The beloved character Sister Monica Joan is set to return in the upcoming Call the Midwife prequel, Sister in Arms, and fans are hopeful that the series will finally explore her tragic backstory in depth.
A Glimpse into Sister Monica Joan's Past
First introduced in the 2012 premiere, Sister Monica Joan, played by Judy Parfitt, quickly became a fan favourite. The eccentric, cake-loving nun was a retired midwife with a sharp wit and deep compassion. Over 15 seasons, viewers watched her grow frail but remain spirited until her peaceful death from chronic kidney disease at Nonnatus House.
However, the character is not gone for good. The prequel Sister in Arms will rewind to World War II, set in Poplar during the London Blitz. Creator Heidi Thomas has confirmed that younger versions of Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne, and Evangelina will appear alongside three new characters.
The Untold Story of Privilege and Rejection
Sister Monica Joan was born into wealth in the late 19th century, but she chose a radical path: becoming a nun and a midwife. This decision scandalised her family, who disowned her, leaving her penniless. She found solace and purpose at Nonnatus House, where her fellow nuns became her true family.
The prequel, set around 1939 when Sister Monica Joan would have been about 68, offers the perfect opportunity to explore how this rejection shaped her character. It could also delve into her experiences as a midwife before the National Health Service was established, showing her delivering babies who would later become parents themselves.
What Fans Want to See
Dedicated viewers have long wanted to see more of Sister Monica Joan's early life. The prequel could reveal the vicious behaviour of her family and how she overcame adversity to dedicate her life to serving the impoverished communities of Poplar. It would also be a chance to witness her midwifery skills during the harrowing days of the Blitz.
With Call the Midwife available to stream on BBC iPlayer, fans are eagerly awaiting the new series, hoping it will do justice to one of the show's most beloved characters.
