Popular BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set for a dramatic turn this Sunday, as two new characters arrive in Poplar, bringing with them a significant test for one of the show's most beloved couples.
A Tense Family Introduction
The second episode of series 15, which is set in Spring 1971, sees the community gather at Nonnatus House for an Easter celebration. However, the festive spirit is tempered by a nerve-wracking personal moment for Cyril Robinson (Zephryn Taitte). He is about to meet the parents of his girlfriend, Rosalind Clifford (Natalie Quarry), for the very first time.
Rosalind's parents, Major Clifford (David Bark-Jones) and Josephine (Natasha Joseph), make their debut in Poplar, and their arrival immediately casts a shadow of uncertainty over Cyril and Rosalind's blossoming relationship. Actor Zephryn Taitte hinted at the challenges ahead, telling the Radio Times that Cyril must "wrestle with her parents and how they may view him and judge him, rightly or wrong."
Love Faces a Stern Test
Taitte further teased that the season holds "a lot for Cyril to contend with," describing the central romance as "bittersweet." His co-star, Natalie Quarry, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the forthcoming scenes will seriously "test" the couple's relationship. The first-look images from the episode support this, showing Major Clifford with a distinctly displeased expression during a dinner with Cyril.
While this personal drama unfolds, the episode also captures the spirit of the season. The midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House have transformed their home for spring, hosting a community Easter event complete with a sweet egg hunt. In other moments, Joyce Highland dazzles in a pink outfit away from her nurse's uniform, and Fred Buckle appears to be wearing a Mayoral necklace, beaming with pride.
New Era for Poplar
This episode continues the show's move into a new era, firmly established in the early 1970s. The series continues to explore the social changes of the time through the lives of its enduring characters. The arrival of the Cliffords represents not just a personal hurdle for Cyril, but also a collision of different worlds and perspectives within the evolving community of Poplar.
Viewers will have to tune in to see if Cyril can win over Rosalind's parents and whether their love can withstand this formidable new challenge. Call the Midwife series 15 continues on Sunday, January 18, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
