Jack Ashton, who played Reverend Tom Hereward on the BBC's Call the Midwife, has ruled out a return to the show, citing the demanding filming schedule as incompatible with his responsibilities as a father to two young daughters.
Why Jack Ashton Won't Return
Ashton, 39, appeared on the period drama from 2014 to 2018, leaving midway through series seven. His character was not killed off but departed for Papua New Guinea after his wife, Nurse Barbara Gilbert, died of sepsis. Although the role remains open for a potential comeback, Ashton explained that long-term filming commitments are not feasible while his children are young.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: "I think it depends on how old your kids are. The thing is with filming, when you're in, you're in all day, every day. Doing school runs and pickups is impossible."
Co-Parenting with Helen George
Ashton shares daughters Wren Ivy, 8, and Lark, 4, with his former partner Helen George, who plays Nurse Trixie Aylward on Call the Midwife. The couple split in 2023 after seven years together but continue to co-parent. Ashton noted the unpredictability of filming schedules: "With filming it's like, 'Oh you should be done by 2pm,' and then you're still there at 7pm, so you're desperately trying to get people to pick up your kids and give your kids dinner."
Theatre Offers Flexibility
Ashton has turned to theatre, which provides more predictable hours. He said: "With theatre, it can be a bit easier because you know where you've got to be and what time." He added: "I did my last scene with Call the Midwife the day after my oldest was born, and it has been easier for me to just go and do an episode of a show here and there because I know it's only two or three weeks."
His current theatre role is in Our Man In Havana at the Theatre Royal Windsor, running from July 1 to 11. He plays James Wormold, a vacuum cleaner salesman turned spy in pre-revolutionary Cuba. Ashton admitted he hasn't watched the 1959 film adaptation to avoid influence: "I've not watched the film because I thought it might affect me."
Future Possibilities
Ashton remains open to longer roles once his children are older. "My children just come first because they're only young for such a short time. It's when they're a little bit older that they will understand. So it's just about getting through this period, and then I can be a bit braver and hopefully get something a bit more long-term," he concluded.
