This year's Christmas special of Call the Midwife will break new ground with its first-ever two-part feature, delighting fans as they return to the vibrant backdrop of Poplar, East London, during the festive season of 1969.
Scheduled to air on Christmas Day at 8pm on BBC One, the first episode will lead directly to the second episode airing on Boxing Day at 7:30pm. This marks a significant shift from the traditional single 90-minute special, offering audiences double the heartwarming moments, drama, and cliffhangers.
Set against the festive cheer, this year’s episodes will weave the familiar warmth of Call the Midwife with challenges including influenza and the Hong Kong flu outbreak, heightened by local fears surrounding the recent escape of a prisoner. The combination of festive activities, including preparations for the upcoming carol concert and the funfair, is set against these somber undertones, capturing the essence of life as midwives navigate both joy and adversity.
Heidi Thomas, the show's creator and writer, expressed her enthusiasm: "Who doesn’t love finding an extra, unexpected present underneath the Christmas tree? When I was asked to write a two-part Christmas special for 2024, I couldn’t resist." This sentiment encapsulates the creative team's commitment to delivering both poignancy and joy as they celebrate another festive season with their loyal audience.
Viewers can expect their favorite characters to return, including Helen George as Trixie Aylward, who originally stirred questions about leaving Poplar following Season 13. Trixie is confirmed to appear for "a fleeting visit" during the Christmas Special, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they speculate her future.
Another important character returning is Laura Main's Shelagh Turner, who will be seen helping families facing poverty issues during the holidays. Meanwhile, Cliff Parisi dons the Santa suit as Fred Buckle, brightening the spirits of sick children at the hospital, turning the festive cheer even brighter.
Alongside seasoned cast members like Judy Parfitt (Sister Monica Joan) and Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne), audiences will also welcome Myla Park who will portray an undisclosed new character this holiday season. Notable plot points include local reactions to the escaped prisoner, compounded by fear from multiple break-ins. "Things get out of control for the Buckles this Christmas," reported the beloved character Fred Buckle.
Anticipation builds not just for the double episodes but also for the forthcoming Season 14 of Call the Midwife which is set to return to screens early 2025. With filming already underway, fans can rest assured their favorite midwifery saga will continue for at least another season, with promises of new stories yet to be told.
Fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming episodes can look to the dual Christmas specials for the warmth and drama of Call the Midwife, emphasizing the power of community during the festive season, even as they face unprecedented challenges. The contrasting themes of joy and worry are sure to resonate deeply with audiences, reflective of both the era and the current world.
Mark your calendars for December 25 at 8pm and Boxing Day at 7:30pm to experience the charm and challenges of the midwives at Nonnatus House this Christmas.