Basildon Hospital midwife series by Emma Willis show makers

The Young Midwives of Essex, which will air on UKTV’s channel U&W, will be a “fly-on-the-wall” eight-part series which looks into the work lives of those training on the busy maternity unit as well as their time as students.

The first episode will air on November 25 at 8pm, while the rest of the series, from the makers of Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, will be dropped on UKTV’s streaming U.

Mary, 22, from Basildon, who appears in episode one, has a passion for the role which runs deep in her family.

Raring to go - Mary (Image: Ruth Rose and UKTV)

She said: “I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, my mum’s a nurse, and my auntie is a social worker. I wanted to work with other people, so I knew healthcare was my calling.

“I wanted to take part in this show because we want to show people that despite us being young, we do have proper jobs, and we’re absolutely smashing it! I hope the show can help people to see this.”

Howie, from Basildon, one of very few male midwives on the ward, called the opportunity to work with his colleagues a privilege.

He said: “The majority of midwives are obviously female, so it's a real privilege to work with them and the families.

The cast - L-R backrow: Lilli, Mary, Summah. L-R front row: Ruby, Howie, Grace (Image: Ruth Rose and UKTV)

“This is not just a profession, it’s more of a lifestyle and the help and care we give to people; they are going to remember the experience for the rest of their lives.”

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust were only too keen to open its doors to the production company Firecracker Films to document the work of the midwives

Nicki Abbott, director of women’s and children’s services at the trust, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our midwives, they really are the stars and we are very excited to see this series broadcast. We hope it will encourage more people to join the profession.

“We’d also like to thank all the families who agreed to be filmed which helped to bring the stories to life. Being able to show the real-life aspect of midwifery, with its ups and downs and the huge rewards was a real privilege.”