In the glitz and glamour of television, it’s easy to overlook the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our favorite shows to life. One such individual was Kevin Corbishley, a name that, while unfamiliar to many outside the industry, resonated deeply within the British television community. Revered for his technical skill, warm demeanor, and commitment to excellence, Corbishley left an indelible mark on series like Ghosts and Call the Midwife. This article explores who Kevin Corbishley was, what roles he played in television, and how he came to be honored in two of the BBC’s most cherished programs.
Who Is Kevin Corbishley?
Kevin Corbishley was a highly respected behind-the-scenes technician in British film and television. Born in 1965, he worked extensively in various departments, including lighting, rigging, and camera operations. While he never appeared on screen, his contributions were essential in shaping the tone, atmosphere, and visual quality of major productions.
Kevin’s career was marked by his involvement in a wide range of successful TV series and films, where he served in vital technical roles. Most notably, his work on Call the Midwife, Ghosts, and even the 2012 feature film Anna Karenina showcased his immense skill and professionalism.
Kevin Corbishley and His Role in “Ghosts”
One of the standout projects that featured Kevin’s behind-the-scenes talent was the hit BBC comedy Ghosts. A fan-favorite show known for its quirky humor and lovable supernatural characters, Ghosts achieved both critical and popular acclaim.
Kevin Corbishley joined the crew as a light rigger, a role that’s vital in television production. Light riggers ensure that scenes are lit appropriately to create mood, visibility, and visual impact. His efforts contributed to the atmospheric charm and polished production value that Ghosts became known for.
Following his untimely passing, Ghosts Season 4 opened with a tribute to Kevin. The dedication read: “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.” It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the deep respect and affection his colleagues felt for him. Though Kevin didn’t portray a Ghosts character himself, the spirit of the show was shaped by his backstage artistry.
Kevin Corbishley in “Call the Midwife”
Another highly notable credit on Kevin Corbishley’s resume was Call the Midwife, the long-running BBC drama chronicling the lives of midwives in post-war East London. From 2020 until early 2022, Kevin worked as a standby rigger in the camera and electrical departments. His work directly influenced how scenes were captured, contributing to the show’s emotional resonance and historical authenticity.
Following his death, the final episode of Call the Midwife Season 11 honored Kevin with a moving message:
“In memory of Kev Corbishley: 1965–2022.”
The show’s official Twitter account paid tribute as well, writing that he was a “dearly loved member of our crew who died very recently.” These gestures reflected the genuine grief of a close-knit production family that had lost one of its most valued members.
What Happened to Kevin Corbishley?
Tragically, Kevin Corbishley passed away in early 2022. He was 56 years old at the time of his death. The precise cause of his death has not been made public, a decision that likely reflects the privacy preferences of his family and close associates.
Though his passing was quiet in the public sphere, it reverberated profoundly within the industry. Both Call the Midwife and Ghosts paid homage to him, a rare dual tribute that speaks volumes about the impact he had on British television behind the camera.
Kevin Corbishley Images and Public Remembrance
Given Kevin’s behind-the-scenes role, public images of him are relatively rare. However, after the tributes aired, several publications and fan pages shared Kevin Corbishley images from behind-the-scenes moments, memorial graphics, and tribute screenshots from the episodes that honored him.
These visuals now serve as a quiet testament to a man whose work may have often been invisible to viewers, but was always indispensable to the cast and crew.
Kevin Corbishley’s Broader Career
Before his work on Ghosts and Call the Midwife, Kevin Corbishley also contributed to other major productions. His credits include:
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Anna Karenina (2012) – Kevin was part of the art department in this high-profile film adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law. His technical input helped build the lavish period setting that defined the movie’s look and feel.
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Silent Witness and other British dramas – Though not officially credited in all cases, insiders have shared that Kevin frequently lent his rigging expertise to various productions across the BBC and ITV landscape.
Throughout his decades-long career, Kevin developed a reputation for being technically proficient, incredibly dependable, and genuinely kind — qualities that made him not just a valued team member, but a friend to many in the industry.
How Did Kevin Corbishley Die?
As of this writing, the cause of Kevin Corbishley’s death has not been officially disclosed. This has led to a number of speculative threads online, but most fans and colleagues have opted to focus on celebrating his life and contributions rather than prying into the circumstances of his passing.
What’s clear, however, is that his death came as a surprise to many and left a noticeable void on set — one that was felt deeply by those who worked closest with him.
Why Kevin Corbishley Deserves Recognition
While many of us remember actors, directors, and writers, it’s crucial to also recognize the countless professionals like Kevin Corbishley, who work behind the scenes to make storytelling possible.
Lighting technicians, riggers, and camera crew members often go uncelebrated, yet their role in setting up each shot, maintaining technical safety, and enhancing visual storytelling is monumental.
Kevin exemplified the very best of this often-overlooked profession. His presence enriched the sets of two of Britain’s most beloved shows, and his legacy is now preserved in the very fabric of those episodes.
Conclusion
Kevin Corbishley may not be a household name, but his contributions to British television were nothing short of extraordinary. Through his work on Call the Midwife, Ghosts, and other acclaimed productions, he helped craft the experiences that millions of viewers around the world enjoy. His untimely passing in 2022 was a loss not only to his family and friends but to the broader creative community that depended on his talent, dedication, and friendship.
At Mating Press, we honor Kevin’s legacy and the many like him who ensure that our screens are filled with beauty, emotion, and compelling storytelling.
