The cherished BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set to make its heartwarming festive return this year with a special two-part Christmas event. For the second consecutive year, viewers will be treated to two hour-long episodes, airing on Christmas Day at 8:15pm and Boxing Day at 8:30pm on BBC One.
Familiar Faces and Exciting Returns
As the community of Poplar prepares for the holidays, many of the show's beloved core cast members will be back. This includes Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Helen George as Trixie Aylward, and Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle. However, this year's special brings some particularly welcome returns.
Christopher Harper reprises his role as Trixie's brother, Geoffrey Franklin, who arrives back in Poplar from his life as a society osteopath in West London. Meanwhile, Max Macmillan returns as Timothy Turner, the eldest son of Shelagh and Patrick, who had left to train as a doctor in Edinburgh.
A Dramatic Festive Journey to Hong Kong
This year's Christmas narrative takes an adventurous turn, moving part of the action far from the familiar streets of East London. Violet and Fred Buckle, played by Annabelle Apsion and Cliff Parisi, travel to Hong Kong to visit her son.
Their trip takes a sudden and dramatic turn when a devastating landslide causes a large building to collapse, resulting in numerous casualties. This emergency prompts a team from Nonnatus House to rush to Hong Kong to assist, blending the show's classic medical drama with an international setting.
Notable Guest Stars and Storylines
The specials will also feature several guest stars, most notably Henry Goodman (known for The Regime and The New Pope), who plays Mr Fischer. His character, who is terminally ill, contacts Cyril Robinson with a request to stay in his old childhood flat, leading to a touching Hanukkah celebration.
Other confirmed guest stars include John Addison as Mr Hawley, Ines Laimins as Sister Edith, and Patra Au as Mrs Ma, among others.
The Full Returning Cast Line-Up
The ensemble returning for the festive episodes is extensive, ensuring fans will see all their favourites. The confirmed returning cast includes:
- Linda Bassett as Nurse Phyllis Crane
- Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan
- Laura Main as Nurse Shelagh Turner
- Stephen McGann as Dr Patrick Turner
- Zephryn Taitte as Cyril Robinson
- Georgie Glen as Miss Millicent Higgins
- Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica
- Daniel Laurie as Reggie Jackson
- And many more, including the younger Turner children and other Nonnatus House residents.
With emotional homecomings, a high-stakes international disaster, and the show's signature blend of warmth and drama, the Call the Midwife Christmas special 2025 promises to be an unmissable festive treat for its dedicated audience.
