Call the Midwife Boss Teases Series 16 — But Fans May Have To Wait
Call the Midwife may have just delivered one of its most emotional finales yet, but the story of Nonnatus House is far from over. Following the death of beloved Sister Monica Joan and major changes for the maternity home, creator and showrunner Heidi Thomas has offered a brief update on what comes next.
The BBC has already confirmed that the period drama will return for a 16th series. However, viewers will have to be patient, with the next chapter being delayed to make room for an upcoming prequel, Sisters in Arms.
Heidi Thomas Has One Message About Series 16
Thomas was asked about the future of Call the Midwife after the show won the National Television Award for Returning Drama on September 8.
Her response was short but suggestive: “Watch this space.”
She explained that there was no immediate news to share about Series 16 because she had been fully occupied with Sisters in Arms.
“I don’t have any news on series 16 yet, because I’ve been completely immersed in Sisters in Arms, as you’d understand,” Thomas said.
The showrunner joked that she had been busy “sticking the windows of Nonnatus House with sticky tape,” adding that there was therefore no immediate update for fans.
Series 15 Ended With A Devastating Goodbye
The latest series took viewers to 1971, as Nonnatus House faced growing uncertainty amid major changes to the National Health Service.
The season also marked the end of an era for one of the show’s original and most beloved characters. Sister Monica Joan, played by Judy Parfitt, died in the finale after her health deteriorated from kidney disease. Her death left the nuns, nurses and wider Poplar community grieving.
The finale also brought moments of hope, including the wedding of Cyril and Rosalind, while the future of the maternity home remained uncertain. By the end of the episode, Nonnatus House was temporarily closed.
Sisters in Arms Takes Viewers Back To The Beginning
Before Series 16 arrives, Call the Midwife will take a major step back in time with its three-part prequel, Sisters in Arms.
Set in Poplar in September 1939, the story introduces younger versions of several familiar characters, including Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina. Jenny Agutter’s older Sister Julienne will narrate the story.
The prequel is set just as the Second World War begins, when Nonnatus House is still at the heart of the Poplar community. The nuns and midwives care for mothers, babies and the poor at a time when medical treatment and social support were far more limited.
The outbreak of war brings an even greater challenge. As the blackout and Blitz take hold, the young midwives face births taking place underground, devastated homes and streets reduced to rubble, while the community struggles to survive.
Heidi Thomas Remembers Judy Parfitt’s Legacy
Thomas also reflected on Parfitt’s contribution to the series following Sister Monica Joan’s death.
She described Judy Parfitt as a kind of “north star” for the cast and crew, praising the dignity and dedication she brought to the character.
Thomas said Parfitt’s performance as Sister Monica Joan had become part of the show’s DNA, adding that the cast and crew adored her and continued to love her work.
With Sisters in Arms now taking centre stage, the wait for Series 16 continues. But after the emotional events of Series 15, there is already plenty for fans to look forward to when Call the Midwife eventually returns.