Helen George has been praised for her incredibly moving scenes in the most recent episode of BBC One’s Call the Midwife, which saw her character, Trixie, agree to take a leave of absence from Nonnatus House so that she could undergo treatment for alcohol addiction.

And, while many expressed fears that this was the end of Trixie, the show’s producers have confirmed that she will absolutely be returning to the series in the not-so-distant future.

It was recently revealed that George’s character had been temporarily written out of the show (she will only miss “a couple of episodes”) as part of the actress’ maternity leave contract.

That’s right: just a few months ago, the actress welcomed a baby girl, Wren Ivy, with partner and co-star Jack Ashton, who plays Reverend Tom Hereward.

Speaking to the Radio Times, George explained: “I was pregnant in the series, so you just kind of see me walk across the screen sometimes with odd fashions, or I’d sit down a lot, or I’m wearing lots of capes.

“It wasn’t a correct storyline to choose for the character, as well. It wasn’t right for Trixie to be pregnant. So we just did our best to cover it up.”

Naturally, the show’s costume and props department did their best to disguise George’s baby bump in the show, dressing her up in baggy capes and having her clutch large objects (including clipboards, bags and cushions) directly in front of her stomach.

However, one viewer watching decided to take to Twitter to make a cruel weight jibe about the actress.

“Helen George is massive,” they wrote. “She should be put on a diet. #CallTheMidwife.”

George, though, was unwilling to sit back and let anyone make her feel bad about herself. Instead,she retweeted the bullying comment into her newsfeed and called them out on it very publicly.

“Sorry if my chins offended you,” wrote George. “I chose to feed my baby healthily and not starve myself in a selfish act to look good on TV.

“Would you say this to a pregnant lady’s face? You should look on pregnant ladies multiple chins with love, they are busy making the future.”

Fans have since flooded George’s timeline with messages of support.

Our favourite, though, read simply: “Nicely put, although he doesn’t deserve your time, beautiful lady.”

Call the Midwife airs at 8pm on Sundays on BBC One.

Images: BBC One