Kevin Corbishley was a respected and much-loved British television crew member, best known for his work as a light rigger on popular BBC shows such as Ghosts and Call the Midwife. While he never appeared on screen, his contribution behind the scenes played an important role in shaping the visual quality and smooth production of these beloved series.
In 2022, viewers noticed emotional tribute messages dedicated to Kevin Corbishley at the end of episodes of Ghosts Season 4 and Call the Midwife Season 11. These tributes sparked widespread curiosity and heartfelt reactions from fans, many of whom asked: Who was Kevin Corbishley, and what happened to him?
This article explores Kevin Corbishley’s career, his role in Ghosts and Call the Midwife, the meaning behind the tributes, and the legacy he left within the British television industry.
Who Was Kevin Corbishley?
Kevin Corbishley was a professional lighting rigger who worked extensively in UK television production. Born in 1965, he spent decades working behind the camera, contributing to major BBC dramas and comedies.
Unlike actors and directors, crew members like Kevin often remain unseen by the public. However, within the industry, they are highly valued for their technical expertise, reliability, and teamwork. Kevin was widely described by colleagues as kind, dependable, and deeply respected, making his loss particularly painful for those who worked closely with him.
What Is Kevin Corbishley Known For?
Kevin Corbishley is best known for his behind-the-scenes work on:
- Ghosts (BBC One) – Light rigger from Season 2 onward
- Call the Midwife (BBC One) – Lighting and rigging crew
His work ensured that complex sets, emotional scenes, and period environments were properly lit, safe, and visually compelling. Lighting riggers play a critical role in television production, handling heavy equipment, ensuring safety standards, and helping directors achieve the desired visual tone.
Kevin’s consistency and professionalism earned him the trust of long-running BBC production teams.
Kevin Corbishley’s Role in Ghosts
Who Was Kevin Corbishley in Ghosts?
Kevin Corbishley worked as a light rigger on Ghosts from Season 2 onwards. The show, which blends comedy with supernatural elements, requires carefully planned lighting to balance humor, atmosphere, and historical settings.
Although he did not portray a character, Kevin’s technical role was essential to the show’s distinctive visual style, especially in scenes involving:
- Dimly lit hallways
- Night sequences
- Period-specific interiors
- Large ensemble scenes
Ghosts Season 4 Tribute Explained
At the end of the Ghosts Season 4 premiere episode, viewers saw a message reading:
“In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.”
This brief but powerful tribute immediately caught fans’ attention. Many took to social media to ask about Kevin’s identity and contribution to the show.
The dedication confirmed that Kevin had passed away earlier in 2022, during or shortly before the filming of Season 4. His death came as a shock to the cast and crew, many of whom had worked together since the series began.
Kevin Corbishley in Call the Midwife
Who Did Kevin Corbishley Play in Call the Midwife?
Kevin Corbishley did not play an on-screen role in Call the Midwife. Instead, he worked as a lighting rigger on the BBC medical drama.
Because many fans are accustomed to seeing tributes for actors, some viewers mistakenly believed Kevin was part of the cast. However, his contribution was technical rather than performative.
Call the Midwife Tribute Explained
At the end of the Call the Midwife Season 11 finale, which aired in February 2022, a tribute appeared stating:
“In memory of Kev Corbishley: 1965–2022.”
Following the episode, a fan asked the official Call the Midwife Twitter account about Kevin. The show responded:
“A dearly loved member of our crew who died very recently. He will be missed.”
The message received thousands of likes and replies, with viewers expressing condolences and gratitude for Kevin’s work.
What Happened to Kevin Corbishley?
Kevin Corbishley passed away in early 2022. While the exact cause of death was not made public, production teams and broadcasters treated the matter with sensitivity and respect.
There was no public indication of foul play, and the focus remained on honoring his memory rather than discussing personal details. Both Ghosts and Call the Midwife chose to commemorate him through on-screen tributes, a gesture typically reserved for deeply valued team members.
Kevin Corbishley Rigger: What Does a Lighting Rigger Do?
To understand Kevin’s importance, it helps to know what a lighting rigger does:
- Installs and secures lighting equipment
- Ensures safe rigging on sets and locations
- Works closely with lighting directors and cinematographers
- Helps achieve the desired mood and visual tone
- Maintains safety standards for cast and crew
In large productions like Ghosts and Call the Midwife, lighting riggers are essential for maintaining consistency across episodes and seasons.
Kevin Corbishley’s long-term involvement shows how trusted and skilled he was in this demanding role.
Kevin Corbishley’s Career in British Television
Although Kevin Corbishley was not a public figure, his career reflects the backbone of British television production:
- Long-term work on flagship BBC series
- Strong professional relationships with production teams
- Consistent involvement across multiple seasons
- Reputation as a reliable and respected crew member
Crew members like Kevin often work on tight schedules under challenging conditions, yet their dedication ensures that productions meet high standards episode after episode.
Why Kevin Corbishley’s Death Affected Fans
Kevin Corbishley’s passing resonated with viewers for several reasons:
- Visibility Through Tribute – On-screen dedications made audiences aware of his contribution.
- Beloved Shows – Ghosts and Call the Midwife have passionate fan bases.
- Human Connection – Fans appreciated seeing behind-the-scenes workers acknowledged.
- Industry Respect – Multiple shows honored him, highlighting his importance.
The reaction demonstrated how deeply audiences value the people who create their favorite programs—even those they never see.
Cast and Crew Reactions
While individual cast members did not release lengthy public statements, the unified decision to include tributes across shows speaks volumes. The consistent wording—referring to Kevin as a friend suggests he was more than just a colleague.
Long-running productions often form close-knit teams, and Kevin Corbishley was clearly an integral part of that family.
Was Kevin Corbishley Working on New Projects?
At the time of his passing, Kevin Corbishley was actively working on Ghosts Season 4 and had recently contributed to Call the Midwife. There is no public record of upcoming projects beyond these shows.
His career appears to have been focused on stable, long-term television productions, a testament to his reliability and professionalism.
Kevin Corbishley’s Legacy
Kevin Corbishley’s legacy lives on through:
- The episodes he helped create
- The colleagues who remember him fondly
- The tributes seen by millions of viewers
- The recognition of behind-the-scenes professionals
His story reminds audiences that television is a collaborative art form, dependent on the skill and dedication of many people beyond the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Kevin Corbishley?
Kevin Corbishley was a British television lighting rigger who worked on Ghosts and Call the Midwife.
Who was Kevin Corbishley in Ghosts?
He was a behind-the-scenes crew member, not an actor.
Who did Kevin Corbishley play in Call the Midwife?
He did not play a character; he worked as part of the lighting crew.
What happened to Kevin Corbishley?
He passed away in early 2022. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
Why was Kevin Corbishley given a tribute?
He was a dearly loved and respected crew member whose death deeply affected the production teams.
Conclusion
Kevin Corbishley may not have been a household name, but his impact on British television was significant. Through his work on Ghosts and Call the Midwife, he helped bring stories to life that touched millions of viewers.
The tributes dedicated to him serve as a powerful reminder that behind every successful show are countless skilled professionals whose passion and dedication make storytelling possible. Kevin Corbishley’s memory lives on not just in credits or tributes, but in the enduring quality of the shows he helped create.