Since Series 10 of Call the Midwife in 2021, Francesca Fullilove has played Colette Corrigan for her first on-screen character, working with a cast including Megan Cusack as her mother Nancy Corrigan. At the TV Times Awards last year, Francesca was nominated for Favourite Young Actor (under 18), and alongside her screen career, she has performed in pantomimes at Epsom Playhouse in Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz. Francesca answered our questions about joining the cast of Call the Midwife in 2021, what Colette Corrigan is like to play in the series and performing in pantomimes.

How would you describe your character Colette Corrigan in Call the Midwife?

She is an interesting character who has had a sad start to life and has been through a lot. But she is a happy girl who is close to her mum and proud of what she does. In Series 10, Nancy took her out of the orphanage and they were both excited to start their new life together. Colette loves fashion as much as her mum!

What is Colette like to play and how is it getting into character?

I love playing Colette and being able to wear lovely costumes from the 1960s and 1970s. When I went for a costume fitting, my mum and I were given a tour of the costumiers which was very big. I like getting into costume and having my hair done before I go on set and get into character. I like to read the whole script so that I understand the storyline and it helps me prepare for my scenes when I am learning my lines.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role for your first on-screen character and joining the cast in Series 10 in 2021?

When I heard the news, I jumped up and down in excitement as I was so happy to join the cast of a very popular TV drama. I was seven when I joined the show and felt a little nervous because this was my first TV role but everyone made me feel very welcome and I had the best day ever! I couldn’t wait to go back and shoot more scenes.

What’s it been like developing the role over the years so far?

Colette has developed some close relationships with some of the show’s other characters over the past four series. Sister Veronica is like an aunty, helping her through day-to-day life. Sister Monica Joan is like a grandmother figure and their bond grew when Colette was told a secret about the dog ‘Nothing’. Their bond continued in the Christmas Special as Colette helped Sister Monica Joan to relive the Christmas she had as a child. She listens to her stories with real enthusiasm.

When Colette finds out her ‘sister’, Nancy, is really her mum, she handles the news maturely and her character grows from this point on.

How do you find the experience on set of the series and filming with the rest of the cast, which includes Megan Cusack as your on-screen mother, Nancy Corrigan?

Being on set is so much fun and I always look forward to filming my scenes. Seeing how the episodes are put together is very interesting and a lot is involved. Over the past four years, I’ve got to know the cast really well and they are all lovely. Megan Cusack was the person I had my first scenes with and we got on so well from the start – she is actually like my big sister. She always looks after me on set, helps me run through my lines and has taught me a lot during my time on set. I think her coaching has helped me to improve.

What is it like filming for the Call the Midwife Christmas Specials?

It’s quite strange to be surrounded by Christmas decorations and fake snow when filming takes place in April/May when it might be quite warm.

I love being a part of the Christmas Specials. In the 2023 Christmas Special, I got to dress up as a Victorian child and I loved my costume and curly hair. I also got to ride in a horse-drawn carriage with Judy Parfitt, who plays Sister Monica Joan. It was fun doing night shoots and staying up later than normal. It was at this time that Colette and Nancy moved into Nonnatus House and had a lovely surprise when we cut the ribbon and opened the door of our room.

At last year’s TV Times Awards, you were nominated for Favourite Young Actor (under 18); how was it hearing about the nomination?

When I heard the news, I was so happy! It was lovely to be nominated and I had a lot of support from my family, friends and also my Call the Midwife family. I was even happier to hear that I came third.

Is there anything you enjoy most about working on Call the Midwife and what are some of your favourite highlights from filming Series 10 to 14?

Gosh, there have been so many highlights – being a bridesmaid at Trixie and Matthew’s wedding, filming with Paddy the dog who played ‘Nothing’ (he was so clever and even did some tricks between takes), going on the funfair rides in the 2024 Christmas Special and filming at West Wittering beach during a storm (it was so windy and rainy yet we had to act as if it was a summer’s day which was a little tricky!).

You’ve also performed in pantomimes, most recently in The Wizard of Oz at Epsom Playhouse in 2023, how different do you find pantomimes opposed to filming?

Very different because it’s live and there are no second chances! With a live audience there is more contact during the show. With filming there is always an opportunity to do the scene again.

Can you tell us about some of the pantomimes you’ve performed in?

Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz, both were at the Epsom Playhouse. I really enjoyed performing in these and also got to sing and dance.

How did you get into acting and had you always known you wanted to act professionally?

I have always wanted to be an actress since being in school productions and talent shows. I then moved on to TV commercials and self tapes/auditions, which then led to Call the Midwife.

What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

I love all of the Paddington films, Bridge to Terabithia, Labyrinth and Annie. I enjoy watching Planet Earth, Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Bake Off. The last theatre show I saw was Annie with Craig Revel Horwood playing Miss Hannigan.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Since the age of three I have been going to dance classes and now do modern and street dance. I also do gymnastics once a week and I like to read, especially the Lottie Brooks series and Jacqueline Wilson books.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can share and what are you hoping 2025 brings for you?

I have been put forward for some exciting TV and film projects recently and I’m hoping that 2025 helps me to continue my acting journey.