The beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set to introduce a compelling new character as the plot delves into the turbulent year of 1971. Detective Inspector Holbrook arrives in Poplar to tackle a distressing crime that shakes the community to its core.
A Chilling Case Unfolds in Poplar
In the forthcoming episode airing on Sunday, February 1st, the serene world of Nonnatus House is shattered by a harrowing incident. Sister Catherine, portrayed by Molly Vevers, is left utterly distraught when a newborn baby is snatched from the maternity home. This alarming event prompts an urgent police investigation, with the newly assigned DI Holbrook leading the hunt to recover the infant and apprehend the perpetrator.
The mystery of who took the baby and why adds a layer of suspense to the series, intertwining with the ongoing personal struggles of the midwives. Meanwhile, other storylines continue to unfold, such as Cyril Robinson and Nurse Rosalind Clifford's blossoming romance, which faces its own uncertainties during a woodland date.
Who Portrays DI Holbrook?
The role of Detective Inspector Holbrook is taken on by the accomplished actor and producer Martin Delaney. Now 43 years old, Delaney brings a wealth of experience to the Call the Midwife set, having launched his acting career as a child.
Delaney's television journey began with early appearances in the 1990s. He played Benjamin Oates in an episode of Pie in the Sky in 1997, followed by roles in Wycliffe in 1998 and London's Burning in 2000.
Martin Delaney's Notable Roles
Fans of nostalgic television will recognise Martin Delaney from various popular series over the years. He is perhaps best known to a generation of viewers for his role as Jason Summerbee in the Nickelodeon teen sitcom Redford Rejects, which aired from 1998 to 2001 and followed a group of schoolboys forming their own football team.
His career includes a significant stint as Paul Webb in Family Affairs between 2001 and 2002. Delaney has also made memorable appearances in a diverse array of other television shows, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Notable television credits include:
- Outlander
- Casualty
- Doctors
- Rock & Chips
- The Bill
More recently, Delaney has taken on roles in productions such as The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower, where he played Rob Ryan, Bonded by Blood 2, and as Barry in A Christmas Carol.
Context Within Call the Midwife
The new season of Call the Midwife returned on Sunday, 11th January, continuing the narrative into 1971. The midwives of Nonnatus House are navigating significant societal changes, including embracing the Women's Liberation Movement and confronting the challenges posed by the expanding National Health Service.
Recent episodes have seen Nurse Rosalind Clifford, played by Natalie Quarry, assist a Romanian national escaping a slavery ordeal, while Joyce Highland, portrayed by Renee Bailey, used quick thinking around a blood transfusion to save a mother's life. Sister Veronica, played by Rebecca Gethings, grapples with her religious dedication amidst a longing for a baby, growing attached to baby Christopher, who is under the care of Shelagh Turner, played by Laura Main.
The introduction of DI Holbrook and the baby abduction storyline marks a dramatic shift, injecting a crime thriller element into the heartwarming and often poignant drama. Viewers can expect tense scenes as the detective works against time to resolve the case.
Call the Midwife continues to air on Sundays at 8pm on ITV and is available for streaming on ITVX.
