From BBC Drama to Hollywood Stardom: Emerald Fennell's Remarkable Transformation
It has been nearly a decade since actress Emerald Fennell last wore the nurse's uniform as the beloved character Nurse Patsy Mount on the BBC period drama Call the Midwife. Since departing the show in 2017, the London-born star has undergone a dramatic career evolution, firmly establishing herself as one of Hollywood's most acclaimed filmmakers. Her latest cinematic venture, an adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights, is scheduled for theatrical release on February 13, 2026, marking another milestone in her impressive trajectory.
The Foundation: Nurse Patsy Mount on Call the Midwife
Emerald Fennell first captured the public's attention through her portrayal of Nurse Patsy Mount on the cherished BBC series Call the Midwife. She appeared in the drama for four years, from 2013 to 2017, becoming an integral part of the ensemble cast at Nonnatus House. Interestingly, the character made an initial cameo appearance in series two before formally joining the main cast in series four.
Nurse Patsy Mount was a complex character with a deeply moving backstory. Born in Shanghai in 1933, she endured childhood trauma when her family was captured and placed in a Japanese prisoner of war camp at age nine. Tragically, her mother and sister perished from typhoid disease during their internment. It was within the camp's makeshift hospital tent that young Patsy discovered her calling to nursing, a profession she would later pursue with dedication.
The character's development included a groundbreaking storyline exploring sexuality during the 1950s and 60s. Nurse Mount was revealed to be in a relationship with Delia Busby, a nurse at The London Hospital, portrayed by Kate Lamb. Their romance culminated in a heartwarming exit plot where the couple bravely left Poplar to travel together, eventually settling in Scotland with their pet dog.
A Deliberate Departure for Creative Pursuits
Fennell's exit from Call the Midwife was a conscious career decision. In 2017, she expressed gratitude to the production team on social media, explaining they had generously allowed her time to focus on her writing projects. Series creator Heidi Thomas later confirmed this rationale, stating the actress departed to concentrate on her scriptwriting ambitions, a choice that has proven remarkably prescient given her subsequent achievements.
Hollywood Ascendancy and Critical Acclaim
Following her tenure on the BBC drama, Emerald Fennell's career accelerated with notable roles in television series including Victoria (2017) as Lady Lovelace and Netflix's The Crown (2019) as Camilla Parker Bowles. She later appeared as Midge in the blockbuster film Barbie (2023), demonstrating her versatility across different genres and formats.
However, it is behind the camera where Fennell has made her most significant impact. Her directorial debut, Promising Young Woman (2020), earned her the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay at the 93rd Oscars in 2021, cementing her status as a formidable creative force. Her additional credits include writing and producing six episodes of the acclaimed series Killing Eve, which garnered her two Emmy Award nominations, and directing the psychological thriller Saltburn (2023).
The Anticipated Adaptation: Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell's latest project, Wuthering Heights, represents a bold reinterpretation of Emily Brontë's timeless 1847 novel. The film has generated substantial anticipation within the industry and among audiences, positioning itself as one of the most eagerly awaited cinematic releases of 2026. This adaptation follows Fennell's established pattern of tackling complex narratives with distinctive creative vision.
As Call the Midwife continues to air Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, fans can reflect on how one of its former stars has transformed from a period drama actress into an Oscar-winning filmmaker. Emerald Fennell's journey from the wards of Nonnatus House to the red carpets of Hollywood serves as a testament to her multifaceted talent and unwavering creative ambition.
