Helen George – Biography, Call the Midwife, and Strictly

Helen George is an English actress who has played nurse Trixie Franklin on Call the Midwife since the series began in 2012. Born on 19 June 1984 in Birmingham, she is 42 years old as of 2026. Beyond her television work, George has built a career on the West End stage and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

Her public profile extends beyond acting. Her relationship with co-star Jack Ashton and the birth of their two daughters drew consistent media attention. In 2025, reports indicated she was dating Dan Innes. This article compiles verified information about her career, personal life, and recent projects.

Who Is Helen George? Biography and Background

Helen Elizabeth George was born and raised in Birmingham, West Midlands, England. She trained in musical theatre and stage performance, studying at the Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham School of Acting. Before television, she worked extensively on stage.

Key Insights at a Glance

• George has played Trixie Franklin since 2012, making her one of the longest-running cast members on Call the Midwife.
• Her relationship with co-star Jack Ashton began in 2016 and ended in 2023; she was reported to be dating Dan Innes in 2025.
• She appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec and finished sixth.
• Her stage credits include The King and I at the Dominion Theatre in 2024 and High Society at the Barbican Theatre in summer 2026.
• She contributed to the Cinderella cast recording, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.

Quick Fact Table

What Is Helen George Best Known For? Her Role on Call the Midwife

George is best known for playing Trixie Franklin on the BBC period drama Call the Midwife. Trixie, later Trixie, Lady Aylward, is a stylish and capable nurse-midwife. The character has been a fixture of the show since its first series in 2012.

Her Character’s Journey

Trixie Franklin began as a young nurse in Poplar, East London, and evolved into one of the show’s most recognisable figures. Over the course of the series, she has navigated personal and professional challenges, including marriage and family life. George has been part of every series to date.

How Long Has She Been on the Show?

George has appeared on Call the Midwife continuously since 2012, spanning more than a decade. She is confirmed for series 13 and 14, which are in production as of 2025.

For a full list of current and past characters, see the Call the Midwife cast and characters page.

Who Is Helen George’s Partner and Does She Have Children?

George was in a relationship with actor Jack Ashton, her Call the Midwife co-star, from 2016 to 2023. The two met on the set of the BBC drama. They were not married, contrary to some public reports that referred to Ashton as her husband.

Her Children

George and Ashton have two daughters. Their first child, Wren Ivy Ashton, was born in September 2017. Their second daughter, Lark Ashton, was born in November 2021.

After the relationship with Ashton ended in 2023, later reporting in 2025 indicated that George was dating Dan Innes.

Who Is Jack Ashton?

Jack Ashton is an English actor who appeared on Call the Midwife as the Reverend Tom Hereward. He and George met while working on the show. He has continued acting in television and theatre since leaving the series.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Helen George Been In?

George’s screen career includes both film and television work. Her earliest screen credits were in British television before she joined Call the Midwife.

Television Work

Before Call the Midwife, George appeared in Hollyoaks, Doctors, and Hotel Babylon. These were early career roles that established her in British television.

Film Credits

Her film work includes The Three Musketeers (2011), The Monster (2015), and Nativity Rocks!. She also contributed to the cast recording of Cinderella, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.

Stage Work

George has maintained an active stage career alongside her television work. In January 2024, she performed in The King and I at the Dominion Theatre in London. In summer 2026, she is scheduled to star in High Society at the Barbican Theatre, playing the role of Tracy Samantha Lord.

She also appeared as the Fairy Godmother in the Cinderella pantomime at Richmond Theatre from December 2025 to January 2026.

Was Helen George on Strictly Come Dancing?

Yes, George competed in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015. She was partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. The pair reached the sixth week of the competition and finished in sixth place overall.

1. 1984 – Born in Birmingham, England.
2. 2000s – Trained at the Royal Academy of Music and Birmingham School of Acting.
3. 2011 – Film debut in The Three Musketeers.
4. 2012 – Began playing Trixie Franklin on Call the Midwife.
5. 2015 – Competed on Strictly Come Dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec; finished sixth.
6. 2016 – Relationship with Jack Ashton began.
7. September 2017 – Daughter Wren Ivy born.
8. November 2021 – Daughter Lark born.
9. 2023 – Relationship with Jack Ashton ended.
10. January 2024 – Performed in The King and I at the Dominion Theatre.
11. 2025 – Reported to be dating Dan Innes.
12. Summer 2026 – Scheduled to star in High Society at the Barbican Theatre.

For more on the show’s history, see the Strictly Come Dancing contestants page.

Is Helen George Married? What We Know and What Remains Unclear

There are several points of confusion in public reporting about Helen George. The table below separates established facts from information that remains uncertain.

Why Does Helen George’s Personal Life Attract So Much Attention?

George rose to fame during a period when period dramas with strong female leads drew large audiences. Her role as Trixie Franklin made her a household name in the UK. The public interest in her relationship with Jack Ashton was partly driven by the fact that they met and built a family while working together on the same show.

The confusion around her marital status also contributed to search interest. Many users search for “Helen George husband” when she has never been married. Clarifying this point is one of the main reasons detailed profiles like this one remain in demand.

What Do Official Sources Say About Helen George?

Several sources provide verified information about George’s career and personal life. Wikipedia, IMDb, and the West End Theatre website are among the most commonly cited.

“I’m not married. Jack and I are very happy as we are.”

Helen George, The Sun interview (2023)

“Trixie is such a wonderful role to play – she’s got so much heart.”

Helen George, BBC Press (2022)

“Strictly was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.”

Helen George, Radio Times (2015)

Additional biographical and career information is available from Wikipedia, IMDb, West End Theatre, Apple TV, Yahoo News UK, and BroadwayWorld.

What Is the Key Takeaway About Helen George?

Helen George is a versatile English actress best known for playing Trixie Franklin on Call the Midwife. She has built a career that spans television, film, and the West End stage. She is not married, has two daughters with former partner Jack Ashton, and continues to work on stage and screen. For ongoing updates on her roles and projects, the Call the Midwife cast and characters page is a useful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions About Helen George