Latest news with #CALLtheMidwife
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Call the Midwife viewers left concerned as popular show star ‘disappears' from set – after new series is confirmed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The show confirmed a Christmas special with a cast photo Credit: Instagram/BBC 6 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. 6 The show announced it will return this Christmas Credit: BBC 6 Judy has played Sister Monica Joan since the show began in 2012 Credit: BBC 6 Judy's husband Tony passed away in 2001 with vascular dementia
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Call the Midwife viewers left concerned as popular show star ‘disappears' from set – after new series is confirmed
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. 6 The show confirmed a Christmas special with a cast photo Credit: Instagram/BBC 6 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 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! 🎅🎄 more on call the midwife "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! Most read in Drama "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. 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 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 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 . 6 The show announced it will return this Christmas Credit: BBC 6 Judy has played Sister Monica Joan since the show began in 2012 Credit: BBC 6 Judy's husband Tony passed away in 2001 with vascular dementia 6 But Judy continues to raise awareness about dementia through her character on the BBC drama Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Call the Midwife issues major series update – months after writer hinted show could be ‘rested'
CALL the Midwife has issued a major series update - just months after the creator hinted the show could take a break after 13 years. It remains the BBC's most watched drama so talk of any end to the medical show would leave fans devastated. 3 Call the Midwife will be BACK for series 15 and they've already started filming Credit: Instagram 3 The upcoming series will return later this year with a special Christmas episode Credit: BBC But fans can be rest assured that the series is not going anywhere just yet - as series 15 has just commenced filming. The popular show will return to our screens with a special Christmas episode later this year. The show's official Instagram account shared a new photo of the cast on set, with familiar faces The first look photo from the festive episode showed the stars with big smiles while dressed in winterwear with fake snow on the ground. READ MORE ON CALL THE MIDWIFE 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." They explained that filming a Christmas episode in May comes with its challenges. Most read in News TV The caption continued: "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. Call The Midwife actress looks nothing like her character after glam transformation and very sexy dress "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. "Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026." Just a few weeks ago, creator Talking to Radio Times, she said: 'Those of us who are most invested with the show, cast and producers alike, who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives. 'I don't believe Call the Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point.' Heidi continued: 'I'm not in a position to talk about things really. 'There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point? 'What are we working towards? 'Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. 'So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call the Midwife.' Asked if that might mean there was some kind of spin-off series from the show she simply replied: 'Watch this space.' 3 The creator hinted that the show could be 'rested' and replaced by a spin-off Credit: BBC
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Call the Midwife issues major series update – months after writer hinted show could be ‘rested'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CALL the Midwife has issued a major series update - just months after the creator hinted the show could take a break after 13 years. It remains the BBC's most watched drama so talk of any end to the medical show would leave fans devastated. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Call the Midwife will be BACK for series 15 and they've already started filming Credit: Instagram 3 The upcoming series will return later this year with a special Christmas episode Credit: BBC But fans can be rest assured that the series is not going anywhere just yet - as series 15 has just commenced filming. The popular show will return to our screens with a special Christmas episode later this year. The official Call the Midwife Instagram account shared a new photo of the cast on set, with the familiar faces like Helen George, Stephen McGann and Linda Bassett all featured. Alongside a preview photo from the festive episode, 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." They explained that filming a Christmas episode in May comes with its challenges. The caption continued: "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. Call The Midwife actress looks nothing like her character after glam transformation and very sexy dress "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. "Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026." Just a few weeks ago, creator Heidi Thomas also hinted the show was 'set to be rested' and replaced with a potential spin-off series Talking to Radio Times, she said: 'Those of us who are most invested with the show, cast and producers alike, who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives. 'I don't believe Call the Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point.' Heidi continued: 'I'm not in a position to talk about things really. 'There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point? 'What are we working towards? 'Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. 'So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call the Midwife.' Asked if that might mean there was some kind of spin-off series from the show she simply replied: 'Watch this space.'
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Call the Midwife issues major series update – months after writer hinted show could be ‘rested'
CALL the Midwife has issued a major series update - just months after the creator hinted the show could take a break after 13 years. It remains the BBC's most watched drama so talk of any end to the medical show would leave fans devastated. 3 3 But fans can be rest assured that the series is not going anywhere just yet - as series 15 has just commenced filming. The popular show will return to our screens with a special Christmas episode later this year. The show's official Instagram account shared a new photo of the cast on set, with the familiar faces Helen George, Stephen McGann and Linda Bassett all featured. Alongside a preview photo from the festive episode, 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." They explained that filming a Christmas episode in May comes with its challenges. The caption continued: "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. "Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026." Just a few weeks ago, creator Heidi Thomas also hinted the show was 'set to be rested' and replaced with a potential spin-off series Talking to Radio Times, she said: 'Those of us who are most invested with the show, cast and producers alike, who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives. 'I don't believe Call the Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point.' Heidi continued: 'I'm not in a position to talk about things really. 'There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point? 'What are we working towards? 'Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. 'So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call the Midwife.' Asked if that might mean there was some kind of spin-off series from the show she simply replied: 'Watch this space.' 3
