Call the Midwife is set to return with a three-part prequel series, Sisters in Arms, which will air on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas. The series is set in 1939 during the London Blitz, following the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House as they support their community through the Second World War.
What is Sisters in Arms about?
The prequel consists of three episodes and follows the nurses and nuns as they battle to support their beloved community in East London as the war breaks out. According to the BBC's synopsis: "In September 1939, Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar."
Together with Sister Alice and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies, and those in need, but there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state. When war is declared, life gets even harder.
The synopsis continues: "The three young secular midwives who complete the team – Sybil, Olive and Marianne – receive a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz take hold. While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble. But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive."
Who is starring in Sisters in Arms?
Created, written, and executive produced by Heidi Thomas, the series welcomes a new cast. Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for Coronation Street, plays Sister Alice. Theatre star Helena Wilson takes on the role of a young Sister Julienne, with Jenny Agutter narrating the miniseries. Ami Metcalf returns as Betty Buckle, the first wife of Fred Buckle, now played by Ciaran Bowling.
The cast list includes Julie Hesmondhalgh as Sister Alice, Helen Schlesinger as Sister Monica Joan, Amy Booth-Steel as Sister Evangelina, Ami Metcalf as Betty Buckle, Ciaran Bowling as Fred Buckle, Helena Wilson as Sister Julienne, Lizzie Back as Sybil Maxted, Ellie McKay as Olive Dobbs, Liv Andrusier as Marianne Siegler, Ben Rose as Dr. Patrick Turner, and Bally Gill as GP Dr Kit.
When will Sisters in Arms broadcast?
Filming has wrapped on the series, with Heidi Thomas sharing behind-the-scenes insights. She said: "Call the Midwife has a long and noble history of filming Christmas specials during heatwaves, and this year we welcomed the snow-machine back to the Nonnatus House set like an old friend. But I was surprised how many new emotions Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms sparked. In particular, the evacuation of Poplar's children, and the fear that they may not make it home for Christmas, had us all in tears."
The BBC has confirmed the series will air this Christmas, though exact days and times are yet to be confirmed. Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
