Who Was Kevin Corbishley?

Kevin Corbishley (1965–2021) was a respected and deeply cherished rigger and standby rigger in the British television and film industry. He worked on a variety of productions, ensuring that the physical sets and equipment were safe, secure, and ready for action. It’s a job that rarely gets public recognition—but it’s absolutely essential.

Working behind the scenes, Kev Corbishley (as he was affectionately known on set) brought to life the physical structures that became the backdrops for stories we love.

A Legacy in Television: Shows That Paid Tribute

📺 Call the Midwife

One of Kevin’s most significant contributions was to the BBC hit drama Call the Midwife. Over the course of 15 episodes, including the 2020 Christmas special, Kevin helped shape the show’s authentic, emotional atmosphere with his rigging work.

In Season 11, Episode 8, the show aired a heartfelt tribute:
“In memory of Kev Corbishley, 1965–2021.”

It was a quiet, powerful moment that stirred viewers. Many took to social media to ask, “Who was Kev Corbishley, and why is this episode dedicated to him?” That simple title card reminded audiences that great storytelling is a team effort.

👻 Ghosts (BBC)

Another tribute came from Ghosts, the quirky British comedy beloved for its charm and wit. The first episode of Season 4—titled Happy Holiday—closed with a similar nod to Kevin’s memory. Though he worked behind the scenes on five episodes, his presence was deeply felt by cast and crew alike.

The Role of a Rigger: Why Kevin’s Job Mattered

You might be wondering: What exactly does a standby rigger do?

Think of riggers as the structural architects of film and TV sets. From securing lighting grids to building frameworks for props and scenery, their work ensures that everyone else—from actors to camera operators—can do their jobs safely and smoothly.

Kevin Corbishley wasn’t just showing up and lifting beams—he was helping construct the visual worlds we get lost in. Whether it was the gritty realism of Responsible Child (2019) or the period elegance of Anna Karenina (2012), Kevin’s craft laid the foundation.

A Behind-the-Scenes Hero

Kevin wasn’t a household name, but those who worked with him knew his value. Crew members remember him for his warmth, reliability, and dedication to his craft. In an industry where long hours and tight schedules are the norm, having someone like Kevin on your team could make all the difference.

It’s easy to overlook the people behind the camera—but for every polished scene you watch, someone like Kevin was there, ensuring it could happen at all.

Why Viewers Keep Searching for Kevin Corbishley

Since the tributes aired, searches for “Kevin Corbishley Call the Midwife”, “Kev Corbishley Ghosts”, and “Kevin Corbishley rigger” have spiked. People are curious—not just about what he did, but why he was important enough to earn a tribute.

That curiosity speaks volumes. It shows that audiences care not just about stars, but about the people who make their favorite stories possible. And Kevin’s story—while perhaps not glamorous—is deeply human and worth remembering.

Tributes That Outlast Credits

Television has the power to immortalize. When Call the Midwife and Ghosts chose to dedicate episodes to Kevin Corbishley, they did more than honor a coworker—they invited millions of viewers to share in that gratitude.

In doing so, they shined a light on the unsung heroes behind the screen. Kevin’s legacy lives on not just in the scaffolding of a set or the rigging of a scene, but in the emotional architecture of the shows he helped build.

Final Thoughts: Remembering Kev Corbishley

Kevin Corbishley may not have been a name you recognized before today. But the next time you’re immersed in a moving scene from Call the Midwife or laughing along with Ghosts, remember that someone like Kevin was behind the scenes—lifting, building, crafting, caring.

He didn’t need to be on camera to be part of the story.
He was the story.