For devoted fans of Call the Midwife, settling in for a Sunday evening episode is practically a ritual. But on February 22, 2026, viewers across the UK were met with disappointment and confusion as their beloved period drama was nowhere to be found in its usual 8pm slot on BBC One. Instead, the BAFTA Film Awards took center stage, leaving many to wonder about the fate of the series and when they could expect its return.
The sudden schedule shake-up was confirmed by multiple sources, including the show’s official Instagram account and BBC announcements. According to Radio Times, the BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming and held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, aired live from 7pm to 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, bumping Call the Midwife from its regular spot. BBC Two, meanwhile, broadcast the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, and after the BAFTAs concluded, a new adaptation of Lord of the Flies began at 9pm.
The official Call the Midwife Instagram post reassured anxious viewers: “Hello all! Just to remind you all that Call the Midwife WON’T be on this evening due to the BAFTA Awards. But series 15 will continue as normal next Sunday! See you then.” Fans, however, were quick to express their frustration in the comments. One lamented, “Oh, I was so looking forward to tonight’s episode.” Another exclaimed, “Damn it. I really wanted to watch it this evening!” and a third suggested, “BAFTAs should go on a different channel!”
It’s not the first time the BAFTAs have interrupted the show’s schedule, but the timing stung more than usual, given the dramatic developments in recent episodes. As Radio Times detailed, the previous week’s installment featured several high-stakes moments: Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) received a devastating diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, with Dr. Turner (Stephen McGann) warning, “Unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she’ll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly.” Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) responded with a vow to “love her as we always have, but a bit more carefully.”
Fans have grown deeply attached to Sister Monica Joan over the show’s 15 seasons, and her health crisis represents a major emotional arc. Series creator Heidi Thomas told Radio Times that writing the season 15 finale was “hard and very emotional — not because it’s sad, but because it’s beautiful.” She added, “Many of the things that I depict in that episode I have experienced in life, so it felt strangely personal. But I think the driving thing was to do a really good job. We’re only getting the chance to wrap up this iteration once, and it has to be done to the highest possible standard.”
In addition to Sister Monica Joan’s storyline, the show has been navigating other significant changes. The closure of Nonnatus House’s maternity home looms, and viewers have been following Rosalind’s (Natalie Quarry) unexpected pregnancy and engagement to Cyril (Zephryn Taitte). The series, known for its deft blend of heartbreak and hope, has never shied away from tackling difficult topics, making the interruption feel all the more acute for its loyal audience.
So, when will Call the Midwife return? The answer, according to all official channels and media reports, is Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Episode 7 is the penultimate installment of season 15, setting the stage for a highly anticipated finale on March 8. As described by CarterMatt and other outlets, episode 7 will see a cohort of junior doctors join the midwives on their district rounds, including the return of Timothy Turner (Max Macmillan). In a surprising twist, Violet (Annabelle Apison) will also try her hand at midwifery, a development that has sparked curiosity and speculation among fans.
The BAFTA Film Awards themselves were a star-studded affair, celebrating the best in British and international cinema. Nominees included films such as Sinners, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and I Swear. The ceremony featured musical performances by Jessie Ware and, in a UK first, the voices behind Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The event’s prominence and tradition of taking over the BBC’s Sunday night lineup meant that Call the Midwife fans were, for one week, left to wait.
Despite the disruption, the BBC has offered strong reassurances about the future of Call the Midwife. As reported by Express and read by Scott Mills on BBC Radio, the broadcaster stated: “The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call the Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come. 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!”
This announcement puts to rest speculation that season 15 might be the show’s swan song. Instead, viewers can look forward to an expanded universe, with a prequel and a feature film in the works, and at least one more full season guaranteed. For those who missed the latest episodes, the series remains available for catchup viewing on BBC iPlayer.
While the interruption may have left fans impatient and a little heartsick, the outpouring of affection for the show — and the BBC’s commitment to its future — speak volumes about its place in British culture. As the series prepares to return on March 1, the anticipation is only growing, with viewers eager to see how the midwives, doctors, and families of Poplar face the next round of challenges and triumphs.
For now, it’s a waiting game — but if the history of Call the Midwife is any indication, the payoff will be well worth it.