Call the Midwife Christmas Special: Cast Celebrate Wrap on Three‑Part BBC Festive Episode in Newly Released Photos

The BBC has unveiled newly released images from Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms, marking the completion of filming on Neal Street’s three‑part Christmas special. The exclusive photos offer the first on‑set look at Julie Hesmondhalgh, Helena Wilson, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier and Lizzie Back, who join the ensemble for this major festive drama coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.

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Story Overview: Poplar at the Outbreak of War

Set in September 1939, Sisters in Arms returns viewers to Poplar at the moment Britain enters the Second World War. Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, while Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young, driven and devoted to their calling. Alongside Sister Alice and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns of Nonnatus House serve mothers, babies and vulnerable families in a community facing extreme hardship.

With no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state, the midwives work under relentless pressure. When war is declared, conditions worsen further. The three young secular midwives — Sybil, Olive and Marianne — face a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz transform daily life.

As bombs fall, women give birth underground, families are torn apart, children roam the streets, and entire neighbourhoods are reduced to rubble. Yet courage, compassion and resilience define Poplar, as the community unites to survive the darkest winter.

Heidi Thomas OBE, writer and showrunner, says: “Call the Midwife has a long and noble history of filming Christmas specials during heatwaves, and this year we welcomed the snow-machine back to the Nonnatus House set like an old friend. But I was surprised how many new emotions Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms sparked. In particular, the evacuation of Poplar’s children, and the fear that they may not make it home for Christmas had us all in tears.”

Production Details

Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms is produced by All3Media’s Neal Street for the BBC. The series is created, written and executive produced by Heidi Thomas, with Pippa Harris executive producing for Neal Street. Ann Tricklebank serves as producer and directs episodes one and two, while John Maidens directs episode three.

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