10 hours ago
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- Daily Record
BBC issues Call The Midwife statement after rumours show is being axed
The BBC has issued a statement after rumours Call The Midwife is being axed after 15 years on screen - with the broadcaster insisting the show will be back for a 16th series.
The BBC has quashed rumours that Call the Midwife is facing cancellation, confirming that a 16th series is on the cards, although they've yet to set a date for its return.
The much-anticipated 15th series is set to grace our screens from January next year, and fans can also look forward to a cinematic release of the show's movie version, as well as a prequel series set during WWII showcasing younger versions of the beloved characters.
Reassurances have been made that the original cast will reprise their roles in the future instalments of the drama centred around the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House.
Speculation suggests that the format may shift from a traditional series to something more akin to ITV's Downton Abbey, which transitioned to producing films post-television series, reports the Mirror.
A source 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."
In a statement released this morning, the BBC reassured viewers: "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."
After a flood of messages on Scott Mills' Radio 2 breakfast show, listeners are sharing their sorrow over the announcement that the beloved drama will conclude after captivating audiences for 15 years.
The series, inspired by Jennifer Worth's memoirs, premiered on BBC1 in 2012 and quickly became a cherished fixture, consistently featuring in the BBC's Christmas Day line-up.
With current contracts for the cast extending until November this year, they are set to be renewed as preparations for the first movie adaptation get underway, with an official announcement already made. An insider revealed: "In terms of getting the cast back, production will work it all out before the end of filming next year."
Speculation about the show's finale arose as cast members expressed their emotional state at the start of filming for next year's instalment, uncertain if it would be followed by another.
However, in May, it was disclosed that the main series would merely "take a break" from BBC1 as focus shifts to a prequel series set during the war, featuring a new cast. The film, supported by BBC Film and starring the regular characters, is expected to begin shooting next year prior to its cinema debut.
Show bosses allegedly wished to wrap up the series on a positive note according to sources. The Daily Star was reportedly informed by an insider: "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."
However, according to updates from earlier today, any feelings of sadness, and uncertainty were reportedly due to the fact that the popular show is being paused, and not coming to a complete end.
There are also plans for the production of a prequel that is set during World War II, in the Blitz years. The prequel would include the appearance of younger versions of famous characters that form part of the show's current line-up.
It will feature Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, Stephen McGann, Cliff Parisi and possibly include Sister Evangelina as well.
By contrast, the upcoming feature film will star the current cast and possibly some characters from the past returning to the show. The line-up could possibly include Miranda Hart who featured as Chummy and Miriam Margolyes who featured as Mother Mildred.
There are hopes that the series could star big-name actors and actresses. One source previously revealed: "Joanna Lumley as a nun? Now that's something I'd like to see."
The film is to be set abroad in 1972, marking a shift from the usual East End setting as it captures the nuns and nurses embracing an era of increased hospital births by utilising their skills overseas.
Potential settings include Hong Kong, where this year's two-part Christmas special will unfold, or a return to South Africa, previously featured in 2016.
Last month, insiders were keen to clarify that these new ventures would not spell the end for the original series, which they assured would continue "in due course" following the completion of these projects.
Writer Heidi Thomas shared her excitement: "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 delved further into the historical backdrop for the additional narrative: "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."
Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris also commented on the expansion of the show's universe: "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."
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