Call The Midwife fans speechless at Joyce star's secret racy role before joining BBC show

Call The Midwife fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering Joyce Highland star’s secret racy role.

The character, played by Renee Bailey, has become a firm favourite with viewers since her first appearance in 2024. As the hard-working and bright worldwide, Joyce has been involved in several big moments on the BBC show.

During the 13th season last year, Joyce's dark secrets were revealed, while more recently, she was subjected to racist abuse from a patient - who lodged a formal complaint.

As well as Call The Midwife, Joyce star Renee Bailey has appeared in the likes of Netflix series Rebel Cheer Squad in 2022, playing Laila in eight episodes. In 2014, Renee starred in the Channel 4 mini-series How to Be a Person, based on 'true' stories of being a teenager.

However, it’s her past role in the 2022 BBC Three drama Mood that has got plenty of people talking. The six-part-series, created, written by and starring Nicole Lecky, follows aspiring singer Sasha (Nicole Lecky)

But things take a sinister turn when she comes across influencer and party girl Carly (Lara Peake) who thrusts her into a world of sex work. The show was an instant smash and bagged a BAFTA Award for Best Mini-Series in 2023.

And it’s fair to say the show was rather raunchy, with orgies and drug taking all playing out in the show. Love Island star Anna Vakili also makes an appearance as an influencer at a swanky event.

As for Call The Midwife star Renee Bailey, she plays the role of influencer and sex worker Paris, Carly’s friend who bonds with Sasha. The pair are even hired for the night to have sex with an elder gentleman.

During the encounter though, Sasha imagines herself in a music video, alongside Paris - with the pair dressed in bondage-esque outfits while performing a track, Charge It. Actress Renee also shows off her rapping skills in the Cardi B-inspired tune.

However, reacting to Renee’s stint on Mood, fans have shared their shock. "No way is that Joyce from Call The Midwife,” said one person online, alongside a photo of Renee on BBC’s Mood. Someone else replied: “It is!” A third chimed in: “I loved that show.”

Meanwhile, back in 2024, Renee opened up about playing Joyce on Call the Midwife: “Joyce is a force. She is driven and knows what she wants. She's come to England from Trinidad and was training in Birmingham before London.

"Ive tried to bring in a little more softness as well as qualities that I love in Black women generally. I don't want her to just be this stereotypical idea of what a strong black woman looks like. She has a lot of tenderness."

Call The Midwife airs on Sunday on BBC One.