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They said an emotional goodbye to a Nonnatus House legend after 14 years

Those who tuned into the final episode of the latest series of Call the Midwife were left ‘in bits’ as they said an emotional goodbye to a Nonnatus House legend after 14 years.

The moment had been brewing all throughout the BBC series’ 15th run as Sister Monica Joan’s health deteriorated but it didn’t make it any less emotional when the beloved character died during Sunday’s (March 8) series 15 finale, having decided to stop taking her medication, and planning her final farewell with the help of local undertaker Bernie Mullucks.

The episode produced a rollercoaster of emotions, with Cyril and Rosalind tying the knot after recently finding out they’re set to become parents, and the looming closure of Nonnatus House as viewers know it, which comes amid the rapid modernisation of the NHS in the early 1970s, with hospital births taking priority over home deliveries.

As the end drew near, Sister Monica Joan saw a vision of Sister Evangelina, marking a brief return for actress Pam Ferris to the role. Her old friend told her: You have shilly-shallied long enough. Even the Almighty’s patience has worn thin.” When Sister Monica Joan asked what it would be like in Heaven, Sister Evangelina added: “It’s everything we were promised, and all that you have worked for.”

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With a reaching out of hands, Call the Midwife viewers’ eyes filled with tears as Sister Evangelina guided Siter Monica Joan into the afterlife. Her wishes for her funeral were then honoured by the Order, and after she was laid to rest, the nuns and midwives were seen back at Nonnatus House, which was described as “temporarily closed”.

Fans saw Joyce accept the role of Acting Sister at St Cuthbert’s, while Trixie prepared to leave to become Matron at The Lady Emily. Nurse Crane, meanwhile, remained as Dr Turner’s district nurse, after Sister Julienne explained that an “alteration” was on the cards, rather than closure.

And Call the Midwife viewers flocked ot social media to comment. @alison__jordan said: “#callthemidwife had me in bits. Beautiful ending to the series, so much was changing that we take for granted now.” @JoeMackenzie16 commented: “#callthemidwife Watched every single episode over 15 years. I’m in bits. That was a beautiful final episode.” @Disney_Dani1992 wrote: “That was so so beautifully done & a fitting ending to Sister Monica Joan but I am in absolute bits. #CallTheMidwife.”

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@eternitydropped posted: “What a perfect end to 15 years of #CallTheMidwife I am in PIECES.” @exrxdx shared: “What a perfect final episode. No other words to describe it! #callthemidwife.” @CathSmithy53 added: “The death of Sister Monica Joan and the appearance of sister Evangelina on #callthemidwife had me in floods of tears tonight. So sad the show has come to an end but what a finale to end on.”

It comes after the Call the Midwife cast commented on changes being ahead, with a prequal series set to air later this year before series 16 airs. Helen George – who plays Trixie Franklin – has warned that the beloved show will look different when it returns to TV screens.

The 41-year-old told Radio Times: “We’ve all been saying that we’ll feel it most in April because that’s when we usually start filming. So when that comes around and we don’t, we won’t have the support network and community that work has given us.” Helen added: “It won’t be the same, with different characters leaving and whatever.”

It’s usually a popular tourist destination for those heading abroad from the UK in search of some sun, particularly around its Red Sea coast, Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh.

But following regional tensions which has resulted in closed airspaces and cancelled flights from the likes of Emirates, Virgin and British Airways, let’s take a look at the current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) Egypt travel warnings for Brits.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt from the UK? Foreign Office’s latest advice

The Foreign Office has outlined that there is a “heightened risk of regional tension” and “escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts”

It adds: “British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”

The FCDO recommends UK residents either in Egypt or travelling to, should:

• read guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities

Aside from this, it appears the UK government has not updated its advice since the start of the Middle East conflict.

Update on UK consular assistance to British nationals in the Middle East – 7 March 2026⬇️ pic.twitter.com/P5dLk5wDQw

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 7, 2026

FCDO advises against all travel and all but essential travel to parts of Egypt

However, there has been longstanding travel restrictions by the Foreign Office prior to the Middle East war for Brits visiting Egypt, including advice against all travel and all but essential travel to parts of the country.

This includes:

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for areas listed on the UK government website.

Recommended reading:

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Stay up to date with the latest UK travel advice to Egypt on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s website.

Are you due to travel to Egypt soon? Let us know in the comments below.

As Israel and the US continued to bomb Iran after killing the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Iran lashed out at its neighbours. Among the targets of Iranian drone strikes were a hotel in Dubai, a port in Oman, gas facilities in Qatar, and multiple US bases and embassies in the region, including in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have a long and bitter rivalry. Yet, in recent years, the Saudis had begun building new diplomatic relationship with Iran, even as they and other Gulf states continued to host American military bases, and court American investment.

Now the Gulf states find themselves in the middle of the very regional conflict many of its leaders hoped to avoid. It’s one which threatens longstanding efforts to cement the Gulf as a hub for finance, travel and tourism, and as an oasis of security.

In today’s episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to Simon Mabon, a professor of international relations at Lancaster University in the UK and expert in Saudi-Iran relations, about how the Gulf’s delicate balancing act between the US and Iran came toppling down.

Mabon says that in recent years, Gulf states realised they had to live alongside Iran. “You can’t do that without having regional stability. And the only way you could get regional stability is to integrate Iran in some way, shape, or form,” says Mabon.

But after the US-Israeli war on Iran, and Iran’s retaliation against its neighbours, Mabon thinks it will be very difficult “to rebuild the sort of trust that had been cultivated over years between the Gulf Arab states and Iran”. That leaves big questions about how Gulf states, which may have advanced military hardware, but only small armies, ensure the security of their populations and their economies.

Listen to the interview with Simon Mabon on The Conversation Weekly podcast. This episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Mixing by Eleanor Brezzi and theme music by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware was the executive producer.

Newsclips in this episode from CNN, 60 minutes, euronews, BBC News, PBS NewsHour and WION.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

Its ground floor accommodation includes a reception hall and a large living room with views across the garden and village green and a painted fireplace which is currently sealed but could be opened again and a log-burning stove installed if the new owners so wish.

Kitchen: Fitted units, Rangemaster cooker and French doors to rear patio (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Also on this floor are an impressive fully glazed orangery with sliding doors out to a covered veranda, perfect for soaking up the sun in, a shower room, and the kitchen and adjoining dining area.

An L-shaped open-plan room, this features a good range of fitted units and integral appliances including a Rangemaster cooker with gas burners in the kitchen, which also has French doors leading out to the patio at the rear.

Dining area: Exposed brick alcove with fitted shelving and cupboards. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

The dining area – with useful bespoke fitted shelving and cupboards plus a feature alcove in an exposed brick wall – has a door into the orangery, creating the perfect flow for entertaining.

Upstairs are the family bathroom, a family shower room, and four double bedrooms, each of which has fitted furniture and enjoys a pleasant outlook.

The spacious master bedroom is vaulted with exposed beams and eaves storage and benefits from an en suite shower room.

Living room: Dual-aspect room with painted fireplace and views over the garden and village green. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

The Willows has a low maintenance garden at the front with parking for several vehicles on a resin driveway and an EV charger.

Its beautifully landscaped private rear garden features a mix of lawned areas, flower beds, and established shrubs and trees, with over the adjacent open countryside.

Orangery: Fully glazed space with sliding doors to covered veranda. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Property facts

The Willows, Kirkby Fleetham

Price: Offers over £595,000

Robin Jessop Ltd

01969 622800 or 01677 425950

www.robinjessop.co.uk

Centred around shared family spaces, The Willows – which was built in 1988 using reclaimed brick – is a spacious family home set within a generous plot in the heart of Kirkby Fleetham. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Centred around shared family spaces, The Willows – which was built in 1988 using reclaimed brick – is a spacious family home set within a generous plot in the heart of Kirkby Fleetham. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Garden: Landscaped rear garden with lawn, flower beds and countryside views. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Orangery: Fully glazed space with sliding doors to covered veranda. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Centred around shared family spaces, The Willows – which was built in 1988 using reclaimed brick – is a spacious family home set within a generous plot in the heart of Kirkby Fleetham. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Centred around shared family spaces, The Willows – which was built in 1988 using reclaimed brick – is a spacious family home set within a generous plot in the heart of Kirkby Fleetham. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Centred around shared family spaces, The Willows – which was built in 1988 using reclaimed brick – is a spacious family home set within a generous plot in the heart of Kirkby Fleetham. (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Shaun, 44, has been missing from his home in Bolton since last year and police are “becoming increasingly concerned” about him.

Officers would like to ensure he is safe and well.

Shaun is described as 6’10, white male, and of slim build.

Missing man Shaun is from Bolton (Image: GMP)

Police have asked for anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them on 0161 856 5546.

Officers issued an appeal on social media late last night, reading: “#MISSING | “Have you seen Shaun from #Bolton?

“He is missing from home and was last seen in Bolton in November.

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well.

“Any info? Contact police on 0161 856 5546.”

One person said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops” in the high street

Locals say a Cambridgeshire town’s high street could “use a little more love”, as some feel it is “lacking” a variety of shops. Huntingdon is praised by those who live there as being a “safe” place and a “nice” place to bring up a family.

Like many others across the country, some people feel the high street could be improved. Sarah Gosling, who thinks the town has a “nice family feel” to it, said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops”.

She added: “It’s great to have them [charity shops], but we have a lot of them and it would be nice to have a lot of other stuff. Some of the restaurants are nice, but it would be good to have some more clothes shops.” Sarah’s mum Anne Monkman also thought it would be “good to have more variety of shops.”

Barry Graves said the high street could “use a little more love”. He said: “We have a few down the street that are boarded up or empty. It makes it look sad. It feels like it could be a good opportunity to bring in a few different shops. Maybe some independent places, and then we could support local businesses.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is “lacking” shops. “There’s a running joke that you go into Huntingdon for a vape or haircut,” she said.

She added: “There is also nothing for younger people to do. They are just going around destroying things because they have nothing to do. It could be a lot better.”

Her friend, who also asked not to be named, said that she is moving away from the area. She said: “We just want a change of scenery. There is too much smoking and drugs, we want a quieter life.”

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said the town centre has become “rundown”. He said: “It’s not what it used to be like. It feels like it’s losing its heart. Especially down the high street. It feels like stuff is starting to disappear and it’s sad to see.”

Linda Hamilton doesn’t like the potential developments that could be built around Huntingdon. She said: “I have no idea what stage they are at or what is happening with them, but it’s going to affect all of the traffic in town. There is enough as it is.”

Footage has emerged showing the violent incident

Shocking video footage has surfaced showing a fan being violently kicked to the ground amid the disgraceful scenes at Ibrox.

Fans from both Rangers and Celtic stormed onto the pitch following the Scottish Cup quarter-final clash, with appalling confrontations resulting in injuries to police officers and stewards.

Multiple people have been arrested and Police Scotland have launched an investigation. Video clips circulating on social media have revealed the extent of the disturbing scenes, including one fan launching a brutal attack by kicking another in the head.

In the footage, a fan wearing a light coloured top charges towards a supporter dressed in black before leaping and extending their leg to strike their target.

The first fan appears to make contact with the second person’s head before they collapse to the ground, reports the Daily Record.

In a strongly-worded statement, Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen condemned the “extreme hostility and violence” which officers encountered after the final whistle at the Old Firm cup match.

Enquiries are currently ongoing and police have confirmed they will collaborate with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association as they identify those responsible.

Following a scoreless 120 minutes, Celtic triumphed 4-2 on penalties to progress to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

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The Six Nations title fight will be settled on the final day after a vintage penultimate weekend left it all to play for on “Super Saturday”.

A stunning performance from Scotland threw the championship wide open as Gregor Townsend’s side conquered France in a 90-point epic, ending Les Bleus’ grand slam chances.

Ireland, too, remain in the title mix having survived a spirited performance from Wales in Dublin under the Friday night lights.

History, meanwhile, was made by Italy as they beat England for the first time in their history at the 33rd attempt.

But which players impressed in round four? Here are our picks for the Six Nations team of the week:

Loosehead prop: Rhys Carre, Wales

open image in gallery

Was Carre’s sensational solo score enough on its own to earn inclusion here? Almost certainly, but his superb work in wider confines was matched by a number of thumping hits in the tight, as well as a strong scrummaging effort. The loosehead has fully emerged as an international force in this campaign, although faces plenty of competition for this spot: Pierre Schoeman, Jean-Baptiste Gros and Danilo Fischetti can count themselves unfortunate.

Hooker: Ronan Kelleher, Ireland

Kelleher perhaps went under the radar for Ireland yet showed again why he is such a fine deputy to Dan Sheehan, averaging three metres per carry to show his might and chipping in with 17 tackles. Giacomo Nicotera went well for Italy but for one moment of madness that saw him sent to the sin bin.

Tighthead prop: Zander Fagerson, Scotland

Credit must go to for D’Arcy Rae for getting Scotland off to a strong start, and to Gregor Townsend for holding Fagerson in reserve before sending his top prop on just before half time. The tighthead got around the park superbly, producing eight carries and nine tackles in 40 minutes while continuing to stabilise the scrum.

Lock: Niccolo Cannone, Italy

open image in gallery

It’s tough to separate an Italian lock triumvirate that grew in stature in Rome, and Andrea Zambonin and Federico Ruzza (who particularly impressed at the lineout) were just as key cogs in a significant win. Cannone went all 80, though, resourcing rucks until the very last. Like Nicotera, Maro Itoje’s overall candidacy for inclusion is spoiled by a strange and cynical action.

Lock: Emmanuel Meafou, France

Meafou necessitates inclusion having changed France’s dimension after being introduced off the bench. Simply put, the visitors missed his sheer size in Edinburgh, and his offloading game after arriving caused plenty of problems, too. It is a worry for Scotland that starting lock pair Cummings and Gregor Brown are serious injury doubts for their final day trip to Dublin.

Blindside flanker: Alex Mann, Wales

A tireless tackling performance from Mann against Ireland, with the flanker making 32 hits in all to characterise a gutsy, gritty Welsh performance. His intercept of Jamison Gibson-Park on his own line saved seven points, too. After a tough period, Wales seem to have found a pack that has the physical edge to mix it at Test level.

Openside flanker: Manuel Zuliani, Italy

So many in Italian blue come close to making this forward pack, and all three of their back row might have merited inclusion. Zuliani, though, is having a storming tournament, and again proved a breakdown nuisance and thumping hitter in the defensive line. Oscar Jegou was one of France’s best, though an ugly incident with Ewan Ashman may require further investigation.

No 8: Jack Conan, Ireland

open image in gallery

Are we being sneaky in including a man who wore the six shirt at No 8? Yes, but it is our team of the week, so we make the rules, and Conan was stationed at the base of scrums several times in Ireland’s win over Wales. His heft was mightily useful in (eventually) getting the hosts over the line.

Scrum half: Ben White, Scotland

Scotland’s speed of ball was a key part of their success against France, with more than half of their rucks cleared inside three seconds. White’s whippy passing kept them moving at a serious tempo that the visitors could not live with.

Fly half: Finn Russell, Scotland

open image in gallery

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A wonderfully balanced performance from a great illustrator picking his passes perfectly. Russell was tidy from the tee, too, which ultimately proved crucial in denying France a second bonus point.

Left wing: Kyle Steyn, Scotland

Outstanding all year as leader and player for Glasgow, Steyn has brought that form into a Six Nations where he has hit new heights. Such a well-rounded operator, he beats out Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Monty Ioane to this place.

Inside centre: Sione Tuipulotu, Scotland

Tuipulotu enjoyed a famous day as Scotland skipper, leading from the front to show his triple-threat skillset in attack particularly. Scotland used the same attacking shape to cut France on three occasions with three different variations with Tuipulotu at the apex – first pulling back to Finn Russell for Darcy Graham’s opener, then carrying himself to make metres, before finally sending Tom Jordan under the posts on a short line with a deft bit of handling.

Outside centre: Tommaso Menoncello, Italy

open image in gallery

Menoncello may wear the No 12 on his back but he interchanges often in partnership with Juan Ignacio Brex, and went to outside centre after Leonardo Marin’s introduction. Besides, we simply couldn’t leave an unstoppable force out – Menoncello’s outstanding line cracked England open in the first half before providing another enormous impact in the history-making try.

Right wing: Darcy Graham, Scotland

Benched for the start of the tournament, Graham looks back to his vibrant, confident best and consistently troubled the French defence. He works so well with Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn, connecting in the wide channels.

Full-back: Lorenzo Pani, Italy

Rock solid at the back, Pani produced another composed performance in the stead of Ange Capuozzo. Italy’s performance was all the more the impressive given the players they are missing, from Jacopo Trulla and Edoardo Todaro in the back three to Seb Negri, Marco Riccioni, Ross Vintcent and Gianmarco Lucchesi up front.