Sisters In Arms: Filming for Call The Midwife spin-off 'Christmas special' wraps
The prequel is set during World War II
Last updated 22 hours ago
Call The Midwife fans rejoice — we've had news that filming for the beloved BBC show's eagerly-awaited spin-off entitled Sisters In Arms has now wrapped, and it will be heading our way THIS Christmas. It follows an emotional end to series 15 earlier this year AND the news that there will a brief hiatus before series 16 gets underway.
But fear not, there's plenty more nostalgia to come from the nuns of Nonnatus, with an upcoming movie in the works too. Here's everything we know so far...
In a post shared on Instagram on Saturday 8th August — which contained some exciting new images — BBC bosses revealed: 'Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms 🎁 Filming has wrapped on the Christmas special! New pictures show Julie Hesmondhalgh, Helena Wilson, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier and Lizzie Back for the first time on set. The three-part special is coming to #iPlayer this Christmas.'
The update thrilled fans, who have been looking forward to seeing Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh in character for the first time. She'll play Sister Alice, who is new to the Call The Midwife cast.
Back in May 2025, BBC bosses first revealed plans for a spin-off which is set before the first series of Call The Midwife began, with some popular characters making an appearance.
Filming for the prequel, which is set during World War II, got underway in June 2026 — and features younger versions of Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan (previously played by Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris and Judy Parfitt).
Series writer and executive producer, Heidi Thomas, explains: “The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right. I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.
"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. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces.”
She's since revealed that there won't be a traditional Christmas special in 2026, with Sisters In Arms premiering over Christmas in its place — in three parts.
Meanwhile, filming for a Call The Midwife movie is also expected to get underway in 2026. Set overseas in 1972, the film will star 'iconic' members of the existing Call The Midwife cast.
Heidi said: “As the classic Call The Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape. The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters. Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!”
The spin-off and movie are both being written, created and produced by showrunner Heidi Thomas, and executive producers Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank, who is also the series producer.
It will be narrated by Sister Julienne actress Jenny Agutter, and sees an impressive new cast join the ranks.
NOW READ: Corrie legend leads cast in new WWII Call The Midwife spin off
Dame Pippa Harris said: “We have all been delighted by the way audiences have continued to embrace Heidi’s imaginative and moving stories from Nonnatus House. In an increasingly competitive viewing environment not only have our loyal fans stayed with us for 14 years, but they’ve been joined by a new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face. Emboldened by this warmth and enthusiasm, now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel!”
When is the prequel coming to screens?
Sisters In Arms will premiere on screens THIS Christmas, filling the usual spot which has been filled by the beloved Call The Midwife Christmas Special since 2012.
It will be aired in three parts.
When will the Call The Midwife movie be in the cinema?
There's no word on a release date just yet, but we know filming will begin in 2026. More details will be announced soon.
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