Fans of the beloved BBC series Call the Midwife were thrilled to spot a familiar face in the latest season of Netflix's hit period drama Bridgerton. Ella Bruccoleri, who portrayed Sister Frances from 2018 to 2022, has made a stunning transformation into a high-society debutante, leaving viewers almost unrecognisable.
From Nun to Noble: Ella Bruccoleri's Dramatic Shift
The 36-year-old actress, best known for her role as the compassionate nun Sister Frances, has swapped her wimple for Regency-era finery in Bridgerton. In the third series, which premiered on 29 January 2026, Bruccoleri appears as Winifred Barragan, a young woman making her formal entrance into London's elite society. Over four episodes, her character navigates the pressures of the ton, though she fails to impress the queen at a debutante ball, leading to a poignant chat with Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie.
Ella Bruccoleri's Exit from Call the Midwife
Bruccoleri departed Call the Midwife during the 2022 Christmas special, where Sister Frances faced a dramatic exit. After helping a mother give birth in a Poplar garment factory, she suffered a bicycle accident, fracturing her shoulder and leaving her unable to continue nursing duties. She retreated to the Mother House and has not returned as the show enters its 15th season, making her Bridgerton cameo a delightful surprise for loyal fans.
Post-Call the Midwife Career Highlights
Since leaving the BBC drama, Ella Bruccoleri has built an impressive portfolio of roles across television and film. Her recent credits include:
- Hotel Portofino (2023)
- Alice & Jack (2023)
- Extraordinary (2023)
- The Chelsea Detective (2023)
- Passenger (2024) as trainee officer Aki Day
- Bookish and Down Cemetery Road (2024)
- Agatha Christie's Seven Dials (2026) as Socks
- Paddington in Peru (2024) as Rosita
She has also been cast as Mary Bennet in the Jane Austen adaptation The Other Bennet Sister, showcasing her versatility in period roles. Prior to Call the Midwife, Bruccoleri appeared in series like All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, and Back to Life.
Fan Reactions to the Bridgerton Cameo
Social media erupted with excitement as viewers recognised Bruccoleri in Bridgerton. On Facebook, one fan exclaimed, "Sister Frances on the newest season of Bridgerton. She looks so different and beautiful in her costume!" Another on X (formerly Twitter) stated, "SISTER FRANCES IN BRIDGERTON SLAY?!!!!" These comments highlight the joy and surprise among fans who have followed her career from the BBC drama to Netflix's glamorous world.
Where to Watch
Call the Midwife continues to air on BBC One and iPlayer on Sundays at 8 pm, while Bridgerton is available for streaming on Netflix. Bruccoleri's transition between these two popular period dramas underscores her growing presence in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with each new role.
