Olly Rix has become a familiar face to millions of British TV viewers. He played Matthew Aylward on Call The Midwife for three seasons. Currently, he stars as Dr Flynn Byron in Casualty. In 2026, searches for “Olly Rix” remain strong. Fans want updates on his new romance, career moves and life in Cardiff.
The actor left Call The Midwife in 2024 after a dramatic exit storyline. He has since relocated to Wales and found new love. Therefore, this guide covers his career, personal life and future projects.
Meanwhile, public interest in TV actors mirrors attention given to other entertainment figures. Stories about Neil Dudgeon’s Midsomer Murders role and Prunella Scales’ career also attract curious readers. For more on BBC dramas, check Don Warrington’s Death in Paradise role as well.
Who Is Olly Rix? Early Life and Education
Olly Rix was born on 13 October 1985 in Cardiff, Wales [citation:3]. He spent his first year of life there. His family then moved to England. He later described returning to Cardiff as “coming home.”
He secured a place to study English Literature at Trinity College Oxford. While at university, he became actively involved in the dramatic society [citation:1][citation:2]. After graduating, he won a scholarship to train at LAMDA. He studied there for two years [citation:1][citation:2].
For more on Welsh actors, read about Clovelly village guide and Polperro travel guide.
Theatre Career: Royal Shakespeare Company Debut
After LAMDA, Rix met Gregory Doran, the Artistic Director of the RSC. Doran offered him the title role in Shakespeare’s “lost play” Cardenio [citation:1][citation:2]. The production received critical acclaim. Mark Shenton of The Stage called it a “dashing professional debut.” The Independent praised his “beguiling Cardenio” [citation:1].
While at the RSC, he worked with acclaimed playwright Antony Neilson. Other theatre roles followed. These include The City Madam at the RSC and I Am A Camera [citation:1]. He later reunited with Neilson for his original play Narrative. Neilson wrote the part specifically for Rix. The play performed at the Royal Court [citation:1].
For more on theatre careers, read about Adam Thomas’s acting journey and Fern Britton’s presenting work.
Early Television Roles
Rix’s early television work includes several notable appearances. He played King David in the ABC drama Of Kings and Prophets [citation:4][citation:6]. He also appeared as Edward Stafford in The Spanish Princess [citation:6]. Other credits include The Musketeers, Agatha Raisin and Death Comes to Pemberley [citation:6].
He also had roles in Our Girl and Midsomer Murders [citation:6]. These early roles helped him build a solid reputation. Consequently, he caught the attention of casting directors for bigger projects.
Call The Midwife: Matthew Aylward Years
Olly Rix joined the cast of Call The Midwife in 2021. He played Matthew Aylward, a wealthy businessman. His character fell in love with Nurse Trixie Franklin, played by Helen George [citation:3]. Fans loved their on-screen romance. The couple eventually married on the show.
He appeared in three seasons of the beloved BBC drama. However, in 2024, he left the show. His departure surprised many fans. He has not publicly explained his reasons for leaving [citation:3].
His co-star Helen George later commented on a possible return. “Who knows!” she told Radio Times. “It’ll be interesting to see what happens there” [citation:3].
For more on Call The Midwife, read about Death in Paradise cast changes and John Nettles’ TV career.
Olly Rix’s Relationship with Helen George
On-screen romance led to real-life friendship. Rix and Helen George supported each other through difficult times. Both experienced breakups around the same period. George split from partner Jack Ashton, the father of her two children [citation:3]. Rix separated from his long-term girlfriend Natasha Fagri [citation:3][citation:7].
The two were photographed together several times. They left his West London residence in November 2023. However, by June 2024, fans noticed a change. Rix deleted a photo of George from his Instagram. He also unfollowed her on the platform [citation:3].
Neither party has commented publicly on the matter. Both have moved on with their lives and careers [citation:3].
For more on celebrity relationships, read about Charlie Stayt’s marriage and Prunella Scales’ long partnership.
Casualty: His Current Role as Dr Flynn Byron
After leaving Call The Midwife, Rix joined Casualty. He plays Dr Flynn Byron, a dashing surgeon [citation:3][citation:7]. The role has been a “great” experience, he told Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch [citation:3]. He has filmed for nine months in Cardiff.
His character is usually focused and professional. However, recent episodes show a different side. “I think he’s sort of settled within the job, but I think he’s deeply, personally unsettled,” Rix explained [citation:5]. His family is fractured. Quiet nights at home become difficult. Consequently, chaos ensues.
Olly Rix’s New Romance with Anna Chell
In September 2025, Olly Rix confirmed his new romance. He is dating his Casualty co-star Anna Chell, 28 [citation:5][citation:7]. She plays nurse Jodie Whyte on the show. Rix made the relationship Instagram official. He posted summer snaps with Anna and his dog Nellie. The caption read: “Summer with Anna and Nellie” [citation:5][citation:7].
Fans flooded the comments with support. One wrote: “This is so cute, you are actually made for each other.” Another said: “My heart is so happy” [citation:7]. The couple appears to be very happy together.
An insider revealed: “After finding himself uncomfortably thrust into the spotlight towards the end of his time on Call The Midwife, Olly’s in a really good place at the moment” [citation:7].
Life in Cardiff: A New Beginning
Rix has made a major life change since leaving Call The Midwife. He relocated from London to Cardiff. Interestingly, he was actually born in Cardiff. He spent his first year of life there [citation:3].
“I feel like I’ve come home somehow,” he told BBC Cymru Wales. “It’s great, it’s such a lovely city. The sun always feels like it’s shining at the moment. The people are friendly” [citation:3].
He spends most of his weekends learning lines. However, he has found time to explore local restaurants. He has also discovered his favourite coffee shops while “becoming a resident” [citation:3].
For more on Welsh destinations, read about Trago Mills Merthyr and Plymouth local news.
Dog Charity Work with Dogs Trust
Rix is passionate about animal welfare. He recently visited the Dogs Trust centre in Cardiff. He used a day off from filming to stop by [citation:5]. The charity cares for over 15,000 dogs each year.
“They do so much work and it’s so variable,” he told Metro. “There’s such a beautiful energy there. The people involved are just so humbling to be around” [citation:5].
They even named a dog after him. A chocolate Labrador puppy received the name Olly. “It was just so lovely,” he said. “I got to meet him and play with him” [citation:5].
For more on charity work, read about Tiverton market town history and Devon Cliffs holiday park.
Olly Rix’s Net Worth in 2026
Olly Rix has an estimated net worth of between £500,000 and £1.5 million. He earned this through his television roles on Call The Midwife and Casualty. His theatre work with the RSC also contributed to his income.
His current role on Casualty provides steady work. The show films in Cardiff throughout the year. Consequently, he has settled into a stable routine.
For comparison, other actors’ financial profiles attract similar interest. Neil Dudgeon’s net worth and Don Warrington’s earnings are also popular searches.
Why Olly Rix Is Trending in 2026
Olly Rix continues to trend for several reasons. Casualty airs weekly on BBC One. Millions of viewers watch him each week. His new romance with Anna Chell has generated media attention. Additionally, his departure from Call The Midwife remains a topic of discussion among fans.
His move to Cardiff and fresh start also intrigue people. Fans love seeing him happy and settled. Consequently, searches for “Olly Rix” remain consistently strong.
This sustained interest mirrors that of other TV stars. Neil Dudgeon and Prunella Scales also attract loyal followings throughout their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Olly Rix?
A British actor, best known for playing Matthew Aylward in Call The Midwife and Dr Flynn Byron in Casualty.
How old is Olly Rix?
Born 13 October 1985. He is 40 years old as of 2026.
Who is Olly Rix dating?
His Casualty co-star Anna Chell. They went Instagram official in September 2025 [citation:5][citation:7].
Why did Olly Rix leave Call The Midwife?
He left in 2024 after three seasons. He has not publicly explained his reasons [citation:3].
What is Olly Rix’s net worth?
Estimated between £500,000 and £1.5 million as of 2026.
Does Olly Rix have a dog?
Yes, his dog is named Nellie. He often shares photos of her on Instagram [citation:5].
Where does Olly Rix live now?
He relocated from London to Cardiff. He was actually born in Cardiff [citation:3].
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