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All we know About Call the Midwife Christmas Specials: A Double dose of Festive Drama Awaits
For the first time ever, Call the Midwife is treating fans to a double festive delight with its 2024 Christmas special split into two episodes. This exciting change promises an extra helping of the warmth, drama, and joy that has made the series a beloved holiday tradition.
The last special left fans on the edge of their seats with Trixie's life taking a dramatic turn as she agreed to move to New York with Matthew, leaving viewers eager to discover what lies ahead for the couple and the rest of Nonnatus House.
This year, the buzz around Call the Midwife is bigger than ever, with a two-part special set to bring not only festive cheer but also exciting new stories to Poplar. From heartwarming moments to challenges that test the midwives, this is shaping up to be a holiday highlight you won’t want to miss.
Curious about what’s in store for the Nonnatus team, which familiar faces are returning, and what surprises await? Keep reading for all the details you need to know about this very special Christmas treat. And don’t forget—we’ll keep this guide updated with the latest news as it arrives, so stay tuned!
Release date & Where to Watch
Part one of the Call the Midwife Christmas Special is set to air at 8 pm GMT on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with part two following on Boxing Day at 7:30 pm GMT.
For US viewers, the special will air on Christmas Day on PBS, the PBS app, the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel, and PBS Passport, at 8 pm ET on Christmas Day, with the second episode following directly at 9 pm ET.
Plot
After the dramatic cliffhanger of the last series, fans are eager to see what’s next for Trixie and Matthew’s fragile marriage. With Helen George confirmed to return as Trixie, the highly anticipated Christmas special is set to bring back all the "well-loved" characters for stories set in 1969.
Poplar gets a burst of color and excitement with the arrival of a traveling funfair, but the frosty landscape is also visited by influenza and the Hong Kong flu. Adding to the tension, the neighborhood prepares for a carol concert while grappling with fears of an escaped prisoner on the loose after a spate of break-ins.
Meanwhile, the Turner children are swept up in the Blue Peter Christmas appeal, collecting dinky cars and scrap metal, and Trixie makes a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House, reuniting with her brother Geoffrey. Miss Higgins hosts her grandson Harry for Christmas, and Violet organizes a mince pie competition, though the Buckles face unexpected chaos in their preparations for Reggie’s homecoming.
The midwives remain as dedicated as ever, busy delivering babies and supporting the community during the holiday season. This two-part Christmas special promises heartwarming moments, festive cheer, and challenges that will test the resilience of Poplar’s beloved residents.
Who is in Call the Midwife Christmas Specials?
- Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Laura Main as Shelagh Turner
- Helen George as Trixie Aylward
- Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle
- Stephen McGann as Dr Turner
- Linda Bassett as Nurse Crane
- Megan Cusack as Nancy Corrigan
- Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle
- Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins
- Zephryn Taitte as Cyril Robinson
- Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica
- Daniel Laurie as Reggie Jackson
- Renee Bailey as Joyce Highland
- Natalie Quarry as Rosalind Clifford
- Alice Brown as Angela Turner
- Francesca Fullilove as Colette Corrigan
- April Rae Hoang as May Tang
- Edward Shaw as Teddy Turner
Is There a Trailer for Call the Midwife Christmas Specials?
The trailer preview begins with lines welcoming the festive cheer, “The tree’s up, the presents are wrapped, it’s the Christmas bells.” There’s a fair in town and that’s reason to cheer up for the holidays. Also, the midwives help deliver some cute babies as always. Check it out here:
Filming & Production
Earlier this year, fans were given a sneak peek behind the scenes as the Christmas episodes were being filmed. Despite it being spring in reality, the cast embraced the festive spirit, bundled up in winter coats and hats while visiting a traveling fair.
The Turner family was also spotted posing in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, signaling that the holiday season was in full swing on the Call the Midwife set.
Behind the Scenes
Call the Midwife is produced by All3Media’s Neal Street Productions for the BBC in co-production with PBS. The series, created and written by Heidi Thomas, is executive produced by Thomas, Dame Pippa Harris, and Ann Tricklebank, who also serves as producer. Gaynor Holmes is the executive producer for the BBC, and BBC Studios handles global distribution, having sold the series to over 260 territories worldwide.
In an exciting twist for 2024, Call the Midwife will deliver its first-ever two-part Christmas special. Heidi Thomas shared her enthusiasm with BBC, saying, “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!”
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 that I know will delight our loyal fans.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, described this festive event as the series’ “biggest Christmas ever,” promising episodes packed with everything fans cherish about the show. The special was commissioned by Salt and Gaynor Holmes, BBC Drama’s Commissioning Editor.
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