Call The Midwife fans were stunned during the Christmas special to see The Traitors star Maddy Smedley take on a starring role in the long running BBC period drama. Maddy was one of the original cast in the very first series back in 2022.

They took to X to express their surprise at seeing the series one contestant in Poplar. “Not Maddy from The Traitors being in Call the Midwife’s Christmas Special #CallTheMidwife,” one exclaimed.

“OMG Maddy from #TheTraitors is actually acting in the #CallTheMidwife Christmas special,” another added. A third was so excited to spot her they posted in al capitals: “MADDY FROM THE TRAITORS ADDING ‘EVICTED WOMAN’ TO HER RESUME! #CallTheMidwife.”

“There she is there’s Maddy @MadelynSmedley #CallTheMidwife,” a fourth chimed in.

Meanwhile others couldn’t believe their eyes and questioned if it was indeed her. “Is that Maddy from Traitors? #callthemidwife,” one enquired. “Was that Maddy in #callthemidwife,” another asked.

For her part Maddy admitted she was feeling the nerves ahead of her debut on the show. “Here we go …gone all nervoussss #callthemidwife,” she posted on X.

Maddy was working as a receptionist when she appeared on the Traitors but decided to pursue her acting dreams following her time on the show.

She quit her job and has had roles in Hollyoaks and the sitcom Big Boys as well as this latest part.

She took on the role of a heavily pregnant woman named Dilys whose family found themselves evicted just before Christmas.

Within minutes of the show opening an elderly woman had been found dead at home. There were also escaped prisoners hiding out in Poplar which raised safety concerns for the residents.

And highly contageous influenza and the Hong Kong flu were spreading throughout the area causing issues for the residents and medical staff.