Jenny Agutter, the esteemed actress behind Call the Midwife's Sister Julienne, has revealed that the beloved BBC period drama is set for a significantly darker and more perilous fifteenth series.
A Shift Away from Cosy Comfort
Speaking at a launch event for the new season, Agutter addressed the tone of the recent two-part Christmas special, set in Hong Kong, which aired on December 25 and 26, 2025. She agreed it lacked the traditional festive warmth of earlier episodes, signalling a broader shift for the show itself.
"The whole of the series is no longer cosy," the 73-year-old actress explained to media outlets including Express.co.uk. She drew a parallel with contemporary anxieties, stating, "One looks towards a future that hopefully will be better, but it feels a little dangerous." Agutter, who recently lost her husband Johan Tham just before Christmas, suggested the show now reflects the unsettling changes felt in the modern world.
Nonnatus House Faces an Existential Threat
The central drama of the new series will revolve around the very survival of Nonnatus House and its mission. Agutter provided a crucial insight into the looming conflict: the nuns and midwives are being pressured to conform to new NHS and council directives.
"One of their requests is that they not wear habits but uniforms," she revealed. While this may seem a superficial change, Agutter clarified that for Sister Julienne, it strikes at the heart of their identity. "She sees the nuns as being missionaries in the East End... The habit is very much to do with showing that they are a part of serving the community."
This demand represents a deeper existential crisis, forcing the sisters to choose between their spiritual calling and bureaucratic compliance. "It's a conundrum because if Nonnatus House goes, then a lot of the services that are a part of it go too," Agutter added, highlighting the high stakes for the Poplar community.
What Lies Ahead for Poplar
The much-anticipated 15th season is scheduled to premiere on BBC One on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Viewers can expect a Poplar grappling with profound societal shifts, with the future of its beloved nursing order hanging in the balance.
Despite the darker themes, Agutter pointed to the enduring strength of the community as a beacon of hope. "What makes it easier is this community that are actually cohesive and are actually supporting one another," she said. However, she concluded with a sobering note for fans: "It's not a cosy watch."
Previous series and the 2025 Christmas special remain available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
