Call the Midwife has confirmed that Sister Monica Joan, played by Judy Parfitt, will return to screens despite her character's death in the season 15 finale. The beloved nun passed away peacefully from chronic kidney disease, having declined medical intervention.
The character's death was marked by an apparition of her late companion Sister Evangelina and a funeral procession with a costermonger's cart. However, the BBC has announced that a younger version of Sister Monica Joan will appear in the upcoming prequel series, Sister in Arms.
Set during the Second World War in Poplar, the prequel will also feature younger incarnations of Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina, alongside three new midwives. Creator Heidi Thomas described the series as being about 'strong women above all else' navigating a world beyond their control.
Thomas explained that the prequel emerged from her desire to explore the deeper past, particularly the Blitz years in the East End, which she called 'extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy.' The show will replace the traditional Christmas special this year.
Beyond the prequel, Call the Midwife will also transition to cinema with a film set abroad in 1972, alongside series 16. The programme is available to stream on BBC One and iPlayer.
