Call the Midwife’s Christmas special has five new characters

Titled Sisters In Arms, it will serve as a three-part prequel to the hit BBC drama.

Set in Poplar in September 1939 during the outbreak of the Second World War, the special introduces a new cast including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Helena Wilson, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier, and Lizzie Back.

The BBC has shared the first look of Call the Midwife’s Christmas special for 2026 (Image: Neal Street/BBC/PA Wire)

Heidi Thomas, writer and showrunner, said: “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.”

The series, which has aired since January 2012, follows nurse midwives in east London.

Each of its 15 series has featured a Christmas special and this year is no different.

What to expect from Call the Midwife Christmas special 2026

A synopsis for the special from the BBC reads: “Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar.

“Together with Sister Alice, and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies and those in need.

“But there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state.

Top 10 Best British TV series

“Then war is declared – and life gets even harder.

“The three young secular midwives who complete the team – Sybil, Olive and Marianne – receive a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz take hold.

“While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble.

“But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive.”

An exact broadcast date for the special has not yet been confirmed, but it will air during the festive season this year.

If you’ve not watched the series or want to rewatch episodes, BBC iPlayer currently hosts previous series of Call The Midwife.

Who is your favourite Call the Midwife character? Tell us in the comments below.