17-07-2025
BBC drops first look at Call The Midwife Christmas special - and there's a VERY worrying sign
The BBC has dropped a first look at the Call The Midwife Christmas special - and there is a very worrying sign.
The broadcaster has confirmed filming is underway for the festive episode of the beloved period drama series about midwives working in London 's East End from the fifties to the seventies.
The programme's official Instagram account shared a snap of the cast on set on Wednesday, all in decidedly breezier linen looks than usual.
It came after it was announced earlier this year the Christmas special would be set both in Poplar, as normal - and in Hong Kong.
Fans were delighted by the update, taking to the comments section to express their excitement.
But eagle-eyed observers noted there were three notable absences from the cast picture - raising questions about the extent of their involvement in the special.
Nurses Trixie Aylward (Helen George), Rosalind Clifford (Natalie Quarry) and Joyce Highland (Renee Bailey) were not seen in the Hong Kong cast picture.
It suggests viewers can count them out of those storylines - and keep their fingers crossed they will see enough of them on screen back in Poplar.
But one fan favourite who does appear to feature in the Hong Kong storylines by their presence in the cast snap are GP Dr Turner (Stephen McCann).
He is joined by Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) and nurse Shelagh Turner (Laura Main).
Handyman Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi) and his wife Violet (Anabelle Apsion) also appear to have joined the gang on their adventure.
The exact storyline of the Christmas special is not yet known.
It will run in advance of the fifteenth series of the programme, set to begin in early 2026, with a sixteenth instalment commissioned to follow.
Excitingly, a film and prequel series are also on their way.
The caption of the Instagram post read: 'NEWS! Cast Begins Christmas Filming in Hong Kong!
'Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 2025 Call the Midwife Christmas Special would be set in both Poplar and Hong Kong – and so last week, members of our team quietly jetted off to film the far eastern elements of the festive story!
'What better way to mark the beginning of an exotic filming adventure than with a traditional clapperboard shot!
'Our team report that the weather is rather hot and humid, but morale is very high, and the work rather exciting…'
Teasing additional filming updates, it said: 'Over the next days, we'll be bringing you news and updates on the progress of our cast in Hong Kong so do keep a look out! xxx'
And reassuring fans the show would be on screens for some time to come, it added: 'Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special and Series 15 in 2026 xx'
Fans were absolutely ecstatic to see the post, commenting, 'This is so exciting!', and, 'I am beyond thrilled at this new special coming!'
Another said: 'OMG I am a huge fan and from Hong Kong. Great fun shooting in my city and can't wait for the new season. Sending love.'
Other dedicated viewers added, 'Very exciting news', and, 'Best show, cast and crew'.
The major filming update comes after a period of uncertainty for Call The Midwife, which had been dogged by rumours it was set to be axed.
It first aired in 2012 and has so far run for 14 series with numerous festive episodes - so its cancellation would mark an enormous shake-up for the BBC.
With speculation rife, show bosses were forced to address the rumours - thankfully clarifying the fate of the TV stalwart was certain.
'The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come', the broadcaster said.
'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.'
The cast for the prequel series, which will be set during World War Two, is yet to be confirmed.
But the programme's creator and writer Heidi Thomas has previously 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.
'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.
'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!'
The next series of the main show 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.
While they are 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.
The film will be set a year later, in 1972.
BBC boss Lindsay Salt has described the show as a 'jewel in the BBC's crown'.
Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris has also previously said: '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!'
Based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, Call The Midwife has been consistently popular ever since its first series.
It is the UK's biggest drama series, averaging 7.8million viewers this year while the 2024 Christmas special drew in a whopping 8.9million spectators.
The programme has also won big at awards ceremonies over the years.
Some of its gongs including National Television Awards for Best Female Drama Performance, for Miranda Hart, and Best Period Drama.
