Call the Midwife wraps up its fourteenth season on BBC One with a jam-packed finale at Nonnatus House, involving the evacuation of a mother and baby home. Adding to the drama, Sister Catherine, portrayed by Molly Vevers, embarks on an emotional and poignant path as she takes her first vows, officially joining the Order. Nancy Corrigan, played by Megan Cusack, returns only to find her wedding plans take unexpected turns.
Megan Cusack has publicly announced her departure from the series, citing ambitions to explore opportunities in theatre. Speaking with Radio Times, she reflected on her time on the show, stating, "Sometimes, you've got to step out of your comfort zone to grow. I've learnt so much, but I'm at the start of my career, and I need to take a leap of faith." Her sentiment was filled with nostalgia, as she added, "It's bittersweet, really. I've made lifelong friendships there, and I get to take those with me. But when I think about not rocking up to set and seeing Tim, who's part of the grips team, with his guitar hanging out of his van and serenading people at half six in the morning."
The finale also welcomed back fan-favorite characters, like Sister Hilda, portrayed by Fenella Woolgar, who made her return to assist amid the disorder at Nonnatus House. Sister Hilda's arrival is well-timed, reminding the audience of her long-standing commitment and cherished relationships within the Order.
New faces gracing the finale include several guest stars, such as Kitty Anderson reprising her role as the expectant Paula Cunningham, and Caroline Faber returning as Paula's mother, Grace. Paul Thornley also returns as Paula's father, where his past stage performances have garnered attention.
The emotional rollercoaster of the finale did not stop there. Audiences witnessed Nancy giving birth to her baby girl during a dramatic ambulance scene, with Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) at her side providing support. Following this intense moment, viewers were delighted to see Nancy and Roger Noble, played by Conor O'Donnell, tie the knot, celebrating with the Poplar community.
With season 14 at its close, fans eagerly speculate about the future of Call the Midwife. Will there be more episodes? Yes! The BBC confirmed back in 2023 the renewal of the beloved series for two additional seasons, much to the delight of creators and fans alike. Creator Heidi Thomas expressed her happiness, stating, "I’m overjoyed by the news. Call the Midwife is the pride and joy of all who work on it, but it's our fantastic, loyal audience who matter most." This upcoming season is set to transport viewers to the 1970s, exploring the lives of both midwives and nuns at Nonnatus House.
While the official release date for season 15 is yet to be announced, it is expected to follow the traditional schedule, with the Christmas special heralding the new season and likely airing its episodes from January. The new series will feature eight 60-minute episodes with its regular weekly Sunday showings on BBC One.
Looking to the potential return of cast members, fans can breathe easy knowing many fan favorites are likely to reprise their roles. The mainstays include Helen George as Trixie Aylward, Stephen McGann as Dr. Patrick Turner, Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, and Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne. The casting decisions will remain largely intact, aside from last-minute surprises such as Cusack’s exit.
Recent teasers from Thomas have hinted at the possibility of the series taking breaks, stating, "I don't believe Call the Midwife will ever end, but I do think we might take..." Creative discussions are clearly always underway about this long-running show, ensuring it stays fresh and engaging. The drama’s loyal following is hopeful for continued storylines and evolution.
Adding to the intrigue, the final dialogue of the season finale included Sister Hilda discussing the Order's precarious future. "We used to have branch houses dotted all over Great Britain... But at every turn, councils are withdrawing from their contracts," she revealed, hinting at thrilling narrative arcs to explore as seasons move forward.
The audience's attachment to the characters and setting of Call the Midwife shines through each episode, and this finale was no exception. With its powerful storytelling and complex character development, viewers cannot wait to see what lies next for Sister Catherine, Nancy, and those entrenched at Nonnatus House.
The excitement surrounding Call the Midwife's forthcoming season is palpable, exciting fans to discover more of the rich narratives originating from this treasured series. Stay tuned to BBC iPlayer for updates and air dates as the story continues to grow.