Fans of the beloved period drama Call the Midwife are in for a festive treat with not one, but two Christmas specials set to air this year, continuing the tradition established in 2024. The BBC has confirmed the exciting news, promising a dramatic return to Poplar that will see beloved characters facing a harrowing crisis overseas.
A Festive Trip Turns to Tragedy
The first of the two specials will see local favourites Fred, played by Cliff Parisi, and Violet, portrayed by Annabelle Apsion, embark on a journey to Hong Kong to visit Violet's son. However, their holiday plans take a devastating turn. Upon their arrival, and while carrying parcels for the sisters, they head to the Branch House in Kowloon only to make a grim discovery.
The building has collapsed, resulting in many fatalities. In response to the catastrophe, a rescue mission is hastily organised, prompting a team from Nonnatus House to make emergency plans to travel to Hong Kong and assist.
Drama Back Home in Poplar
While crisis unfolds abroad, life in Poplar continues with its own share of surprises. Cyril, played by Zephryn Taitte, receives an unusual and pressing request from a mysterious Mr Fischer (Henry Goodman), who wishes to rent his flat for an unspecified period and is willing to pay any price.
The second festive episode delves deeper into this mysterious subplot. Trixie (Helen George) and Geoffrey (Christopher Harper) make a disturbing find when they discover Mr Fischer collapsed in the snow. After rushing to his aid, it emerges that he is suffering from a fatal blood condition.
Meanwhile, Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) and Joyce (Renee Bailey) host a Christmas gathering. Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers) is determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Queenie's (Aoife McMahon) baby.
Confrontation and Care in Hong Kong
Back in Hong Kong, the drama intensifies for the Nonnatus team. Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) must face down a gangster who demands the keys to the Order's new property.
In a parallel storyline, Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) and Shelagh (Laura Main) finally locate Esther (Yennis Cheung) and her son in the Walled City, only to find the boy is very unwell, adding a medical emergency to the escalating situation.
While the BBC has not yet officially confirmed the air dates, it is widely expected to mirror last year's schedule, with the first episode broadcast on Christmas Day and the second on Boxing Day.
In further good news for fans, the wait for new content will be short. The show has officially wrapped filming on Series 15, which is slated to air in 2026. An announcement featuring a photo of Stephen McGann and Jenny Agutter confirmed the completion of filming, building excitement for the programme's return.
Viewers can catch up on all previous episodes of Call the Midwife on BBC iPlayer.
