Who Was Kevin Corbishley? The Beloved BBC Crew Member Remembered

When you watch your favourite British programme, you rarely think about the massive crew working behind the camera. But when viewers saw a deeply emotional tribute to Kevin Corbishley at the end of two massive BBC hit shows, they immediately wanted to know more. Search engines lit up as fans across the UK asked the exact same question.

Kevin Corbishley was a highly respected British television crew member who worked primarily as a light rigger. He contributed to major BBC programmes like Ghosts and Call the Midwife. Following his sad passing in 2022, both hit shows broadcast on-screen dedications to honour his memory.

The instant outpouring of love from the cast, the production crew, and fans made it obvious that he was a very special part of the television family. If you want to know the true story behind the man making the magic happen on set, you are in the right place. We have put together everything you need to know about his life, his career, and his lasting impact on British television.

Key Takeaways

• Kevin Corbishley was a vital behind-the-scenes crew member for highly popular BBC shows.

• He sadly passed away in 2022 at the age of 57.

• Call the Midwife series 11 featured a special on-screen tribute to him.

• Ghosts series 4 also honoured his memory just before the final credits rolled.

• He previously worked in the art department for the major 2012 feature film Anna Karenina.

The Man Behind the Magic: Kevin Corbishley’s TV Career

Kevin Corbishley built a brilliant career working in the shadows so that others could shine on screen. While actors get the public glory, television shows simply cannot exist without the technical crews who build the sets, rig the lights, and manage the daily physical grind of production.

He was a familiar, friendly face on set. Colleagues described him as a hardworking and deeply loved member of the production family. Over the years, he lent his talents to a variety of different projects across the UK film and television industry.

His Known Production Timeline

To give you a clearer picture of his career, here is a quick look at the major projects he worked on before his passing.

What Does a Light Rigger Actually Do?

You might be wondering what his actual day-to-day job looked like. A light rigger holds an incredibly physically demanding position on a television set.

Before the actors even arrive, riggers climb scaffolding and use heavy lifting equipment to suspend massive lighting fixtures above the set. They follow the exact instructions of the lighting director to ensure every single scene has the perfect mood. For a historical show like Call the Midwife, riggers have to create the illusion of natural 1950s sunlight pouring through a hospital window. For a spooky comedy like Ghosts, they have to build lighting setups that make haunted mansions look perfectly moody.

It is heavy, sweaty, and highly technical work. It requires strict attention to safety, and a good rigger is highly respected by everyone on set. If you want to learn more about the technical side of these roles, you can read the excellent ScreenSkills lighting department guide.

Clearing Up a Common Mix-Up

A very common mistake viewers make is assuming Kevin Corbishley was an on-screen actor. Because television networks usually reserve end-credit tributes for famous cast members, many fans jumped to the wrong conclusion.

In reality, Kevin worked entirely behind the camera. He never delivered a line of dialogue, nor did he appear on screen. However, this fact actually makes the BBC tributes even more special. His dedication highlights just how highly the production teams valued his daily contributions. It proves that on a good television set, the crew is just as important as the leading stars.

Heartbreaking Tributes from BBC’s Biggest Shows

Losing a beloved team member is always hard. For a tight-knit television crew that spends 12 to 14 hours a day together, the loss hits incredibly close to home. Both of his major BBC projects made sure his name would be forever linked to the shows he helped create.

Call the Midwife Series 11 Finale

In February 2022, millions of fans tuned in to watch the gripping series 11 finale of Call the Midwife. As the emotional episode ended and the credits began to roll, a simple black screen appeared.

The screen read: “In memory of Kev Corbishley: 1965 – 2022.”

Fans immediately took to Twitter (now X) to ask the producers about the message. The official account for the show replied directly to viewers, stating: “A dearly loved member of our crew who died very recently. He will be missed.” You can find out more about the show’s incredible production history on the BBC One’s Call the Midwife programme page.

Ghosts Series 4 Premiere

A few months later, in September 2022, the brilliant BBC comedy Ghosts returned for its highly anticipated fourth series.

Kevin had worked on the show since its second series, helping light the massive Button House set. Tragically, he died just before filming began for the fourth season. To honour his memory, the series 4 premiere featured a moving dedication right before the credits. It read: “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.”

Pro-Tip for TV Fans: Pay close attention to the end credits of your favourite shows. Reading the names of the crew members is a great way to appreciate the massive team effort required to bring a script to life.

How to Work in TV Lighting Like Kevin

If reading about Kevin Corbishley has inspired you to look into the technical side of UK television production, you might be wondering where to start. Getting into the lighting department takes hard work, but it is a highly rewarding career path.

Here are three steps to get started:

1. Take an entry-level safety course: Safety is the top priority for rigging. You will need basic electrical safety and working-at-height certifications.

2. Find a trainee placement: Many UK broadcasters offer trainee schemes for aspiring lighting technicians.

3. Build your network: Television is all about who you know. Work hard, be friendly on set, and riggers will often recommend you for future jobs.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Kevin Corbishley was much more than just a name on a screen. He was a dedicated, talented, and deeply loved member of the British television industry. Although he worked behind the scenes, the beautiful on-screen tributes from the BBC ensure that his hard work will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of brilliant television that millions of people will enjoy for years to come.

Want to learn more about your favourite UK shows? Try these three actionable next steps:

• Rewatch the series 11 finale of Call the Midwife to spot the moving tribute at the end.

• Follow the official social media accounts of your favourite shows to see behind-the-scenes content of the crew at work.

• Browse our entertainment section for more deep dives into the hidden stories behind British television.

(FAQs)

Who was Kevin Corbishley on Ghosts?

Kevin Corbishley was not an actor on the show. He was a light rigger who worked closely with the camera and electrical departments from series 2 onwards to properly light the sets.

Did Kevin Corbishley act in Call the Midwife?

No, he did not act in the series. He was a vital behind-the-scenes crew member who worked on the rigging and lighting for 15 episodes across 2020 to 2022.

How old was Kevin Corbishley when he passed away?

Based on the tribute dates displayed by the BBC (1965 – 2022), Kevin was approximately 57 years old when he sadly passed away.

What does a light rigger do on a TV set?

A light rigger is responsible for safely setting up, hanging, and managing the heavy lighting equipment used during filming. They work high above the set to ensure the lighting matches the director’s vision.

Which episode of Call the Midwife was dedicated to him?

The tribute to Kevin was shown at the very end of the series 11 finale, which originally broadcast in the UK in February 2022.

What did the official BBC Twitter account say about him?

Responding to a curious fan, the official Call the Midwife account confirmed he was a “dearly loved member of our crew who died very recently,” adding that he would be deeply missed by the whole team.

Are Ghosts and Call the Midwife filmed at the same locations?

No. Ghosts was famously filmed at West Horsley Place in Surrey, while Call the Midwife is largely filmed at Longcross Studios in Surrey and on location at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. Kevin travelled to various locations for his work.

Did Kevin work on any feature films?

Yes. Before his extensive work in BBC television, he also worked in the art department for the 2012 cinematic adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.

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