Kevin Corbishley: Remembering a Beloved TV Crew Legend

Most viewers never notice the names that appear in small type after a TV episode’s end credits. They might catch a dedication card — a simple line like “In memory of Kevin Corbishley” — but they rarely know who that person was.

Behind every beautifully lit frame and every safely suspended camera rig stands a network of professionals who make the impossible look effortless. Kevin Corbishley was one of those professionals — a rigger and lighting specialist whose technical expertise and quiet dedication helped bring some of the UK’s most cherished series to life.

His story is one of unsung craftsmanship, kindness, and the often-overlooked artistry of behind-the-scenes work. When Call the Midwife and Ghosts — two of the BBC’s flagship series — both paused to honor him, it signaled how deeply he was respected within the industry.

This article dives into Kevin Corbishley’s career, the tributes that celebrated him, the crucial role of riggers in television production, and why his name will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike.

Who Was Kevin Corbishley?

Kevin Corbishley (1965–2022) was a British film and television crew member, known primarily for his work as a standby rigger and lighting rigger. He was a skilled technician — part of the Camera and Electrical Departments — responsible for installing, maintaining, and safely managing the rigging systems that support lighting and equipment on set.

He was part of the production teams for some of the BBC’s most beloved shows, including:

• Call the Midwife (BBC One) — Standby Rigger

• Ghosts (BBC One) — Light Rigger

• Anna Karenina (2012, dir. Joe Wright) — Art Department (Plasterer’s Labourer)

Although his name was not widely known outside the industry, Kevin’s work left a visible mark. His contributions shaped the light, space, and atmosphere that millions of viewers enjoyed without ever realizing who made it possible.

Early Career and Professional Journey

While detailed personal information about Kevin’s early life remains private, his professional record traces a clear path through the British film and television production network.

His earliest documented credit appears in Joe Wright’s 2012 film Anna Karenina, starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law. Kevin worked in the art department, credited as a plasterer’s labourer, helping to construct the ornate and theatrical sets that defined the film’s distinctive visual style.

From there, Kevin transitioned into rigging and electrical support — a common move for crew members with technical and construction backgrounds. By the late 2010s, he had become part of the BBC’s regular production ecosystem, working across period dramas and multi-camera comedies alike.

The switch from film art department to lighting rigging shows a professional versatility that is highly prized in production circles. Rigging combines engineering precision with creative problem-solving — qualities Kevin’s colleagues frequently praised him for.

Understanding the Role: What Does a Rigger Do?

To understand Kevin Corbishley’s impact, it helps to understand what a TV rigger does.

A rigger is responsible for:

1. Installing the structural supports for lighting, cameras, and sometimes scenery.

2. Ensuring weight distribution and safety compliance in studios and on location.

3. Collaborating with lighting designers and directors of photography to position fixtures.

4. Managing temporary trusses, pulleys, and overhead structures that allow for dynamic camera and lighting setups.

5. Working under pressure — often overnight — to prepare sets before shooting begins.

In period dramas like Call the Midwife, riggers face additional challenges: the locations are often heritage buildings, where drilling or mounting equipment into walls is forbidden. Riggers like Kevin must design non-invasive solutions — using free-standing rigs, clamps, and tensioned systems — to achieve the desired lighting without damaging historic interiors.

Similarly, in comedies like Ghosts, filmed at the stately home West Horsley Place, riggers must balance safety, preservation, and practicality — setting up equipment discreetly to maintain the illusion of an untouched, centuries-old mansion.

Work on Call the Midwife: Illuminating Humanity

When Call the Midwife aired its Series 11 finale in February 2022, viewers noticed a touching message at the end:

“In memory of Kev Corbishley 1965–2022.”

It was a brief but profound tribute to a man who had been an integral part of the production’s crew.

The Atmosphere Kevin Helped Create

Call the Midwife has a visual signature: soft, golden light that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and compassion. That “look” doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of collaboration between the lighting department, riggers, and camera crew.

Kevin, as a standby rigger, played a vital role in maintaining that visual identity. His rigging setups made it possible for cinematographers to achieve the perfect balance between period authenticity and emotional intimacy.

Every delicate glow around a newborn’s crib, every glint of lamplight in Poplar’s fog — each depended on safe, precise rigging.

The Team’s Farewell

The show’s official BBC Twitter account (now X) later acknowledged the tribute, replying to a viewer’s question with:

“Kev was a dearly loved member of our crew who died earlier this year. We miss him very much.”

The choice to honor him on-screen underscores how valued he was. Call the Midwife’s long-running crew is famously tight-knit, and Kevin’s loss was felt deeply across departments.

Work on Ghosts: Light, Laughter, and Legacy

After years of rigging on Call the Midwife, Kevin also joined the team of BBC’s hit comedy Ghosts — created by the ensemble behind Horrible Histories.

The show, set in the dilapidated “Button House,” blends slapstick comedy with subtle emotional moments. Each episode is filmed on location, relying on complex lighting setups to maintain a consistent tone despite changing weather and natural light conditions.

Kevin was credited as a light rigger from Series 2 onwards, working closely with the show’s lighting team to ensure safe, efficient installation of fixtures in a delicate, historic setting.

The Tribute That Touched Fans

In September 2022, when Ghosts premiered its Series 4 opener, “Happy Holiday”, fans noticed the episode ended with the message:

“In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.”

This simple on-screen dedication resonated widely, sparking questions and tributes on social media. Radio Times later published an article titled “Who was Kevin Corbishley? Ghosts season 4 tribute explained,” confirming that he had worked as a light rigger and had been with the team since the show’s early days.

Crew tributes described Kevin as both “highly professional” and “a joy to work with” — someone who made long shoots not just manageable, but enjoyable.

Remembered by Two Beloved Shows

It’s rare for two major BBC productions to feature on-screen memorials for the same crew member in the same year.

That both Call the Midwife and Ghosts chose to dedicate episodes to Kevin Corbishley highlights something remarkable: he wasn’t just another name on a call sheet. He was part of the creative family that sustains these long-running shows.

Such gestures are typically reserved for crew members whose presence was deeply felt — individuals who combined skill with kindness and left a lasting impression on those around them.

The Importance of Crew Tributes in Television

When a show ends with “In memory of…” it’s a sacred moment in television culture. For a few seconds, the audience is invited to look past the fiction and acknowledge the real human labor behind it.

These tributes are not decided lightly. The producers, directors, and department heads collectively agree to honor someone whose contribution and camaraderie made a lasting difference.

In Kevin’s case, both productions aired their tributes publicly and permanently — now preserved in streaming archives and broadcast reruns — ensuring that his name remains a part of the shows’ histories.

Legacy in the Industry

Kevin Corbishley’s legacy lies not only in his credits, but in the way his peers remember him. Crew members often describe their work as “family,” and like family, the loss of one member leaves a visible gap.

While Kevin’s on-screen tributes are the most public expression of remembrance, his influence also lives on in the everyday practices of safety, professionalism, and humor that he brought to set.

He represents the unsung craftsperson — a cornerstone of the film and TV world. His example reminds future technicians that excellence doesn’t require fame; it requires consistency, care, and a collaborative spirit.

A Closer Look at His Filmography

These credits, though few in number publicly, suggest a broader, continuous presence in the UK production community over at least a decade. Like many crew professionals, much of Kevin’s work may have gone uncredited or listed internally through production call sheets rather than in final listings.

The Art of Rigging: A Hidden Hero’s Craft

Let’s step for a moment into Kevin’s shoes. Imagine arriving at 6 a.m. on a damp British morning, tasked with preparing a historic house for shooting. The lighting plan calls for fixtures mounted in places that can’t be drilled, cables run through hidden spaces, and all of it must be invisible to camera, safe for cast, and ready before call time.

That’s the daily rhythm of a rigger’s life: early starts, late finishes, and relentless attention to safety.

What Makes a Great Rigger?

1. Precision: Every load, every knot, every clamp must be secure.

2. Patience: Changes happen constantly; riggers must adapt without frustration.

3. Creativity: Many sets present impossible challenges — solving them is an art.

4. Teamwork: Riggers collaborate with lighting technicians, grips, and gaffers.

5. Calm under pressure: Shooting days are expensive; riggers keep the machine running.

Kevin embodied those traits. His dual recognition across two major BBC series testifies to both his competence and character.

Industry Reactions and Public Tributes

After the Ghosts tribute aired, fans turned to social media to ask, “Who was Kevin Corbishley?” Within hours, entertainment outlets like Radio Times, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home published short features explaining his role and celebrating his behind-the-scenes contributions.

Many crew members — though not household names — hold enormous influence within their production circles. Tributes poured in from colleagues recalling Kevin’s good humor, reliability, and gentle professionalism.

These collective memories reveal how deeply integrated he was into the family-like fabric of the British TV industry.

Why His Story Matters

Kevin’s story is emblematic of an entire class of professionals who make film and television possible.

• They build the worlds audiences love. Without riggers, lighting setups would be unsafe or impossible.

• They rarely get recognition. Their names pass unnoticed during end credits.

• They hold immense skill. Years of experience and safety certifications go into every setup.

• They embody teamwork. A show’s success relies on their precision and timing.

By honoring Kevin, Call the Midwife and Ghosts shone a light on the importance of recognizing crew members as creative collaborators, not just technicians.

The Broader Cultural Impact

In a post-pandemic production landscape, there’s been renewed emphasis on crew well-being, recognition, and safety. Memorials like Kevin Corbishley’s represent a shift toward valuing every contributor — from directors to runners — as part of the storytelling process.

His passing and subsequent tributes sparked discussion among fans and media about the invisible workforce behind television. Viewers began to look more closely at end credits, realizing that every name represents a story, a career, and a legacy.

Lessons for the Next Generation

For aspiring riggers and crew members, Kevin’s journey offers practical and moral lessons:

1. Your work matters, even if it’s not visible to the public.

2. Relationships last longer than credits. Kindness on set echoes for years.

3. Safety and precision are creativity’s foundation. Without a stable rig, art can’t happen.

4. Dedication is its own reward. Recognition may come quietly, but excellence never goes unnoticed.

Kevin’s story should be taught in film schools and technical training programs as a model of professionalism and quiet excellence.

The Emotional Power of On-Screen Dedications

There’s something deeply moving about seeing a dedication appear on a black screen after a show’s final scene. It’s intimate and communal — a way for everyone who loved the show to share a small moment of respect.

When Call the Midwife and Ghosts did this for Kevin Corbishley, they invited millions of viewers to participate in remembrance.

That’s the beauty of storytelling: it connects us, even to the people who made it possible behind the curtain.

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Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Light

Kevin Corbishley may never have sought the spotlight, but his work was the light — literally and metaphorically.

He leaves behind a quiet, enduring legacy: beautifully illuminated sets, safely rigged equipment, and a community of professionals who remember him not just as a colleague, but as a friend.

As audiences continue to watch Call the Midwife and Ghosts, his contribution lives on in every warm glow, every perfectly balanced shot, and every laugh shared in the rooms he helped light.