Call the Midwife has been confirmed for a 16th series, but fans will have to wait longer than usual for new episodes. The beloved BBC period drama aired its deeply moving 15th series earlier this year, set in 1971, presenting fresh challenges for Nonnatus House amidst significant advances in the National Health Service.
Social transformation came courtesy of the women's liberation movement, but heartbreak followed as Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) died from chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. After local council funding was slashed, Nonnatus House temporarily shut its doors, with the midwives and nuns scattering to new positions while they contemplated their future paths.
Yet it wasn't entirely bleak, as Cyril Robinson (Zephryn Taitte) and Rosalind Clifford (Natalie Quarry) tied the knot in a touching ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest. And there is plenty more drama on the way.
Series 16 Confirmed but Delayed
Call the Midwife has confirmed series 16 will grace television screens. However, the episodes have been delayed to accommodate a prequel series, Sisters in Arms, which is anticipated to launch around the festive season. The mini-series unfolds during the London Blitz and will feature younger versions of beloved characters, Sisters Julienne, Monica Joan, and Evangelina, originally portrayed by Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, and Pam Ferris.
The returning Sisters will be joined by three brand new young midwives arriving in the East End during the Second World War. Call the Midwife is also preparing to deliver a film set overseas in 1972, following the conclusion of series 15.
What Happened in Series 15 Finale?
During the final episode, which broadcast in March, Sister Julienne revealed to the midwives that the services offered by Nonnatus House would be "altered." She announced, "Sister Veronica and Sister Catherine and I have decided that Nonnatus House will become a house of prayer and charity while we discern our next steps."
Sister Julienne then appeared to hint at three potential filming locations for the movie as she disclosed plans to embark on a fresh one-year medical mission. She added: "One of them would be in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, one of them would be in British Columbia, and one would be in a remote part of Australia."
Consequently, series 16 may pick up threads from storylines established during the film. The forthcoming series is also anticipated to explore the 1970s more deeply, showcasing significant changes within the NHS and a potential relocation for the team.
When Will Call the Midwife Series 16 Premiere?
Series creator Heidi Thomas revealed to Radio Times magazine that "it takes 14 months to make every series," suggesting fans may face a lengthy wait for series 16. Neal Street Productions confirmed in an official statement: "As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film, and a prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere."
The new series could realistically arrive in 2028, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Cast: Who Will Return?
In series 15, Lady Trixie Aylward (Helen George) took up a position at The Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair while Joyce (Renee Bailey) secured employment at St Cuthbert's, leaving their return uncertain — the BBC has yet to confirm their future on the programme.
Fans could also expect to see the following characters in the new series:
- Stephen McGann as Dr Turner
- Laura Main as Shelagh
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica
- Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine
- Natalie Quarry as Rosalind
- Zephryn Taitte as Cyril
- Annabelle Apsion as Violet
- Cliff Parisi as Fred
- Daniel Laurie as Reggie
- Linda Bassett as Nurse Crane
- Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins
- Christopher Harper as Geoffrey
- Max Macmillan as Timothy
- April Rae Hoang as May
- Alice Brown as Angela
- Edward Shaw as Teddy
- Linda Hargreaves as Mrs Wallace
- Dame Vanessa Redgrave as the voice of Jennifer Worth
Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
