Fans of the beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife were given an early Christmas present this year with the surprise return of a cherished character. The 2025 Christmas Special, which aired on Christmas Day, marked the dramatic comeback of Timothy Turner, played by actor Max Macmillan, after a two-year absence from the screen.
A Grown-Up Return to Nonnatus House
The festive episode split its narrative between Poplar and Hong Kong. While a team including Dr Turner and his wife Shelagh travelled to assist sisters after a building collapse, back in East London, the remaining midwives faced a busy Christmas. Their workload was eased slightly by the unexpected help of a locum GP and, to viewers' delight, Timothy Turner.
Timothy, who was last seen heading off to medical school, has been absent since the 2024 Christmas Special and the entirety of series 14. His return showed a markedly more mature character, so much so that he ended up getting drunk and dressing in a nurse's uniform alongside Trixie's brother during a raucous party at Nonnatus House.
Fan Reaction to the Comeback
Long-time viewers, who have watched the character evolve from a young boy in series two into a kind-hearted young man, flooded social media with their joy. On X, one fan exclaimed they "can't get over how much Timothy has grown", while another noted his new long hair and cigarette, quipping about how times have changed in Poplar. A third viewer praised the show for keeping the same actor, Max Macmillan, throughout the character's journey.
The excitement followed genuine concern from fans during the previous year's special, with many taking to social media to ask "Where is Timothy Turner?" His return provided a satisfying answer to those questions.
Behind the Scenes Challenges
While Timothy's homecoming stole hearts, the special's production was not without its difficulties. Series creator Heidi Thomas revealed the cast filming in Hong Kong endured significant challenges, primarily due to the sweltering heat and high humidity. She explained that the nuns, despite their beautiful cream linen habits, suffered the most due to the many layers of their costumes.
The Call the Midwife Christmas Special is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with the show continuing to air on BBC One.
