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BBC confirms Call The Midwife's return amid cancellation rumours
BBC confirms Call The Midwife's return amid cancellation rumours
The BBC has responded to reports that Call The Midwife will be ending after its 15th series, with the broadcaster saying that the claims are "categorically untrue"
Filming for the 15th series of the beloved show started in May.
(Image: INSTAGRAM via Mirror )
The BBC have quashed rumours that Call the Midwife is coming to an end, confirming that they will indeed be returning. Series 15 is set to grace our screens from January next year, and fans can also look forward to a cinematic release of a movie version, as well as a prequel series set during WWII, which will showcase younger incarnations of the beloved characters.
Reaffirming their commitment to the popular drama about the lives of Nonnatus House's nuns and nurses, BBC bosses have assured viewers that the original cast will return to television screens soon after these releases.
There is speculation among insiders that the show might not continue as a full series but could instead produce specials, similar to the approach taken by ITV's Downton Abbey with its post-television films. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
The Mirror reported that a source had revealed: "The intention is certainly for Call the Midwife to come back to the TV in one way or another. It could be that it returns as specials, rather than a full series, but we just don't know yet. But it will be back! Fans haven't seen the last of their favourite characters yet."
This morning, the BBC issued a statement to calm any concerns: "The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come.
"As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere."
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The BBC denies that Call The Midwife is being axed
(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Andrea southam via Mirror )
The official Call The Midwife Instagram also reassured fans. They said: "There have been a lot of stories flying around the UK press this morning about Call the Midwife supposedly coming to an end, which - unsurprisingly - has shocked and worried some of you.
"Fear not! There is SO MUCH more baby business for us to do!!"
They added: "We hope this puts your minds at ease! Meanwhile our team continue their work on Series 15... with some thrilling overseas filming coming very soon.... !
"Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026 xx"
Fans were relieved to hear the good news. One said: "Thank goodness for that! I was literally gutted this morning. It's such a beautiful programme and I adore it. Best show on TV."
Another added: "The best news. Love this show, it's like having a hot water bottle. Thank you to all the cast and crew for making it so special."
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Originating from Jennifer Worth's memoirs, the acclaimed series premiered on BBC1 in 2012 and quickly secured its place as a cherished fixture, consistently featuring in the BBC's Christmas Day line-up.
Speculation about the programme's finale arose as cast members expressed their sentimental feelings at the start of filming for next year's instalment, uncertain if it would be followed by another season.
However, in May, it was disclosed that the main series would merely "take a break" from BBC1 while attention shifted to a prequel series set during the war, showcasing a completely new cast. The film, supported by BBC Film and starring the familiar faces, is expected to commence shooting next year prior to its cinematic debut.
The spin-off, set during the Blitz years of World War II, is anticipated to showcase younger iterations of many well-regarded current characters, which are expected to include Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt), Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), and Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi). There might also be an appearance from Sister Evangelina, a role enacted by Pam Ferris until her character's demise in the fifth season.
Conversely, the feature film will feature the current ensemble and is likely to see some fan favourites return to screens, potentially with Miranda Hart as Chummy and Miriam Margolyes as Mother Mildred, as well as possibly introducing prominent guest stars. An insider commented at the time: "Joanna Lumley as a nun? Now that's something I'd like to see."
The forthcoming film is slated to be set overseas, in 1972, a time when the increased hospital births afforded the beloved nuns and nurses an opportunity to apply their expertise internationally. Potential settings being considered are Hong Kong, the locale for this year's two-part Christmas special, or perhaps a return to South Africa, last featured in 2016.
Scriptwriter Heidi Thomas shared her enthusiasm: "I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.
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"The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger! ) faces."
Dame Pippa Harris, the executive producer, also voiced her perspective: "It now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel."
