The beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set to return to screens this weekend for its landmark 15th series. The new season, which begins on Sunday, January 11, will air eight new hour-long episodes, continuing the stories of the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House in Poplar.
A New Chapter for Nonnatus House
Following the show's two-part Christmas special, which saw some characters embark on a mercy mission to Hong Kong, the new series promises more drama. Plotlines will see the team grow concerned for four young children, Sister Catherine face her first solo delivery, and the midwives attend a women's liberation meeting.
First airing in 2012, the series has seen numerous cast changes over its long run. While some fan favourites remain, many of the original actors from series one have moved on to new projects and life adventures.
Miranda Hart: From Chummy to Secret Wedding
Comedian and actress Miranda Hart played the instantly loveable Camilla 'Chummy' Cholomondely-Browne from the show's inception until her departure in 2015. Her character's journey from a shy, bicycle-challenged midwife to a confident woman resonated deeply with audiences.
Since leaving, Hart has starred in the 2020 film Emma and the 2023 animated feature The Canterville Ghost, alongside writing several books. She has also spoken openly about her battle with Lyme disease, which at times left her housebound.
In a joyful personal update, Hart revealed in 2024 that she had secretly married her partner, Richard Fairs, whom she met when he was called to treat mould in her house.
Jessica Raine: Life After Jenny Lee
Jessica Raine portrayed the central character, nurse Jenny Lee, from 2012 to 2014. While her character left to work for the Marie Curie hospice, her voice lives on through Vanessa Redgrave's narration, as the series is based on Jenny's older self recounting her memoirs.
Raine's career has flourished post-Call the Midwife, with roles in Wolf Hall, The Devil's Hour, and The Last Post. In 2022, she told Digital Spy a return would be unlikely unless the story was "pretty cool" and respectful of Jennifer Worth's real-life story.
Off-screen, Raine has been married to actor Tom Goodman-Hill since 2015, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2019, though she keeps her family life private.
Other Original Cast Members: Where Are They Now?
Pam Ferris, who played the formidable Sister Evangelina for five series until 2016, cited the show's move to Surrey and gruelling commute as reasons for her exit. Her character's death from a stroke left viewers heartbroken. Ferris has since taken a step back from acting, with notable appearances in the 2018 parody Holmes and Gavin and Stacey.
Bryony Hannah's departure as Nurse Cynthia Miller was a shock after her character was attacked in series five. She left to become Sister Mary Cynthia, with Hannah focusing on her theatre career. She has since voiced characters in CBBC's Bing and appeared in Disney+'s Rivals and Death in Paradise.
Ben Caplan played PC Peter Noakes, who married Chummy and left for Africa, from series one until 2017. The actor has since appeared in Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders.
As Call the Midwife embarks on its 15th series, the legacy of its original cast endures. Their characters helped cement the show's place in the nation's heart, and their careers continue to thrive beyond the cobbled streets of Poplar. The new series is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
