Call the Midwife viewers left concerned as popular show star ‘disappears' from set – after new series is confirmed

Scottish Sun

06-05-2025

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CALL the Midwife fans have been left scratching their heads after a familiar face was noticeably missing from the first look pictures at the new series.
Fans of the BBC drama fear the beloved character has quietly quit the show just as a brand new series is confirmed.
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The show confirmed a Christmas special with a cast photo
Credit: Instagram/BBC
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But fans couldn't help but notice the beloved Sister Monica Joan was missing
Credit: BBC / Neal Street Productions
Call the Midwife will be back to warm our hearts this Christmas - with a festive special confirmed before the beloved drama returns for its 15th series in 2026.
The show's official Instagram page dropped a behind-the-scenes snap from the yuletide episode, showing fan favourites Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann and Linda Bassett all smiles in snowy Nonnatus House scenes.
The caption read: "NEWS! ! ! Call the Midwife Cast Begins Filming For Series 15! It's official - our team are back in Poplar! !"
"We are delighted to announce the commencement of filming for our fifteenth series of Call the Midwife – and this year our traditional first-scene clapperboard shot is something a bit special, with a fine group of cast members present for the start of Christmas Special recording! 🎅🎄
"Oh, and of course, filming Christmas means… another heatwave in the UK!! Once more, our long-suffering team are laying down snow whilst wearing sunglasses ❄️ 😎
"And our cast can look sweaty-chic in those five layers of winter clothing…. 😆
"The mood is FANTASTIC on set, however, as our team are about to film an INCREDIBLE new Christmas story!
"There is just so much to tell about this year's festive drama… but all we can say right now is that there are distant troubles, wild celebrations, new beginnings, sad reunions… and a few sore heads!
"We just can't WAIT to show you this one… xx Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026 xx"
Fans of the period drama were quick to share their excitement over the show's return.
Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham
But eagle-eyed viewers couldn't help noticing one familiar face missing.
Judy Parfitt, who plays the iconic Sister Monica Joan, was nowhere to be seen in the festive snap, sparking fears she may have quietly bowed out of the show.
Taking to the comment section, one user wrote: "Where is Sister Monica Joan?"
Another added: "That's what I'm worried about."
Call The Midwife: A breakdown
Call The Midwife first came onto the airwaves in 2012 and has been seen by millions. But what is it about?
Series one: Set in early 1957 and it explored the 'Baby Boom generation, which included themes of poverty and post-war immigration.
Series two: Set in 1958 and it showed gas and air being introduced for pain relief for the first time. It ended with the Nonnatus House building being condemned.
Series three: Set in 1959 and it depicted gruesome conditions such as cystic fibrosis, polio and it showed the midwives in the context on prisons.
Series four: Set in 1960 under the threat of nuclear warfare and the emergency response guidelines issued by the local Civil Defence Corp. Other themes included LGBT rights, and syphilis.
Series five: Set in 1961 and it shows the care of patients with conditions such as Typhoid and strokes. We also saw the effects of thalidomide, the introduction of the contraceptive pill.
Series six: Set in 1962 and domestic violence was at the centre of the season. Other themes included FGM (female genital mutilation), mental health issues and interracial marriage. It was also notable for the introduction of Reggie, a recurring character with Down Syndrome.
Series seven: Set in 1963 and we see Nurse Lucille Anderson for the first time. We also see the show address conditions such as dementia, huntington's disease, leprosy and meningitis
Series eight: Set in 1964 and it bravely covered the issue of abortion, which was not legal for another three years in 1967. Sickle cell disease, cleft lip, cleft palate and intersex people also featured.
Series nine: Diptheria was at the centre of the ninth instalment in 1965, and it was notable for featuring a blind expectant mother. But the role of Nonnatus House within the community also came into question.
Series ten: Set in 1966, Nonnatus House has a rival in the form of the private Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair. PKU, diabetes and the controversy surrounding abortion were central themes.
Series eleven: Set in 1967 amid the housing crisis and a scabies epidemic. The show was rocked by a train crash right next to Nonnatus House.
A third penned: "WHERE IS SISTER MONICA JOAN? ? ? ? ? ? DONT SCARE ME LIKE THIS"
The 89-year-old actress has been on the show since it launched in 2012.
She made her film debut in the 1950s, followed by a supporting role in the BBC television serial David Copperfield.
Judy also appeared as Queen Gertrude in Tony Richardson's 1969 film adaptation of Hamlet.
Judy found love with her husband, the late actor Tony Steedman, after the pair worked together on a stage play at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre back in 1960.
Bonded by their shared passion for the craft, Judy and Tony built impressive careers on both sides of the Atlantic - from the West End to Hollywood blockbusters.
Tony he landed roles in War & Peace (1972-1973), The Thirty Nine Steps (1978) and Scrooged (1988).
Among his best known roles, Tony starred alongside Keanu Reeves as Socrates in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1988), and he also portrayed Jasper DeKimmel in Golden Girls.
Tony sadly passed away after being diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Having lovingly cared for him throughout his illness, Judy became a vocal advocate for dementia awareness - even using her beloved Call The Midwife character to highlight the struggles faced by those living with the condition.
Sister Monica was suffering from dementia in the series, and she previously said: "Having watched my husband, the actor Tony Steedman, succumb to this terrible disease over ten years, depicting Sister Monica Joan's condition is still an extremely important aspect of the role to me."
Call The Midwife is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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The show announced it will return this Christmas
Credit: BBC
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Judy has played Sister Monica Joan since the show began in 2012
Credit: BBC
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Judy's husband Tony passed away in 2001 with vascular dementia