BBC sets record straight on Call the Midwife axe rumours as broadcaster issues clear statement
The BBC has moved swiftly to quash reports that Call the Midwife will end after its upcoming 15th series, issuing a statement to reassure millions of devoted viewers.
The Daily Star had claimed the beloved period drama would conclude its television run in 2026, with an insider telling the publication: “After years of drama and countless births, Call the Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it’s time to draw the show to a close and bow out.”
However, the BBC firmly rejected these claims. “The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come,” a spokesperson said.
“Call the Midwife isn’t going anywhere,” the broadcaster insisted.
The BBC outlined an extensive slate of upcoming Call the Midwife content, directly contradicting cancellation reports.
“As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course,” the BBC stated.
Series 15 will consist of eight hour-long episodes airing from January 2026, preceded by a two-part Christmas special in 2025 set in both Hong Kong and Poplar.
Beyond the television series, Neal Street Productions is developing a Call the Midwife film with BBC Film, set overseas in 1972 and featuring “iconic characters from the existing TV show.”
Additionally, a prequel series set in Poplar during World War II is scheduled for production in 2026, exploring the earlier lives of some beloved characters.
The cancellation rumours sparked immediate distress among the show’s dedicated fanbase on social media. One viewer posted on X: “I’m so upset I love call the midwife praying doctor who ain’t next, im scared.”
Another fan wrote: “I can’t believe they are taking Call The Midwife away from me this is a personal attack.”
A third added: “They cancelled call the midwife I’m going into a permanent mourning.”
“The bbc are gonna have nothing to air in Christmas 2026. No Doctor Who, No Call The Midwife. We might aswell just cancel the holiday,” another remarked.
Someone else shared: “All good things come to end,” while one more added: “Nooo, look forward to this every winter.” (sic)
The outcry reached Radio 2’s Scott Mills, who received a stream of messages during his breakfast show from heartbroken listeners believing the drama was ending after 13 years.
Sources close to the production suggested the show could potentially return in different formats.
One insider said: “It could be that it returns as specials, rather than a full series, but we just don’t know yet.”
The period drama, based on Jennifer Worth’s memoir, launched on BBC One in January 2012 and has since won multiple BAFTAs, TV Choice Awards and National Television Awards.
Creator Heidi Thomas revealed her enthusiasm for exploring the show’s deeper past through the prequel series.
“Having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past,” she explained.
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“The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.”
The upcoming series 15 will begin in 1971, featuring storylines about Women’s Liberation and medical cases including premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery.