The cherished BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set to deliver a festive treat unlike any other this Christmas, with a special two-part episode that will span continents. The beloved series, which has captivated audiences for over a decade, will transport viewers from its familiar East End setting to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, before returning for an eighth hour-long series in January 2026.
A Festive Mission to the Far East
This year's unique Christmas special sees the narrative split between two worlds. When senior staff from Nonnatus House embark on a humanitarian mission to Hong Kong, the junior midwives are left to hold the fort in Poplar. The story dynamically shifts between the tropical climate of the Far East and a wintry East End, creating a rich contrast that forms the heart of the special.
For Sister Julienne, played by the esteemed Jenny Agutter, the journey proves unexpectedly revitalising. After years of resisting change, she begins to embrace transformation, deciding to collaborate with it to see what compassion can achieve. Agutter, 72, revealed the scripts contained a "great deal of displacement", with characters in both locations feeling out of place, a theme that underpins the drama.
New Territory for a Beloved Cast
The festive episodes will feature the show's much-loved ensemble, including Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, Helen George as Trixie Aylward, Stephen McGann as Dr. Turner, and Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle. For Main, who has been with the series since its 2012 launch, this special represents uncharted waters. "It's completely new territory," she explained. "You've got the cast in Hong Kong, but at the same time, half the storyline is set in Poplar... it's unlike anything you've seen before."
Series creator and writer Heidi Thomas, 63, seized the opportunity presented by the two-part format to create a diverse landscape. She also teased some mischief back at Nonnatus House in the nuns' absence, promising a proper 1970s party with alcohol and the mysterious absence of Nurse Rosalind. "I very much wanted that 'while the cat's away, the mice will play' vibe," Thomas grinned.
Filming in 'Mad' Summer Heat
Stephen McGann, who is married to Heidi Thomas, shared insights from filming the Hong Kong segments during scorching summer conditions. "It was mad, summer mad out there," he chuckled, noting that even the local crew questioned their timing. He praised the episode's perfect balance between the two locations and the dynamic created by the senior staff's departure.
Annabelle Apsion, whose character Violet is married to Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi), expressed her love for the cosy heart of the Christmas specials. "I just love being married to Father Christmas," she said, referring to Fred's festive role. "I think there's something wonderfully heartwarming about it all."
Broadcast Details and Looking Ahead
The two-part Call the Midwife festive special will air on BBC One, with the first episode at 8.15pm on Christmas Day and the second at 8.30pm on Boxing Day. Both episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer throughout the festive period.
This special paves the way for Series 15, which will consist of eight fresh hour-long episodes scheduled to begin in January 2026. The series continues to draw inspiration from the late Jennifer Worth's memoirs about her time with the Community of St John the Divine, captivating audiences with its stories of midwifery, community, and social change spanning from the late 1950s to the 1970s.
