Sisters In Arms: Call The Midwife spin-off slated for Christmas debut
The spin-off prequel will be set during World War II
Last updated 7 hours ago
Call The Midwife fans rejoice — we've just had news that the beloved BBC show's eagerly-awaited spin-off entitled Sisters In Arms will be heading our way THIS Christmas. It comes following an emotional end to series 15 AND the news that there will a brief hiatus before series 16 gets underway.
But fear not, there's plenty more nostalgia to come from the nuns of Nonnatus, with an upcoming movie in the works too. Here's everything we know so far...
On Tuesday 6th May 2025, BBC bosses first revealed plans for a spin-off which will be set before the first series of Call The Midwife began, with some popular characters making an appearance.
The prequel, which will be set during World War II, is set to be filmed in 2026 — and is reported to feature younger versions of Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina (previously played by Jenny Agutter and Pam Ferris).
Series writer and executive producer, Heidi Thomas, explains: “The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right. I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.
"The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces.”
She's since revealed at a Radio Times press event that there won't be a traditional Christmas special in 2026, with her colleague Pippa Harries revealing Sisters In Arms would premiere over Christmas in its place.
Meanwhile, filming for a Call The Midwife movie is also expected to get underway in 2026. Set overseas in 1972, the film will star 'iconic' members of the existing Call The Midwife cast.
Heidi said: “As the classic Call The Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape. The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters. Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!”
The spin-off and movie will both be written, created and produced by showrunner Heidi Thomas, and executive producers Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank, who is also the series producer.
Dame Pippa Harris said: “We have all been delighted by the way audiences have continued to embrace Heidi’s imaginative and moving stories from Nonnatus House. In an increasingly competitive viewing environment not only have our loyal fans stayed with us for 14 years, but they’ve been joined by a new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face. Emboldened by this warmth and enthusiasm, now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel!”
When is the prequel coming to screens?
It's widely reported that Sisters In Arms will premiere on screens THIS Christmas, filling the usual spot which has been filled by the beloved Call The Midwife Christmas Special since 2012.
When will the Call The Midwife movie be in the cinema?
There's no word on a release date just yet, but we know filming will begin in 2026. More details will be announced soon.
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