Call The Midwife Episode Postponed for BAFTA Awards, Sparking Viewer Outrage
Fans of the beloved BBC period drama Call The Midwife have been left furious after a sudden schedule shake-up resulted in the cancellation of this weekend's highly anticipated episode. The show, which follows a group of nurse-midwives and nuns working in London's Poplar district, has been moved from its regular slot to make way for the BAFTA Film Awards 2026, airing live on BBC One.
Emotional Cliffhanger Leaves Viewers Eager for More
The popular series returned for its 15th series last month, with eight new episodes planned to explore themes following the Women's Liberation Movement. The most recent episode delivered an emotionally charged storyline focusing on Judy Parfitt's character Sister Monica Joan, who was diagnosed with kidney failure. Dr Patrick Turner, portrayed by Stephen McGann, sent her for further testing to assess the severity of her condition, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
Now, viewers must wait an additional week for the next installment, as confirmed by an announcement on the official Call The Midwife Instagram account. The post stated: 'ANNOUNCEMENT! As in previous years, we'll be taking a short break next Sunday whilst the BAFTA Film Awards are shown live on BBC1. But we will be back with you in TWO WEEKS TIME for episode 7!! Call the Midwife Series 15 continues Sunday 1st March at 8pm on BBC1.'
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Frustration
In the comments section, loyal fans expressed their dismay and frustration over the delay. One viewer wrote: 'I don't think I can cope with the wait.' Another chimed in: 'Ahh that's not fair,' while a third exclaimed: 'Nooooooo don't want the BAFTAs I want CTM on instead!'
Some fans suggested alternative solutions, with one commenting: 'Should put the Baftas on BBC2!' A fourth viewer noted: 'I thought we'd escape the BAFTAs interruption this year!' highlighting the recurring nature of this scheduling conflict.
Recent Distressing Storyline Adds to Viewer Engagement
This scheduling change comes on the heels of a recent distressing storyline that left viewers appalled. The episode depicted scenes of child abuse and neglect, following Nurse Joyce Highland, played by Renee Bailey, as she visited the Kingsley family. It became clear that their four young children were going unfed and living in filthy conditions.
The situation escalated when the aggressive father demanded the children's return, leading Sister Monica Joan to stand up to him. The plot took a darker turn when it was revealed one child had fallen out of a window, and other children had died in the family home, forcing social services to intervene permanently.
Viewers took to social media to express their shock, with one writing: 'A distressing episode of Call The Midwife! That father is a horrible bully and a thug, he's not fit to be a parent.' Another added: 'Child poverty. Child neglect. Nothing has changed,' while a third noted: 'It's troubling that this family doesn't appear to be making an effort.'
Additional Plotlines and Future Broadcast
The series also featured a secondary storyline involving a women's liberation movement demonstration in Poplar, where Sister Catherine assisted a mother-to-be suffering from hyperemesis. In a traumatic scene, the baby arrived early while the expectant mother was on the toilet. Meanwhile, Helen George's character Trixie Aylward informed Sister Julienne, played by Jenny Agutter, that the nuns might need to become fully-fledged NHS workers.
Call The Midwife will return with episode 7 on Sunday 1st March at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, following the two-week hiatus caused by the BAFTA Awards broadcast.
