Latest news with #Midwives
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC confirms Call the Midwife 'isn't going anywhere' despite reports of axing
The BBC has confirmed Call the Midwife "isn't going anywhere, despite reports it is "coming to an end" after series 15. The hit BBC series, which follows a group of midwives in London's impoverished East End during the 50s and 60s, began back in January 2012. It has gone on to win several major gongs, including BAFTAs, TV Choice and National Television Awards. Filming is already underway for series 15 of Call the Midwife, which the Daily Star reported was set to be the last. An insider, speaking to the news outlet, said: 'After years of drama and countless births, Call The Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it's time to draw the show to a close and bow out. 'This is the last we'll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends.' They continued: 'It's a bittersweet time for the cast and crew. They're all sad it's coming to an end, but they want to make sure the show gets the ending it deserves.' Fans were quick to jump on social media to share how "upset" they were with reports Call the Midwife had been axed. One person, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: "I'm so upset I love call the midwife praying doctor who ain't next, im scared." Another viewer added: "I can't believe they are taking Call The Midwife away from me this is a personal attack." A third fan commented: "They cancelled call the midwife I'm going into a permanent mourning." they cancelled call the midwife I'm going into a permanent mourning — h. 🤎 (@withlovekarim) June 25, 2025 The 15th and final series of Call the Midwife will consist of eight hour-long episodes and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from January 2026. The new series will follow a two-part Christmas special in 2025, which will be set in Hong Kong and Poplar. But despite these reports, the BBC has reassured fans Call the Midwife "isn't going anywhere". A Call the Midwife prequel series is set for production in 2026. (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney) The broadcaster said: "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.' RECOMMENDED READING: Call the Midwife confirms return of star as fans say 'he's back where he belongs' BBC announces new Call the Midwife prequel TV series and film Call the Midwife star admits 'it's hard to talk about' BBC show after shock axe Call the Midwife legend surprises fans after landing new role on EastEnders As well as series 15, the BBC also previously announced a new Call the Midwife prequel series. The prequel series, set in Poplar during World War II, will be made for the BBC in 2026. In addition to the new TV series, Neal Street (production company), in development with BBC Film, is producing a Call the Midwife film. The BBC said: "This will be set overseas in 1972 and feature iconic characters from the existing TV show."
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC shares 'profoundly emotional' update about the future of Call The Midwife as show boss pays tribute to loyal fans
A 'profoundly emotional' update about the future of Call The Midwife has been shared by the BBC. Fans hoping to be whisked back into the streets of Poplar will be pleased to learn that filming has commenced for series 15. The broadcaster has confirmed a two-part Call The Midwife Christmas special is being prepared and will be set in Hong Kong and the East End. It will be followed by eight new hour-long episodes from January 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The new instalments will launch into 1971 and the nurses will tackle several issues including 'premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery'. At the start, senior members of the Nonnatus House staff head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission. The broadcaster has confirmed a two-part Call The Midwife Christmas special is being prepared and will be set in Hong Kong and the East End While they're away, the younger midwives are left to help the local community alone. Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) experiences a huge change in mindset and the 'energy reverberates throughout series 15'. What's more, the women's liberation movement is in full swing and several ladies burn their bras outside of the convent. In another treat for viewers, a Call The Midwife film is also set to be produced and will be based in 1972. While a prequel series is also in the works for next year and will dive into the streets of Poplar during World War Two. Heidi Thomas OBE, creator and writer, said: 'The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right. '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.' She reflected how the East End during the Blitz was 'extraordinary' and 'filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy'. Heidi added: 'The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.' The writer teased what was in store for the prequel and said: 'There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces. 'As the classic Call the Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape. 'The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters. 'Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!' Beeb boss Lindsay Salt described the show as a 'jewel in the BBC's crown'. While executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added: 'In an increasingly competitive viewing environment not only have our loyal fans stayed with us for 14 years, but they've been joined by a new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face. 'Emboldened by this warmth and enthusiasm, 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!' More information about the upcoming film and prequel series are set to be released later in the year. It comes after Call The Midwife became the UK's biggest drama series and this year's series averaged 7.8million views. While 2024's Christmas special hit 8.9million viewers.
