The beloved BBC drama Call the Midwife is set for a major cinematic departure, with its first-ever feature film scheduled to be shot on the other side of the world in Australia. Showrunner Heidi Thomas confirmed the exciting move, marking a significant shift for the long-running series.
A Temporary Pause and a New Direction
Heidi Thomas revealed that after the upcoming 15th series airs on BBC1 from January 11, the production will take a creative break. She described it as a "temporary pause in the usual pattern" after an incredible 15-year run of annual series. "I think this is a lovely opportunity for us to press pause and refresh a little bit and come back with more exciting things," Thomas stated, while reassuring fans that a 16th TV series, set in 1973, will follow in due course.
The interim plans are twofold: first, a WWII-era prequel series will expand the Nonnatus House story backwards. Following that, the team will focus on the movie version, which is almost certain to be set in Australia in 1972 and will feature the show's regular cast. Thomas indicated that filming for the cinema release is planned for the end of next year, with the exact Australian location still to be decided.
Why Australia Makes Sense
Helen George, who plays Nurse Trixie Aylward, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that a feature film provides the "space and the time" to explore characters more deeply. She suggested a narrative logic for the distant setting, pointing to the historical missionary work of nuns. "This would be their missionary work potentially... It makes complete sense for them to branch out into the world," George explained.
The Australian setting also opens the door for a potential return of fan-favourite actress Miriam Margolyes as Mother Mildred, as Margolyes is now based in the country. However, George admitted that the storyline must convincingly explain how the Poplar characters end up Down Under, joking, "even though I may want to go - of course I bloody do!"
Series 15: Embracing Change and Unrest
Before the film and prequel, audiences can expect a potent fifteenth series, set in 1971, which delves into the women's liberation movement. Scenes feature the midwives creating 'burn your bras' signs, a moment that actor Annabelle Apsion (Violet Buckle) described as emotional to film.
The tone of the new series is notably shifting. Veteran star Jenny Agutter, 73, observed, "The whole series is no longer cosy... it feels a little dangerous." Storylines will tackle an extremely premature birth, a nun grappling with maternal desires, and the harsh reality of children being taken into care—a plotline Stephen McGann (Dr. Turner) found particularly tough.
Amidst the edgier themes, heartwarming elements remain, such as the strengthening inter-racial relationship between Pastor Cyril and Midwife Rosalind. Actor Zephryn Taite noted their story echoes the broader fights for equality depicted in the series.
With a cinematic adventure on the horizon and a prequel in the works, Call the Midwife is boldly evolving, proving its enduring appeal by branching out from its beloved Poplar roots while continuing to tackle profound social issues.
