IT’S one of the BBC’s biggest and longest running dramas, now the Call the Midwife universe is rapidly expanding over the coming year.
The biggest news is that they will be making a prequel – which bosses have hinted at for some time now – and since it’s set in World War II it could feature younger versions of older characters from the more recent series.
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They’re likely to include Fred Buckle, Dr Turner and a trio of nuns – Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan – all of whom are known to have been around during the conflict.
As well as the prequel they be making a conventional 15th series – with a two part Christmas special – they’re also creating a movie version as well.
Creator and writer Heidi Thomas 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.”
The two-part festive special will be set in their traditional surroundings of Poplar as well as Hong Kong this time round.
Series 15 will then follow, kicking off off in 1971 with several of the ladies embracing Women’s Lib and burning their bras outside Nonnatus House.
Meanwhile producers Neal Street will work with BBC Film on creating the movie version of the show which will be set overseas in
1972 and feature characters from the existing TV show.
Heidi added: “Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen.”
However, eagle-eyed fans of the BBC drama noticed a familiar face was missing from the first look pictures at the new series.
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! 🎅🎄”
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.
But, 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.”
A third penned: “WHERE IS SISTER MONICA JOAN? ? ? ? ? ? DONT SCARE ME LIKE THIS”
Call the Midwife is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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