Beloved BBC drama Call the Midwife is set to be temporarily paused after a remarkable 15-year run, a move that has left its longest-serving stars feeling deeply affected. Judy Parfitt, the 90-year-old actress who has portrayed the eccentric and wise Sister Monica Joan since the show's launch in January 2012, has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of the hiatus.
An Enduring Legacy and an Emotional Hiatus
In an interview with the Radio Times, Parfitt revealed that the break in the show's production schedule, which typically begins each spring, has left her feeling unsettled. "From about the beginning of March, you start thinking how lovely it’ll be to see everyone and start working again," she explained. "Then it’s April, and I usually look forward to April. So for it not to be there really shakes me a bit."
She emphasised the close-knit nature of the cast and crew, describing them as a family that has been through a great deal together. "This company has been through so much together that we are a family," Parfitt stated. "It’ll be hard for all of us." Her character, Sister Monica Joan, is a nun who dedicated her life to midwifery and serving the poor of Poplar in East London, a role Parfitt said was a joy to play due to its quirky and offbeat nature.
What's Next for the Call the Midwife Universe?
The pause in the main series will make way for exciting new expansions of the Call the Midwife world. The BBC has confirmed that while the regular series will be on hold, a prequel series is in development. This new show will be set in Poplar during World War II, focusing on the early days of Nonnatus House.
Furthermore, a spin-off movie set in 1972, taking the action overseas, is also scheduled for broadcast. This means fans will not be left entirely without new content from the beloved franchise.
The current series, which is the show's 15th, started on Sunday, 11 January and has moved the storyline into 1971. This new era promises to explore impactful themes including the Women's Liberation movement, premature births, and cancer diagnoses.
A Role Close to the Heart
Reflecting on her 15-year tenure, Parfitt shared her personal connection to Sister Monica Joan. "I’ve always wanted to play a nun because I was educated by nuns, and I loved Monica Joan’s character," she said. The actress expressed a profound fondness for the role, admitting, "I don’t know what I’ll do without her, actually."
Parfitt's character remained a staple during the recent Christmas special, which saw disaster strike the order's branch house in Hong Kong. Sister Monica Joan stayed in London to help keep services running, and she is set to return for the new episodes airing this month.
As the show takes its scheduled break, the legacy of Call the Midwife and its cherished characters, particularly the cake-loving Sister Monica Joan, remains firmly etched in the hearts of its millions of viewers.
