The upcoming prequel to BBC One's Call the Midwife, set at the start of World War Two and featuring younger versions of at least three beloved characters, will premiere on Christmas Day next year. BBC bosses have enough confidence in the show's loyal fanbase to place the drama in the prime festive slot usually reserved for the main series.
Executive producer Pippa Harris of Neal Street Productions confirmed the Christmas launch, dismissing concerns about a gap in the schedule for 2026. The prequel, which does not yet have a title, will film next year and is set in 1939, nearly two decades before Jennifer Worth's original memoirs began in 1957.
Writer Heidi Thomas expressed a desire to delve into the deeper past after 15 years of Call the Midwife, calling the prequel a 'lovely opportunity' to press pause and refresh. She stressed that a 16th series, picking up in 1973, will follow, and a film set in Australia is also in development.
The film, likely to be shot at the end of next year, may see Miriam Margolyes return as Mother Mildred. Actress Helen George, who plays Trixie Aylward, said the movie would provide space to explore characters further and that it makes sense for the nuns to branch out into missionary work in Australia.
The 15th series, starting on 11 January, is set in 1971 and tackles the women's liberation movement, with scenes including the burning of bras.
