BBC Viewers Are Being Told To Clear Their Christmas Schedules… This Long-Awaited Three-Part Drama Is Taking One Of Britain’s Most Beloved Shows Back To Where It All Began. Set in 1939, the emotional prequel returns to Nonnatus House as war descends on Poplar, following young nuns and midwives suddenly facing blackouts, evacuation and families torn apart. Featuring Julie Hesmondhalgh alongside Grantchester favourite Lizzie Back, the first look promises all the warmth and compassion fans love — against one of the most devastating chapters in British history. The creator admits some scenes even left the team in tears.

by

BBC viewers should clear their schedules for this long-awaited drama with Grantchester favourite

The BBC has unveiled a first look at the upcoming three-part prequel, Sisters in Arms, which airs at Christmas

Olive Dobbs (Ellie Mckay), Marianne Siegler (Liv Andrusier), Sybil Maxted (Lizzie Back) in Sisters in Arms© Neal Street/BBC

Prepare to clear your schedules this Christmas, as filming has officially wrapped on the upcoming Call the Midwife spin-off, Sisters in Arms.

The three-part prequel special, which comes to BBC iPlayer and BBC One this festive period, follows a young Sister Monica Joan at Nonnatus House in 1939.

A first look at the series shows Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Broadchurch) in nun’s habit as Sister Alice, alongside Helena Wilson (The Hills of California, The Custom of the Country) as Sister Julienne.

Olive Dobbs (Ellie Mckay), Marianne Siegler (Liv Andrusier), Sybil Maxted (Lizzie Back) in Sisters in Arms
Sisters in Arms introduces midwives Olive Dobbs (Ellie Mckay), Marianne Siegler (Liv Andrusier), Sybil Maxted (Lizzie Back)

Another behind-the-scenes snap introduces a trio of new midwives: Olive Dobbs, who is played by Ellie McKay (Hijack, Austin), Marianne Siegler, played by Liv Andrusier (The Witcher, Fiddler on the Roof) and Sybil Maxted, played by Lizzie Back (Grantchester, Grace).

WATCH: The trailer for Call the Midwife series 14

As we count down the days until Christmas, find out all we know about the upcoming spin-off below.

What is Sisters in Arms about?

The three-part special transports viewers back to September 1939, when Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar.

The synopsis continues: “Together with Sister Alice, and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies and those in need. But there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state. Then war is declared – and life gets even harder.

Sister Alice (Julie Hesmondhalgh), Sister Julienne (Helena Wilson) in Sisters in Arms© Neal Street/BBC
Julie Hesmondhalgh as Sister Alice and Helena Wilson as Sister Julienne

“The three young secular midwives who complete the team – Sybil, Olive and Marianne – receive a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz take hold. While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble. But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive.”

What has creator Heidi Thomas said about the show?

Teasing the upcoming prequel, showrunner Heidi Thomas said in a statement: “Call the Midwife has a long and noble history of filming Christmas specials during heatwaves, and this year we welcomed the snow-machine back to the Nonnatus House set like an old friend.

Shelagh Turner (LAURA MAIN), Trixie Aylward (HELEN GEORGE), Joyce Highland (RENEE BAILEY)© BBC / Neal Street Productions / Nicky Johnston
The spin-off is set 30 years before the original series

“But I was surprised how many new emotions Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms sparked,” she continued. “In particular, the evacuation of Poplar’s children, and the fear that they may not make it home for Christmas had us all in tears.”

Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.