Nuns and nurses face a new era of changes
NEW eight-part series of the popular award-winning period drama. It is now 1962 and the Nonnatus House team are as committed to caring for the people of Poplar as always.
However, the social revolution in the outside world is mirrored by change and challenge much closer to home.
As they strive to help mothers and families cope with the demands of childbearing, disability, disease and social prejudice, our beloved medics must make choices – and fight battles – of their own.
Series six will see them laugh together, cry together and pull together, supporting each other as never before.
In the first episode, the midwives receive a rapturous welcome when they return from their South African adventure – but all is not well at Nonnatus House.
In their absence, Sister Ursula (Harriet Walter) has been running a very tight ship and it is quickly announced that she will remain in charge at Nonnatus House, ranking above Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter).
Sister Ursula makes some unpopular changes but Sister Julienne is unable to challenge her, as she is bound by a vow of obedience.
As the Nonnatuns chafe under the new rules, the midwives are drawn into helping heavily pregnant mother Trudy Watts, whose husband has just been released from prison for extortion.
Gradually, the problems below the surface of the marriage become clear – a victim of domestic abuse, Trudy is desperate for a divorce but risks losing her home, her good name and, crucially, access to her children.
Trapped and with no clear way out, Trudy’s suffering sends shockwaves through Nonnatus House, most noticeably affecting Sister Mary Cynthia (Bryony Hannah), who is suffering with increasing anxiety following her recent attack.
Elsewhere, Shelagh Turner (Laura Main) is harbouring a secret and struggles to tell Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), while Patsy (Emerald Fennell) receives some distressing news about her father in Hong Kong.