A young superstar from Epsom has been nominated for a prestigious award as her role in the beloved BBC drama Call the Midwife continues to capture hearts across the country.
Francesca Fullilove,12, plays Colette Corrigan - a young girl raised in a Catholic orphanage who believes Nancy Corrigan is her sister, in the BAFTA-winning series.
Her portrayal has earned her a nomination for Favourite Young Actor of the Year at the 2025 TV Times Annual Awards, where she will be competing against other rising young stars such as Owen Cooper (Adolescence), Sonny Kendall (EastEnders), and Isabella Flanagan (Coronation Street).
Francesca’s mum, Teresa Fullilove, told YourLocalGuardian: “She’s been with an agent for some time, she sent in a self-recorded tape when she was seven for the role she got on Call the Midwife.
“She has been on the show since she was seven and had a lot of auditions, but she got this role in February 2021.”
Before venturing into television, Francesca did model work for Next, but this was her first major acting role on TV aside from adverts.
Teresa added: “She didn’t go to drama school – my passion has always been acting so from an early age we signed her to an agency.
“She was on the books, and we gave it a go – she really enjoys it.”
Balancing school and acting have been part of the routine, as the young star is tutored on set to ensure her education continues alongside her professional commitments.
“They make sure she’s doing her schoolwork. She copes quite well – it depends when she’s needed there,” Teresa explained.
Life on the set of Call the Midwife has been an exciting experience for Francesca, as she is regularly working with famous faces such as Judy Parfitt and Jenny Agutter.
Teresa said: “She’d love to do film, but I think she’s not too bothered, as long as it’s challenging and something she can get her teeth into.
“She’s into TV series like The Summer I Turned Pretty and would love to get into something similar.”
This is the second time Francesca’s has been nominated at the TV Times awards, with the last time to nominate being October 14.
Teresa added: “The nomination was a bit spontaneous and it’s great, but obviously she is in tough competition.
“Even to be nominated is incredible – it’s a great achievement.”
Both Teresa and Francesca’s dad, Danny, have been a constant source of support throughout her journey, alongside her school friends, who have been cheering her on and encouraging people to vote every step of the way.
Teresa said: “Francesca is very confident, has a good sense of humour and is determined – she’s a strong character who’s mature for her age.
“We’re so proud of her – I can’t put it into words.
“I hope she can carry on if that’s what she wants to do.”
Share