A scene from the Call the Midwife Christmas special(Image: PA)

BBC Call The Midwife to air two-part Christmas special for first time

by · Wales Online

For the first time, the BBC will air a two-part Call The Midwife Christmas special this year. The festive journey to 1960s east London will be split into two 60-minute episodes, rather than the usual single 90-minute one, and will feature a Christmas cliffhanger.

In the special, the midwives of Nonnatus House continue their work delivering babies while a funfair brings joy to Poplar. However, as the locals gear up for a carol concert, news of an escaped prisoner sparks fears following a series of break-ins.

The Turner children get swept up in the Blue Peter Christmas appeal to collect Dinky cars and scrap metal, while Trixie (Helen George) pays a brief visit to Nonnatus House and is thrilled to see her brother, Geoffrey (Christopher Harper). Meanwhile, Miss Higgins (Georgie Glen) has her grandson Harry over for Christmas, Violet (Annabelle Apsion) organises a mince pie competition, and the Buckles' plans for Reggie's return are disrupted.

First look images from the episodes depict the characters at what appears to be a carol concert. Another photo shows the Turner children unwrapping their presents on Christmas Day, while Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi) is pictured dressed as Father Christmas, complete with a red sack and bell.

This year's festive trip to 1960s east London will consist of two 60-minute episodes, rather than one 90-minute episode(Image: PA)
It will have a Christmas cliffhanger(Image: PA)

"Call the Midwife" fans are in for a double dose of Christmas joy as production kicks off for eight brand new episodes, set to be released in early 2025 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Additionally, a 15th season has been given the green light.

The show's creator and writer, Heidi Thomas, couldn't hide her enthusiasm: "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."

Executive Producer Dame Pippa Harris was equally excited, stating: "For the first time, viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans."

And Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, confirmed that this year they were upping the ante: "Call the Midwife has become one of UK television’s most popular festive traditions, and this year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife’s biggest Christmas ever. Heidi and the team have lined up an absolute treat."

The eagerly anticipated two-part Christmas special will grace screens on BBC One during the holiday season.