The BBC has announced a special festive treat for Call The Midwife fans this year, with the series set to air its first-ever two-part Christmas special. Traditionally a single 90-minute episode, this year’s holiday instalment will instead feature two 60-minute episodes, promising a Christmas cliffhanger for viewers.
Set once again in 1960s East London, the festive episodes will see the midwives of Nonnatus House continuing their vital work delivering babies. Meanwhile, a funfair arrives in Poplar, bringing joy and excitement to the community. However, the holiday cheer is dampened when news of an escaped prisoner sparks concerns, as residents fear the escapee may be hiding nearby following a string of break-ins.
Alongside the drama, the episodes will explore lighthearted festive storylines, including the Turner children’s excitement over the Blue Peter Christmas appeal, which calls for donations of Dinky cars and scrap metal. Trixie (Helen George) makes a welcome return to Nonnatus House, delighting in a reunion with her brother Geoffrey (Christopher Harper).
Miss Higgins (Georgie Glen) spends Christmas with her grandson Harry, while Violet (Annabelle Apsion) hosts a competitive mince pie contest. However, the Buckle family faces unexpected chaos in their preparations for Reggie’s homecoming.
First-look images from the episodes show the characters at a carol concert, the Turner children opening Christmas presents, and Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi) dressed as Father Christmas, holding a red sack and bell, capturing the festive spirit.
Heidi Thomas, creator and writer of the show, expressed her excitement about the two-part special. “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,” she said.
Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added, “For the first time, viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans.”
Lindsay Salt, BBC Drama director, emphasized the significance of Call The Midwife as a festive staple, saying, “This year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife’s biggest Christmas ever. Heidi and the team have lined up an absolute treat.”
The two-part special will air on BBC One during the holiday season, with exact broadcast dates yet to be confirmed. Additionally, Call The Midwife will return in early 2025 with a new eight-episode season, and a 15th series has already been commissioned, continuing the long-running show’s beloved tradition.
