Call the Midwife Star Georgie Glen Steals the Show in Ridley Season 2

Introduction

Georgie Glen, known to millions as the stern yet caring Miss Millicent Higgins in Call the Midwife, is back on our screens in a totally different vibe. She’s swapped 1960s Poplar for the gritty world of ITV’s detective drama Ridley, which kicked off its second season on August 10, 2025. If you’re a fan of Call the Midwife’s heart-tugging storytelling, seeing Glen in this “gripping crime thriller” feels like a bold shift. Why does this matter? Because it shows how versatile actors from period dramas can be, diving into modern crime stories that tackle heavy themes like grief and mental health. Think Line of Duty meets Midsomer Murders, with a cast that’s stacked with talent. This article dives into Glen’s role, the show’s reception, and what it means for entertainment fans. Let’s get into it.

Georgie Glen’s New Role as Dr. Wendy Newstone

So, who is Georgie Glen playing in Ridley? She’s Dr. Wendy Newstone, a character in the second season of ITV’s detective series, starring alongside Adrian Dunbar, who plays the titular Alex Ridley. Unlike her Call the Midwife role, where she’s all about order and propriety, Dr. Newstone is a forensic expert navigating a world of crime scenes and high-stakes cases. The show’s first episode, “A Sleeping Tiger,” aired on August 10, 2025, and threw viewers into a jewelry heist that spirals into a murder mystery. Glen’s performance has been called “captivating” by early reviews, with her bringing a quiet intensity to the role. Why does this matter? It shows her range—going from a period drama’s buttoned-up secretary to a modern crime drama’s brainy doctor. Mistakes in casting versatile actors like Glen can tank a show, but Ridley nails it. If the role’s mishandled, you risk losing the audience’s trust in the character’s depth.

Why It Matters

Glen’s casting bridges fans of Call the Midwife to Ridley’s darker tone. Her ability to embody complex characters makes Dr. Newstone a standout, grounding the show’s twisty plot.

How It’s Done

Producers cast Glen after her standout performances in Call the Midwife and The Crown. Her scenes in Ridley were filmed in Manchester, with tight schedules to match ITV’s fast-paced production.

Common Mistakes

Casting directors sometimes pigeonhole actors into one genre. Glen could’ve been stuck in period roles, but Ridley’s team took a risk, letting her shine in a new light.

Consequences of Errors

If Glen’s role lacked depth, it could’ve felt like stunt casting, alienating fans expecting her usual warmth. Instead, her nuanced performance keeps viewers hooked.

Ridley’s Star-Studded Cast and Their Roots

Ridley season 2 isn’t just about Georgie Glen. The cast is a who’s-who of British TV. Adrian Dunbar, fresh from Line of Duty, leads as Alex Ridley, a retired detective dragged back to solve crimes. Bronagh Waugh from Death in Paradise plays DI Carol Farman, while George Bukhari (Coronation Street) and Julie Graham (Midsomer Murders) round out the lineup. This mix of talent from iconic shows creates a buzz—each actor brings their fanbase, boosting viewership. ITV renewed Ridley in 2022 after a solid first season, and the second season’s four feature-length episodes promise more twists. Why’s this important? A strong ensemble can make or break a drama. Get it wrong, and the show feels disjointed. Ridley’s casting works because everyone’s distinct yet cohesive.

Why It Matters

A diverse cast pulls in viewers from different shows, expanding Ridley’s reach. It’s a smart move in a crowded TV market.

How It’s Done

ITV handpicked actors with proven track records. Each brings a unique flavor—Dunbar’s intensity, Glen’s precision, Waugh’s warmth—creating a balanced dynamic.

Common Mistakes

Overloading a cast with big names can backfire if their roles clash. Ridley avoids this by giving each actor space to shine, like Glen’s focused scenes.

Consequences of Errors

A poorly balanced cast risks uneven pacing or wasted talent. Ridley’s tight writing ensures everyone gets their moment, keeping the story engaging.

Themes of Grief and Mental Health in Ridley

Ridley isn’t just about solving crimes. It digs into Alex Ridley’s personal struggles—grieving his wife and daughter’s deaths. Adrian Dunbar told Digital Spy that the show highlights men’s mental health, showing Ridley’s private breakdowns. This resonates in 2025, when mental health discussions are more open, especially post-COVID. Georgie Glen’s Dr. Newstone supports Ridley’s investigations, indirectly tying into these themes by analyzing evidence that unravels emotional cases. Why does this matter? Shows like Ridley can normalize tough conversations. If the themes are handled clumsily, though, it feels exploitative. Ridley walks this line carefully, blending grit with heart.

Why It Matters

Mental health in TV can shape public perception. Ridley’s focus on male vulnerability challenges stereotypes, especially in rural settings where isolation is real.

How It’s Done

Writers weave Ridley’s grief into the plot naturally, using quiet moments—like him alone at home—to show his pain without preaching.

Common Mistakes

Some shows overdo emotional arcs, making them feel forced. Ridley risks this but mostly succeeds by grounding Ridley’s pain in real cases.

Consequences of Errors

Mishandling heavy themes can alienate viewers or trivialize issues. Ridley’s careful approach keeps it authentic, earning praise from fans on X.

Mixed Reviews and Audience Reception

Ridley’s first season got mixed reviews, and season 2’s early buzz is similar. The Daily Telegraph called season 1 a cliché-fest, saying you’d “need your stomach pumped” from detective drama tropes. But The Guardian praised its smooth pacing, and fans on X called it “entertaining with twists” on August 10, 2025. Georgie Glen’s role as Dr. Newstone has been a highlight, with viewers noting her “calm authority” online. Why does this matter? Mixed reviews show Ridley’s polarizing style—some love its drama, others find it formulaic. Getting audience reception wrong can kill a show’s momentum. Ridley’s second season seems to lean on its cast, like Glen, to win skeptics over.

Why It Matters

Reviews shape a show’s fate. Ridley’s mixed feedback means it must rely on strong performances like Glen’s to keep viewers tuning in.

How It’s Done

ITV markets Ridley as a “twisty mystery,” leaning on its cast and long episodes to hook viewers. Social media buzz, especially on X, amplifies this.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring negative feedback can doom a show. Ridley’s team seems to tweak pacing and character depth in season 2 to address critiques.

Consequences of Errors

If Ridley leans too hard into clichés, it risks losing its audience. Glen’s standout role helps balance the show’s weaker spots.

The Impact of Cross-Show Casting in British TV

Georgie Glen’s jump from Call the Midwife to Ridley isn’t just a career move—it’s part of a trend. British TV loves pulling actors across genres, like Bronagh Waugh from Death in Paradise or Julie Graham from Midsomer Murders. This keeps shows fresh and draws diverse audiences. Call the Midwife itself has seen actors like Helen George and Chris Harper pop up in Coronation Street or The Crown. Why’s this important? It creates a connected TV universe, boosting viewer loyalty. But if casting feels forced, it can seem like a gimmick. Ridley uses its ensemble smartly, letting Glen shine without overshadowing others.

Why It Matters

Cross-show casting builds a sense of familiarity, making new shows like Ridley feel accessible to fans of Call the Midwife or Line of Duty.

How It’s Done

Producers scout talent from established shows, ensuring actors like Glen fit the tone while bringing their fanbase along.

Common Mistakes

Casting too many familiar faces can make a show feel derivative. Ridley balances this by giving Glen a distinct role from her Call the Midwife character.

Consequences of Errors

Poor casting choices can make a show feel like a retread. Ridley avoids this by crafting unique roles, like Dr. Newstone, for its stars.

How Ridley Fits into 2025’s TV Landscape

In 2025, detective dramas are everywhere—think Death in Paradise, Shetland, or Vera. Ridley stands out with its long episodes (four two-hour specials) and focus on personal stakes. Georgie Glen’s role ties it to Call the Midwife’s emotional depth, while Adrian Dunbar’s Line of Duty cred adds grit. X posts from August 10, 2025, show fans buzzing about the premiere, with one calling it “a must-watch for crime fans.” Why does this matter? In a crowded market, Ridley needs to carve its niche. If it blends in too much, it risks fading. Its cast and themes give it an edge, but only if executed well.

Why It Matters

With streaming giants like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, Ridley must compete for attention. Its strong cast and emotional core help it stand out.

How It’s Done

ITV pushes Ridley on ITVX, making all episodes available post-premiere. Social media campaigns highlight stars like Glen to draw viewers.

Common Mistakes

Overhyping a show can lead to disappointment. Ridley’s mixed reviews suggest it needs to deliver on its “gripping” promise to keep fans.

Consequences of Errors

If Ridley fails to hook viewers early, it could lose steam. Glen’s performance and the show’s emotional depth are key to its staying power.

FAQs

Who does Georgie Glen play in Ridley season 2?

Georgie Glen plays Dr. Wendy Newstone, a forensic expert in ITV’s Ridley season 2. Known for Call the Midwife’s Miss Higgins, she brings a sharp, calm presence to the crime drama, assisting Adrian Dunbar’s Alex Ridley in solving cases like a jewelry heist turned murder. Her role’s been praised for its depth, showing her versatility.

Why is Ridley’s cast so familiar?

Ridley features actors from big British shows—Georgie Glen (Call the Midwife), Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty), Bronagh Waugh (Death in Paradise), and Julie Graham (Midsomer Murders). This cross-show casting draws fans from different genres, boosting viewership. It’s a smart move, but risks feeling forced if roles aren’t distinct.

How does Ridley handle mental health themes?

Ridley explores Alex Ridley’s grief over his wife and daughter’s deaths, highlighting men’s mental health. Adrian Dunbar told Digital Spy it shows Ridley’s private struggles, especially in isolation. This resonates in 2025’s open mental health discussions but risks feeling heavy-handed if not balanced with the crime plot.

Why are Ridley’s reviews mixed?

Season 1 of Ridley got flak for clichés (Daily Telegraph) but praise for pacing (The Guardian). Season 2, aired August 10, 2025, has similar splits—fans on X love the twists, but some critics call it formulaic. Georgie Glen’s standout role as Dr. Newstone helps counter criticism, keeping viewers engaged.

Where can I watch Ridley season 2?

Ridley season 2 premiered on ITV1 at 8pm on August 10, 2025. All four episodes are available on ITVX for streaming. Check ITV’s official site or ITVX for updates on international availability, as it varies by region.

Conclusion

Georgie Glen’s leap from Call the Midwife to Ridley season 2 is a big deal for fans of British TV. Her role as Dr. Wendy Newstone, alongside stars like Adrian Dunbar and Bronagh Waugh, makes Ridley a must-watch in 2025’s crowded detective drama scene. The show’s mix of crime, grief, and strong casting keeps it compelling, even if reviews are mixed. From Glen’s precise performance to the show’s emotional depth, there’s a lot to unpack. Want to share your thoughts on Ridley or Glen’s new role? Drop a comment below