The BBC has released first look images from the Call the Midwife prequel, Sisters in Arms, giving fans a glimpse of a young Sister Julienne and other Nonnatus House residents decades before the original series. The three-part series has wrapped filming and will air over the festive season.
Set in 1939 during World War II
The prequel is set in 1939 as Britain enters World War II, following the familiar faces of Nonnatus House in their younger years as they face the uncertainty of war while continuing their mission to care for mothers, babies, and the vulnerable.
Helena Wilson, known for her work with the National Theatre, plays a young Sister Julienne, a role originated by Jenny Agutter in 2012. Jenny will narrate the prequel, making her the only original cast member involved.
Cast includes former Coronation Street star
The cast also features Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier, and Lizzie Back, all appearing in character for the first time in the new images. Helen Schlesinger plays a younger Sister Monica Joan, originally portrayed by Judy Parfitt.
Pam Ferris' Sister Evangelina returns to the story, despite the character's death in series five in 2016. She recently appeared in a surprise cameo in the series 15 finale as a vision guiding Sister Monica Joan.
Creator reflects on production
The festive announcement follows creator Heidi Thomas's November 2025 statement to Express.co.uk that there would be no traditional Christmas special, saying: "There won't be a Christmas special next Christmas, not in the traditional mould, so all of us get to enjoy our Christmas Day, which is very nice."
Reflecting on the production, Heidi 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."
Synopsis reveals wartime challenges
According to the synopsis, the nuns continue their mission but in a vastly different world with no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for tuberculosis, and no welfare state. When war is declared, life becomes more perilous as the Blitz begins, with bombs raining from the sky, women giving birth in underground shelters, families torn apart, children evacuated, and streets reduced to rubble.
All 15 seasons of Call the Midwife are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
