Call the Midwife Exit Confirmed for Two Favourite Characters Leaving Fans 'Heartbroken'
The latest episode of the BBC One period drama Call the Midwife has delivered a devastating blow to its loyal audience, confirming the sudden exit of two much-loved characters in a surprise twist that has left fans reeling.
Emotional Departures from Nonnatus House
During Sunday's broadcast (February 1), viewers witnessed Sister Veronica, played by Rebecca Gethings, and baby Christopher wave goodbye to Poplar's Nonnatus House in an emotional storyline that many believe signals a permanent departure. The show, now in its fifteenth series set in 1971, has been building toward this moment through recent character developments.
Sister Veronica's personal struggles have been central to recent episodes, particularly her confession to Geoffrey Franklin about her deep longing to have a child despite her religious vocation. In a poignant scene, she insisted Geoffrey address her by her birth name Beryl before declaring: "I want a child. I want a child of my own to hold in my arms and keep safe, and cherish always. I want a child before it becomes impossible."
Christopher's Medical Journey and Sister Veronica's Bond
Meanwhile, Dr Patrick Turner and his wife Shelagh have been caring for two-year-old Christopher, the son of Esther Tang who is May Turner's biological mother. The young boy was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer known as Wilms tumor and sent to the UK for chemotherapy treatment following a disaster at his mother's house in Hong Kong.
Sister Veronica developed a particularly strong bond with Christopher during his treatment, offering both emotional support and practical care. This connection became crucial when Sunday's episode revealed Christopher was struggling with his chemotherapy and needed a break from treatment while being away from home.
The difficult decision was made for Christopher to return to Hong Kong to receive continued care at the British Army Hospital. In a heartbreaking moment, Shelagh Turner asked Sister Veronica to escort the young boy back to his homeland, a request the nun instantly accepted despite her own emotional turmoil.
Viewer Reactions and Speculation About Permanent Departure
Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their devastation, with many convinced this marks a permanent exit for both characters. The strength of Sister Veronica's bond with Christopher combined with her ongoing struggles with faith have led viewers to speculate she may not return to Nonnatus House.
One viewer questioned on X: "Is Sister Veronica going to disappear with Christopher? … #CallTheMidwife." Another stated definitively: "Well Sister Veronica isn’t going to come back is she (broken heart) #callthemidwife." A third added their perspective: "That was a downbeat ending for once. I don't see Sister Veronica returning #CallTheMidwife."
Further speculation emerged about potential adoption, with another fan commenting: "I really hate to think this is the end for Christopher, I thought sister Veronica was going to adopt him, and leave the order #callthemidwife."
The emotional departure scene showed the entire Turner family saddened to see Christopher leave their care as Sister Veronica picked up the young boy to begin their journey back to Hong Kong. This development represents one of the most significant character exits in recent series of the long-running drama.
Call the Midwife continues to air on Sunday evenings at 8pm on BBC One and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
