breakthrough role on the show. Known for her warmth, humility, and advocacy for diversity in period dramas, she’s become a fan favorite—not just for her acting, but for her authenticity.
A Proposal Worthy of the Show’s Spirit
According to sources, Rix proposed during a quiet weekend getaway in the Lake District last month—far from cameras and crowds. There were no grand gestures, just a walk by the water, a heartfelt speech, and a simple platinum band that now graces Anna’s finger.
“He told her he couldn’t imagine building a future with anyone else,” says a close confidante. “After everything—loss, change, uncertainty—they’ve found something real. And they’re choosing to protect it.”
Fans Celebrate the Union
News of the engagement has sparked an outpouring of joy across social media, with fans dubbing them “the real-life Lucille and Timothy” (Rix plays Reverend Timothy Farrow). Hashtags like #MidwifeLove and #TeamOllyAndAnna are trending, with viewers praising the couple for embodying the show’s core values: compassion, integrity, and quiet devotion.
Even the show’s creator, Heidi Thomas, offered her blessing: “Love in all its forms is at the heart of Call the Midwife. I’m so happy for them.”
What’s Next?
While wedding plans remain private, friends say the couple hopes for an intimate ceremony with close family and Call the Midwife cast members in attendance—perhaps even on a set that’s witnessed so much of their journey.
As for the show? Both are expected to return for Season 14, meaning viewers will continue to see their on-screen dynamic—even as their real-life love story unfolds off-camera.
In a world where celebrity relationships often feel fleeting, Olly and Anna’s union stands out for its sincerity, patience, and depth.
And if their love story teaches us anything, it’s this:
Sometimes, the most beautiful romances aren’t written in scripts—but discovered between the lines of everyday life.
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