Delivering the goods
Call The Midwife is back for a new series after 10 years on telly
Muchloved drama Call The Midwife has been delivering – in every sense of the word – for a decade now.
Over the years the BBC1 series has continued to storm the ratings and present complex and compelling stories, while well and truly warming the hearts of fans.
And this week the show returns for its special 10-year anniversary series. So it’s time to head back to Nonnatus House and again delve into the lives of the nurses and nuns who first cycled into our lives in 2012.
Picking up where we left off in the Christmas Day special, each of the main characters is faced with another set of personal challenges to overcome while continuing to dedicate themselves to their vocation of bringing babies safely into the world.
Now, though, it’s 1966 and huge change is in the air. In the opening episode, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) is having to weigh up the option of a private venture clinic and whether it could help boost Nonnatus House’s finances. As she turns to Trixie (Helen George) for help, Sister Julienne’s decision ripples through the Poplar community. Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) voices his concerns, leaving Shelagh (Laura Main) torn between her husband and her friend. Elsewhere, Lucille (Leonie Elliott) and Sister Frances (Ella Bruccoleri) deliver a baby boy – but both are surprised to discover he’s been born without legs below his knees. Could this be another case of thalidomide? Meanwhile, after suffering a bad fall at
Christmas, Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) is undergoing a crisis of faith.
As the series gets under way, we ask how the ensemble cast sees the last 10 years and why the actors think viewers have taken this show so strongly to their hearts.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I can remember the first few days like it was yesterday,” said Helen, who has played Trixie since the first series. “It’s been a fantastic ride – from not knowing whether it was going to be longer than six episodes to 10 years later.”
Jenny, the show’s beloved Sister Julienne, agreed: “Every year I wait for those scripts to come through and wonder if there’s going to be a slip and it’s not going to be as good. But there’s always this wonderful revelation. And the stories are full of complexity and the human spirit.
“Also, we have babies as well, which just adds to the enjoyment. Babies always bring with them hope.” l Call The Midwife is on Sunday, BBC1, 9pm.
It’s been a fantastic ride... from not knowing – whether the show was going to be longer than six episodes to 10 years later. Helen George