‘Call the Midwife’ star gives inspirational speech to drama students

Daniel Laurie recently gave a lovely talk about his life, acting career and starring in Call the Midwife.

The 23-year-old actor delivered the speech to performing arts students at the College of West Anglia in the east of England.

Laurie has played Reggie Jackson in Call the Midwife since 2017 and, like his character, has Down’s syndrome.

He told students: “I love being an actor and I would certainly recommend it as a job, they say all you have to do is speak up, but preparation is vital, preparation is everything, be prepared.

“I have had to work hard to learn my lines, make my speech clearer and my body stronger, but when I’m actor, I’m appreciated, when I’m acting, I’m the same as everyone else.”

Discussing his character, Daniel Laurie said: “I’ve loved playing Reggie and showing everyone everything that people like Reggie and I can bring to others’ lives.”

He added: “I wish you all as much luck as I have had and as my grandfather said, “Just keep on keeping on. All of you can do it, too. Just be yourself, follow your heart and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks or says.”

CWA principal, David Pomfret, said: “We were delighted to welcome Daniel to the college today. Not only did he inspire and entertain in equal measure, but he gave our foundation studies students practical careers advice and showed them the possibilities available to those who work hard to achieve their goals.”

Daniel’s co-star Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, updated fans on the possibility of a Call the Midwife movie last month.

Season 8 is currently airing on Sunday nights on BBC One in the UK and will air in the USA this spring on Masterpiece on PBS.

The seventh season of Call the Midwife is available now on DVD on Amazon.