Olly Rix: Biography, Call the Midwife Exit, Relationship Rumors

Olly Rix left Call the Midwife in 2024 after playing Matthew Aylward, but his departure was far from quiet. He later spoke out about feeling the end was handled without integrity, while the BBC defended its production environment.

Personal Details

Born: 14 February 1985 – Wikipedia
Age: 39 (as of 2024)
Height: approximately 6′ (183 cm) – The Standard
Education: Trinity College, Oxford (English Literature) – Wales Online

Career Highlights

Stage: Royal Shakespeare Company – Wales Online
TV: Casualty, The Spanish Princess, Call the Midwife – TV Guide UK
Breakthrough role: Matthew Aylward – Wales Online

Relationship Status

Rumored to be dating Helen George (unconfirmed) – The Standard
Not publicly married or engaged – Entertainment Daily
Previously linked to Anna Chell (unconfirmed) – The Standard

Recent News

Left Call the Midwife in 2024 – Entertainment Daily
Cited story conclusion as reason – TV Guide UK
Open to future projects

Born: 14 February 1985 | Age (2024): 39 | Known For: Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife | Years Active: 2009–present | Education: Trinity College, Oxford (English Literature)

Key Facts About Olly Rix
Attribute	Value
Full Name	Oliver Rix (known as Olly Rix)
Birthdate	14 February 1985
Age	39 (as of 2024)
Height	Approximately 6′ (183 cm)
Education	Trinity College, Oxford (English Literature)
Notable Role	Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife (2021–2024)
Relationship Status	Not publicly confirmed; rumored with Helen George

The table shows that Olly Rix’s professional credits are well-documented, while his personal life remains largely unverified.

Who is Olly Rix?

Olly Rix is an English actor known for his stage work and television roles. He rose to prominence playing Matthew Aylward in the BBC’s Call the Midwife.

Early life and education

Olly Rix was born on 14 February 1985 in England. He studied English Literature at Trinity College, Oxford – Wales Online.

Stage career

Before screen roles, Rix performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company – Wales Online.

Breakthrough on television

His first major TV role was in Casualty. Rix then played Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife – Wales Online.

The pattern: Olly Rix’s career trajectory shows a clear progression from classical stage training to long-running BBC dramas, with Call the Midwife as his highest-profile role to date.

Who is Matthew Aylward on Call the Midwife?

Matthew Aylward is a character introduced in the show’s eleventh series.

Character backstory

Matthew Aylward is a wealthy businessman who joins the Nonnatus House board. Olly Rix portrayed Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife – Wales Online. Rix made his Call the Midwife debut as Matthew in 2021 – Wales Online. Matthew Aylward became a regular character in the show’s eleventh series – Wales Online.

Relationship with Helen George’s character

Matthew married Trixie Franklin, played by Helen George, in the series – Wales Online. Helen George played Trixie Franklin, Matthew’s on-screen wife – Wales Online.

Exit from the series

Matthew left Poplar for New York after financial difficulties in the character’s storyline – TV Guide UK. Rix’s character left Call the Midwife in the series-13 finale – Entertainment Daily.

The implication: Matthew Aylward’s narrative arc was tied directly to financial hardship and relocation, a clean fictional exit that contrasted with the real-world tension surrounding Rix’s departure.

Is Olly Rix in a relationship?

Rix’s personal life has been subject to rumor, but no relationship has been officially confirmed.

Rumored relationship with Helen George

Relationship rumors involving Rix and George emerged after both reportedly separated from long-term partners – The Standard.

Previous relationships and engagement

Reports linked George’s separation to Jack Ashton, with whom she has two children – Entertainment Daily. Reports identified Rix’s former long-term partner as make-up artist Natasha Fagri – The Standard. Some reports said Rix and George were seen together after their respective breakups – The News International.

Current partner status

As of 2024, Olly Rix has not publicly announced a current partner. Earlier reports of an engagement to another person remain unverified.

None of the relationship rumors involving Olly Rix and Helen George have been confirmed by either party, meaning these reports remain speculative despite widespread media coverage.

Why did Olly Rix leave Call the Midwife?

Rix’s departure from Call the Midwife was reported in March 2024 – Entertainment Daily.

Official statement from the actor

Rix has said he did not like the way his Call the Midwife involvement ended – Entertainment Daily. Rix said he felt he had not been treated with integrity or respect – TV Guide UK.

Storyline reasons

His character’s storyline ended with Matthew leaving Poplar.

Reactions from fans and cast

A Call the Midwife spokesperson rejected Rix’s characterization of the production environment – TV Guide UK. The programme spokesperson described the set as supportive, inclusive and nurturing – Entertainment Daily.

The catch: While Rix claims he was treated without respect, the show’s official response directly contradicts that account, leaving the actual circumstances of his exit unresolved through conflicting public statements.

Is actor Olly Rix related to Brian Rix?

There is no confirmed relationship between the two actors, despite the shared surname.

Brian Rix’s background

Brian Rix was a well-known British actor and farceur, born in 1924.

Family connection

There is no confirmed familial relationship between Olly Rix and Brian Rix.

Common misconception

The shared surname has led to occasional speculation online.

The pattern: No evidence supports a family link, and the assumption appears to stem solely from a coincidental surname match.

Recent Career News: Olly Rix Joins Casualty

Rix later joined BBC medical drama Casualty as surgeon Flynn Byron – TV Guide UK. Rix’s Casualty role is described as ED Clinical Lead Flynn Byron – TV Guide UK. Reports said Rix was photographed near the Casualty set in July 2024 before the casting was confirmed – Wikipedia. The BBC reportedly confirmed Rix’s Casualty casting in February 2025 – Wikipedia.

What this means: Rix’s move to Casualty represents a return to the franchise where he first gained television exposure, now in a senior clinical role that suggests a long-term commitment to the show.

Timeline

14 February 1985: Olly Rix born in England.
2003–2006: Studies English Literature at Trinity College, Oxford.
2009: First credited TV role in Casualty.
2019–2020: Plays Leo Burton in The Spanish Princess.
2021: Joins Call the Midwife as Matthew Aylward – Wales Online.
2023: Rumored romance with co-star Helen George surfaces – The Standard.
2024: Confirms exit from Call the Midwife after three series – Entertainment Daily.
2025: BBC confirms Rix’s casting as Flynn Byron in Casualty – Wikipedia.

The implication: The timeline shows Rix moved directly from a high-profile period drama exit to a new long-term role in a medical drama, suggesting his career trajectory remained strong despite the controversy surrounding his Call the Midwife departure.

Additional sources

express.co.uk, mirror.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olly Rix’s height?

Olly Rix is approximately 6′ (183 cm) tall.

What TV shows has Olly Rix appeared in besides Call the Midwife?

He has appeared in Casualty and The Spanish Princess.

Did Olly Rix train at the Royal Shakespeare Company?

He performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company before taking screen roles.

Is Olly Rix active on Instagram?

Olly Rix does not publicly maintain a verified or widely reported Instagram presence.

What is Olly Rix’s next project after leaving Call the Midwife?

He joined BBC’s Casualty as ED Clinical Lead Flynn Byron.

Has Olly Rix ever been married?

Olly Rix has not publicly confirmed being married.

Where was Olly Rix born?

Olly Rix was born in England on 14 February 1985.

Does Olly Rix have any siblings?

There is no confirmed public information about Olly Rix’s siblings.

Confirmed and Unconfirmed Information

Confirmed

Olly Rix was born on 14 February 1985 – Wales Online.
He studied at Trinity College, Oxford – Wales Online.
He played Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife from 2021 to 2024 – Wales Online.
He left the show in 2024 and criticized how his exit was handled – Entertainment Daily.

Unclear

Whether he is currently in a relationship with Helen George or anyone else.
Whether he was previously engaged to an unknown person.
Exact height (commonly listed as 6′ but not officially confirmed).