The beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife is set to make a festive return this year with a thrilling two-part Christmas special, promising drama and heart in equal measure ahead of its highly anticipated fifteenth series.
When to Watch the Festive Episodes
Mark your calendars, as the special will once again be split across two nights. The first hour-long episode will air on BBC One on Christmas Day at 8:15pm. The story will then conclude with the second instalment, which broadcasts at the slightly later time of 8:30pm on Boxing Day.
A Dramatic Plot: From Poplar to Hong Kong
While the residents of Poplar are busy preparing for their Christmas celebrations, familiar faces Fred and Violet Buckle (played by Cliff Parisi and Annabelle Apsion) embark on a journey to Hong Kong to visit Violet's son. Their holiday takes a shocking turn upon arrival when they witness the aftermath of a devastating landslide, which has caused a large building to collapse with apparent casualties.
Back in London, Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) confirms the terrible news, prompting a swift response from the Nonnatus House team. A rescue party is hastily assembled for an emergency trip to the Far East. As series stalwart Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, explained, the mission in Hong Kong holds a special significance, being the former home of the Turners' adopted daughter, May. The team aims to help find new premises and provide crucial support in the wake of the disaster.
Returning Cast and New Faces
The special will feature the return of the show's core ensemble, alongside several notable guest stars. The confirmed returning cast includes:
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Helen George as Trixie Aylward
- Linda Bassett as Nurse Phyllis Crane
- Stephen McGann and Laura Main as Dr. Patrick and Shelagh Turner
- Annabelle Apsion and Cliff Parisi as Violet and Fred Buckle
- Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine
- Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica
Viewers can also expect to see Christopher Harper reprising his role as Trixie's brother, Geoffrey Franklin, and a guest appearance from The Regime star Henry Goodman as Mr. Fischer.
Behind the Scenes: Filming in Extreme Conditions
Although the show's fictional Poplar is typically recreated at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, production for this year's festive episodes ventured much further afield. A significant portion was filmed on location in Hong Kong, an experience the cast described as unforgettable but challenging.
Rebecca Gethings (Sister Veronica) recounted filming in extreme heat and even during a typhoon, which forced the crew to shelter in their hotel. Cliff Parisi shared amusing anecdotes about filming sequences on a ferry, which had to be manoeuvred repeatedly to maintain consistent background shots, rather than making an actual crossing.
This ambitious international storyline ensures the Call the Midwife Christmas Special for 2025 will be a standout event, blending the series' trademark warmth with high-stakes drama in an exotic locale.
