Call The Midwife's Helen George splits from co-star partner after meeting on set

15 July 2023 , 20:39

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Helen George and Jack Ashton met while filming Call The Midwife (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Actress Helen George has split from her partner Jack Ashton, the co-star she met on Call the Midwife. The celebrity couple were together for seven years and have two young daughters.

In a statement, Helen said: “Some months ago, we separated. Our two beautiful girls remain the focus and I respectfully ask for privacy for this next chapter.”

A source said the couple had drifted apart, saying: “Helen and Jack’s decision to end their relationship has been amicable, and no one else is involved. They have just grown apart as a couple. Until now, only their closest friends and family have known what is going on, but in recent weeks it has been shared more widely.

The couple have confirmed they've split after seven years together (BBC)

“They are both incredibly committed to working together to be the best parents they can for their two daughters.”

Helen, 38, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, has played Trixie Franklin in Call the Midwife since 2012. Jack, 36, joined two years later as vicar Tom Hereward. Viewers saw his character propose to Trixie – but she ended the relationship. The pair fell for each other in real life after travelling to South Africa to film the show’s 2016 Christmas Special.

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Daughter Wren was born in 2017, followed by Lark in 2021. Asked about their relationship that year, Helen – who was previously married to Oliver Boot – said: “It’s not like you have time to have hobbies at the weekends.

The BBC stars have two young daughters together (PA)

“You’re on set for a long time every day and you don’t get to see many other people. “We are like-minded people who understand the industry, the career and the long hours.”

The actress, who swapped her blonde hair for a dark brunette ’do in February, has recently starred as governess Anna in a West End production of The King and I. Meanwhile, Jack is now appearing in TV school drama Waterloo Road. He plays Lenny Sampson, a reformed ex-convict involved in a knife crime initiative.

Laura Armstrong