Midwife

The BBC show about midwives at Nonnatus House is taking a break after its latest series

Call The Midwife will not be back for a Christmas special this year.

The much-loved BBC period drama about midwives working in the East End is currently in its 15th series, but that is set to end on March 8 and show creator Heidi Thomas has previously confirmed the programme is then taking a break.

While it is due to return for a 16th run in the future, that will not be in January as usual, with the series on hiatus.

It has also been confirmed that its usual festive special – which is a usually a highlight of the Christmas TV schedule for viewers – will not air this December.

“We have made 15 series in 15 years – I’ve known for a couple of years that that situation won’t go on for ever,” Heidi told Radio Times.

“The sets need repair. The nuns’ habits are worn out. It takes 14 months to make every series.”

The show creator said that for two months of each year she and producer Annie Tricklebank work on two series at the same time and that the workload is “immense” and can only be sustained for “so long”.

During the Call The Midwife interlude, audiences will be treated to a wartime prequel series instead.

It commences on Christmas Day and will showcase 1940s incarnations of Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), and the late Sister Evangeline, who was previously portrayed by Pam Ferris.

A film featuring the regular cast set in the Commonwealth, probably Australia, in the year 1972 is also in the pipeline.

So far it isn’t known when the 16th series of the show will air.

But Heidi told Radio Times that it will return “slightly recalibrated”. “Changes will have taken place, but the change itself is not destructive,” she said. “It’s nourishing.”

Call The Midwife – which stars Helen George as Nurse Trixie Franklin – started in 2012 and has aired 15 series set between the 1950s and 1970s, as well as several festive specials.

The current series about the midwives of Nonnatus House started in January and is set in 1971.

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Call The Midwife airs at 8pm on BBC One on Sunday March 8

Call the Midwife has confirmed Timothy Turner is set to face challenges in episode seven of series 15

Timothy Turner is headed for a difficult ride in the forthcoming episode of Call the Midwife, and his parents will not be able to help.

The latest season of the BBC period drama is set to conclude on Sunday, 8 March, but before the season finale, it appears trainee doctor Timothy, played by Max Macmillan, will face challenges as he takes up work in Poplar.

The 25-year-old actor first appeared on the much-loved BBC period drama in 2012 when his character was introduced during the first-ever festive episode as Doctor Patrick Turner’s (Stephen McGann) mischievous, though kind-hearted, son.

In his first scenes on the show, Timothy is a young schoolboy who waits in a car whilst his dad attends to an older lady in dire need of medical attention. He was also a Boy Scout who got involved in Nurse Chummy’s (Miranda Hart) Christmas nativity, giving his dad a look of pride as he performed the violin in a memorable, heart-warming moment.

In the recent series of Call the Midwife, Timothy is sometimes absent due to his study commitments in Edinburgh as he trains to become a doctor. However, Timothy returns to Poplar on Sunday (March 1) for an exciting storyline, the BBC show confirmed on Tuesday.

Taking to Instagram, the show shared a string of photos of the trainee doctor, ranging from his upcoming scenes to him as a young boy.

Besides the nostalgic snaps, they wrote: “Countdown to Call the Midwife Episode 7: Timothy Turner steps up. In Sunday’s episode, we see the eldest Turner child put through his paces as a trainee doctor in the East End. And – without revealing too much – he has plenty to do…

“For actor Max Macmillan, the journey from a 12-year-old boy in Series 2 to a fully-grown medic has been unique in the history of our programme. What does it feel like to grow up on the set of such an iconic programme? And how does Max feel about the full role he’s now able to take in the drama?”

Max shared his excitement about his new plot after growing up on the show. He said: “It’s really exciting, because I’ve been in this show for over half my life – I was 12 when I started, and now I’m 25 – and a lot of it was just the wonderful shifting dynamic we had within the Turner family.

“But now, suddenly, Timothy has all these new responsibilities! I’m getting to explore a side of acting that I’ve always observed but never been a part of.”

Laura Main, who plays Shelagh, added: “I am so proud to be Max’s fake mum! There are strong bonds between us all, which have naturally changed and deepened over the years as everyone has grown up. Max has always been brilliant with the newer and younger additions to the Turner family, but to now see him carrying huge storylines as one of the adult actors is wonderful.

“He has a great relationship with Renee and Natalie, who are similar ages. He’s graduated into being a full member of the adult company, but he’s still the kind, funny, thoughtful, caring and intelligent person he always was.”

While Doctor Turner star Stephen McGann explained, “Watching Max grow up has been a real privilege. I have a son of my own, a little older than Max, and I think this helped me create a bond with both Max and his character of Timothy in the drama. But sadly for poor Max, he’s had to put up with my terrible dad jokes and wind-ups on set for years and years!”

The post concluded: “Sunday will see Timothy challenged where no parent is there to help. Will he be equal to it?.”

Taking to the comments, Call the Midwife fans shared their admiration for watching Timothy grow up on-screen, with one person writing: “It’s been wonderful watching Tim/Max grow up!”

A second pointed out: “He’s all grown up now!”, while a third chimed in: “The Boy becomes a Man (loveheart)”.

“From scout to doctor. He has grown from an adorable child to a young man”, penned one fan while another echoed the sentiment: “It’s been a privilege to watch Max grow up on screen as Timothy Turner.”

Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer

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Call the Midwife sees the comeback of popular characters as the nun’s health continues to spiral following her recent diagnosis.

Call the Midwife is welcoming back one much-loved family, and fans will be ecstatic.

In recent episodes of the BBC One drama, Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) has been rapidly declining in health, leaving her loved ones at Nonnatus House very concerned. On Sunday, 15 February, Doctor Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) confirmed that the nun’s loss of appetite and exhaustion are the result of a chronic kidney disease.

The GP then devastatingly added, “Unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she’ll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly”, as he also implied her deterioration has been rapid.

In the past, Sister Monica Joan has made miraculous recoveries from her medical issues, but this time, a subtle comment from her, “Maybe I do not care to go on for a long time”, appeared to seal her fate.

In forthcoming scenes airing during episode eight on Sunday, 8 March, Sister Monica Joan reunites with Bernie Mullocks (Christopher Reilly). The much-loved Mullocks’ family were introduced during series five before returning in series six as part of the ongoing Thalidomide story.

Who are the Mullucks family in Call the Midwife?

In 2016, Rhoda Mullucks (Liz White) gave birth to a daughter, Susan, who was born with birth defects after taking medication prescribed by Doctor Turner. During birth, the nurses immediately realised Susan was born without properly developed arms and legs as the newborn struggled to breathe.

Rhoda and her partner Bernie were left surprised by the developments but dedicated themselves to being the best parents they could.

The show tackled the Thalidomide scandal again in series six, catching up with the Mullucks family 18 months after Susan’s birth, as Dr Turner helped fit her with prosthetic limbs before enrolling in nursery school. Bernie found Susan’s condition hard to comprehend, and even walked out of a meeting as tears filled his eyes.

Over the years, Bernie went from despising his child he once cruelly called a “monster”, to being terrified into over-protectiveness, afraid she would be the object of ridicule.

In 2022, the Mullocks family returned as Rhoda and Bernie welcomed another baby into their beautiful family. Their story continued as the parents’ mental health was also explored.

In an advance glimpse of the Call the Midwife episode, Bernie sits beside his wife, Rhoda, as she lies in a hospital. The couple hold hands as they look dishevelled, though it is unclear why Rhoda was admitted to the hospital.

In another sneak peek, Bernie is seen pushing a frail Sister Monica Joan in a wheelchair through the streets of Poplar, carrying a bouquet of white flowers.

Bernie and Sister Monica Joan also visit a church together, though it is currently unknown what brings the two back together.

The BBC drama has also released a photo of Sister Monica Joan lying in bed, eyes closed, with her hands by her side. Is this the end for the adored sister? Viewers will have to wait and see what lies ahead for Sister Monica Joan.

Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer

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It looks as though BBC viewers will be saying farewell to one beloved character on Call the Midwife.

Emotions were at an all-time high on Sunday night as BBC viewers learnt the fate of Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt).

Recently, Call the Midwife viewers learnt that the beloved character had kidney failure, as Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) noted that additional tests would provide further information.

Tragically, those results were revealed during the latest instalment of the show.

As Dr Turner, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) sat down to go over the results, Dr Turner said: “I was hoping it was something that could be treated, but chronic kidney disease is just-“

Cutting in, Sister Julienne commented: “Something that takes old people gently, but kindly.”

As Dr Turner emphasised that regardless of the matter, the disease still ‘takes’ people, Nurse Phyllis questioned how long Sister Monica Joan had been ill with the disease.

He replied: “I suspect not long.”

When asked how long she has left to live, he confessed: “The same, unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she’ll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly.”

Although all seemed heartbroken by the severity of her illness, nurse Phyllis replied: “Till that day comes, we’ll just have to love her as we always have, but a bit more carefully.”

It wasn’t long before people took to X to share their thoughts on the imminent death of Sister Monica Joan as one person said: “Are they actually going to kill of sister Monica Joan? Just end Call The Midwife there!”

Someone else commented: “No, Sister Monica Joan is immortal…she can’t die.” While another added: “SISTER MONICA JOAN. Sobbing.”

Another viewer wrote: “Absolutely devastated hearing the news that Sister Monica Joan has kidney failure and may not have long left, if we lose her, it will be like losing a much-loved family member. I’d be completely heartbroken.”

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One person shared: “Don’t you dare let anything happen to Sister Monica Joan.” While another said: “#callthemidwife Oh no, surely it can’t be the demise,of Sister Monica Joan? On the other hand could it be the end on Nonnatus? What a fantastic drama this is @CallTheMidwife1 #SundayMood.”

Sister Monica Joan has been part of the beloved period drama since it began back in 2012. However, as the show marks its 15th series, it’s been reported that the final will see birth, a wedding and a funeral.

Call the Midwife continues Sundays on BBC One from 8pm

As Sister Veronica questions her purpose in life on the BBC drama, we take a look inside the life of actress Rebecca Gethings

Sister Veronica’s anguish has left Call the Midwife fans in tears as she longs for a child to call her own.

When the BBC period drama commenced its 15th series this January, set in 1971, viewers were immediately met with an unexpected revelation as Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) opened up about her innermost feelings, and her tale is heartwrenching.

In a candid exchange with Geoffrey Franklin (Christopher Harper), the nun disclosed her desire to become a mother herself, despite having devoted her life to the Church.

Sister Veronica had also developed a particularly close relationship with baby Christopher, providing invaluable assistance and support to the Turner family in caring for the little one.

The family decided Christopher should travel back to Hong Kong to continue receiving medical care at the British Army Hospital, and Sister Veronica accompanied the tot on his journey.

On Sunday (February 8), Sister Veronica arrived back from Hong Kong and insisted on speaking privately with Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) at Nonnatus House. During an emotional discussion, Sister Veronica revealed her intention to relinquish both her position as a nun and her duties as a midwife within the order.

She said: “I came back to Poplar via the Mother House. I needed to confer with Mother Mildred because I have been feeling increasingly unhappy.”

Sister Julienne responded: “I wasn’t unaware of it but our work is not about our happiness, it is about seeking no reward other than knowing that we do his will.”

The remark caught Sister Veronica off guard, prompting her to declare: “If you are quoting Ignatius of Loyola, then you are admitting the bit about giving and not counting the cost. And I can’t keep on giving and not counting the cost any longer.”

“I hoped I could bear it, but I can’t”, Sister Veronica confessed, before removing her wimple and exposing her hair for the first time.

“I have been given permission to go away for six weeks while I decide if I want to give up my vows and leave the order.”

Sister Veronica, now going by Beryl, later received consolation from Shelagh Turner (Laura Main), who had herself left the order years earlier to build a family with Doctor Turner (Stephen McGann). Beryl subsequently gathered her belongings and departed Nonnatus House. Will she return to Nonnatus House?

Who plays Sister Veronica in Call the Midwife?

Sister Veronica joined Call the Midwife in Series 12 (2023) as a new nun at Nonnatus House, replacing Sister Hilda.

She had previously worked as a midwife in Hong Kong and initially joined Nonnatus House as a health visitor. She certainly has her quirks, though she has become a much-loved member of the team and the community.

Sister Veronica is played by Rebecca Gethings, a 50-year-old English actress who was born in Canada.

Raised in Berkshire, UK, she studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy. Starting off her career in theatre, she appeared in the West End production of Vassa.

She has gone on to star in a long list of television shows, including Queen Eleanor in The Serpent Queen, Helen Hatley in The Thick of It, Dawn in Not Going Out, Lizzie in Extras, and a guest role in EastEnders in 2001.

Rebecca has also starred in movies, including Casino Royale and The Critic. In 2015, she played PR manager, Miriam Clark, in Ricky Gervais’ film David Brent: Life on the Road.

Who is Rebecca Gethings’ husband?

In June 2025, Rebecca tied the knot with long time partner Tom Brass, opting for a pink dress after a disaster with her original wedding dress.

Rebecca and her animation director husband, also parents to two children, celebrated their union with an intimate East London ceremony.

The actress took to Instagram to share her joy, posting a stunning snapshot of her and Tom walking hand in hand as newlyweds.

Underneath the photo, she brimmed with enthusiasm, captioning: “I do, he do, and we very much did! All our thanks to @davidjonesphotography @iconoclast_london @justineluxton_costumedesigner.”

Speaking about her wedding dress disaster, Rebecca shared on the Call the Midwife Instagram page: “I wanted to keep our wedding very low-key – just Tom, the kids and myself. So I bought myself a wedding dress online in the sales. Just a white summer dress – nothing too fancy. It was then that disaster struck!

“Unfortunately, the dress arrived by post in a rainstorm whilst I was at work! I asked our babysitter to rescue it from behind the bin where the postman had left it. But when she turned up, she found that the rain-soaked parcel box had disintegrated completely!”

Justine Luxton, the show’s costume designer, and her assistant Anna Laflin, saved the day by making a new dress from beautiful coral fabric from Joel & Sons, which Rebecca had selected.

Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website**