Before Pam Ferris took on the role of Sister Evangelina in Call the Midwife, she was known to sitcom fans for her part in another cosy period drama, The Darling Buds of May. The much-loved ITV series, which debuted in April 1991, is currently streaming for free on ITVX and has been praised by fans as a must-watch.
A 90s Classic Returns
The Darling Buds of May is an adaptation of the H. E. Bates novel of the same name. It tells the story of the Larkin family and their lives in rural Kent during the 1950s. The show was led by a small cast, including Sir David Jason as Pop Larkin, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette, and Philip Franks as Cedric.
It quickly became a feel-good ratings success and is regarded as a '90s classic, despite only running for 20 episodes. The series aired from 1991 until 1993 and is still adored by fans today.
Fan Reactions
On IMDb, one person called the show "So endearing, funny and perfect!", while another added, "If only there was more." A third stated: "It doesn't get much better! I purchased the whole series a few years ago and then watched the whole series within a few days."
On Facebook, a viewer wrote: "One of the most beloved British comedy-dramas of the 1990s, The Darling Buds of May remains a comforting television classic — full of warmth, countryside charm, and unforgettable performances". Another commented: "Loved it.... easy watching....like All Creatures Great and Small", while one confessed: "I absolutely love this programme and always watch when it's on the television no matter how many times I watch."
Ferris's Career
Pam Ferris, now 78, is famed for playing tough-talking nun Sister Evangelina on the BBC series Call the Midwife. The character, introduced in the first episode in 2012, died suddenly in her sleep after a stroke four years later. Earlier this year, during the series 15 finale, Ferris reprised her role to guide Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) into the afterlife.
Over the years, Ferris has also appeared as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter franchise, and Mrs Bevan in Nativity!. She has featured in costume dramas such as Middlemarch, Jane Eyre, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, as well as crime serials like Marple, Rosemary & Thyme, and Luther, and played Cath in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
Call the Midwife is available on BBC iPlayer.
