Call the Midwife Star Fuels Comeback Speculation for Beloved Character
Former Call the Midwife actress Jennifer Kirby has ignited fervent speculation among fans of the long-running BBC drama by teasing a potential return for her much-missed character, Nurse Valerie Dyer. The actress, who portrayed the compassionate ex-Army midwife for four years until her departure in 2020, recently shared a nostalgic clip from the show, prompting an immediate and passionate reaction from viewers desperate for her comeback.
A Fan-Favourite Character's Dramatic Exit
Jennifer Kirby first joined the cast of Call the Midwife in 2017 during its sixth series, quickly endearing herself to audiences as the kind-hearted Nurse Valerie Dyer. Based in the deprived community of Poplar, East London, Valerie was renowned for her empathetic nature and unwavering dedication to her patients. Her exit from Nonnatus House was confirmed in the 2020 Christmas special, delivered through a poignant scene where Sister Julienne, played by Jenny Agutter, revealed Valerie had resigned following considerable personal distress.
The character's departure was precipitated by a deeply emotional and challenging storyline. During series eight in 2019, Valerie was forced to report her own grandmother, Elsie Dyer, portrayed by Ann Mitchell, to the police for acting as an illegal abortionist. The subsequent series saw her grandmother become ill in prison, released into Valerie's care, and ultimately die of cancer in the finale, leaving Valerie grief-stricken and wrestling with immense guilt.
Social Media Post Sparks Immediate Fan Reaction
More than five years after Valerie's exit was announced, Jennifer Kirby posted a clip from an episode featuring her character alongside former EastEnders star Ann Mitchell. The actress captioned the post simply with "‘Call the Midwife’ BBC", but this was enough to send the show's dedicated fanbase into a frenzy of hope and demand.
The comments section was quickly flooded with pleas for Valerie's return. One ardent fan wrote, "Absolutely loved Valerie, you were amazing!! Wish she would make a comeback!" Another declared, "Please can Val come back!! My favourite character ever", while a third expressed, "Girl, I miss youuu in CTM. Love you, you’re awesome!" Further comments praised Valerie as "by far one of my favorite midwives" and highlighted how much she brought to Nonnatus House.
Life After Nonnatus House for Jennifer Kirby
Since leaving Call the Midwife, Jennifer Kirby has maintained a busy acting career. She starred as Dr. Gillian Nicholls in Endeavour in 2021, appeared as Alberta Casey in Vampire Academy in 2022, and most recently played Sarah in the 2025 drama The Gold. On a personal note, the actress, who is married to Killing Eve actor Robert Gilbert, celebrated becoming a first-time parent in July.
In a moving and intimate Instagram post, Jennifer shared a photo of her post-operative scar alongside a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for her body's resilience and her husband's support during her introduction to motherhood. She revealed their bundle of joy arrived around Christmas 2024, a delightful surprise to followers who had been previously unaware.
With Call the Midwife continuing to air on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday evenings, the possibility of Valerie Dyer's return remains an exciting prospect for the show's loyal audience, who clearly hold the character in the highest affection.
