BBC's Call the Midwife reveals its Christmas special will include a series first
Call the Midwife will mark a first by debuting two 60-minute Christmas specials later this year.
In a press release, speaking on their decision to extend the festive episodes beyond the usual 90-minute format, creator and writer Heidi Thomas said: "Who doesn't love finding an extra, unexpected present underneath the Christmas tree?
"When I was asked to write a two-part Christmas special for 2024, I couldn't resist!"
The show's executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added: "For the first time viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans."
The Christmas specials will also mark another first in the show's history by ending on a cliffhanger.
The announcement came with first-look pictures of this year's special showing the expected cheer including Cliff Parisi's Fred dressed up in his usual Santa get-up and Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) with the Turners' daughter Angela (Alice Brown) standing over a Nativity model.
Call the Midwife's festive episodes will pick up in Poplar 1969 and will centre around the funfair coming to town. The synopsis teased trouble among the merriment in the form of "influenza and the Hong Kong flu," and more.
It went on to read: "As Poplar also prepares for a carol concert, the neighbourhood is gripped by the news of an escaped prisoner and fears grow that he may be in the local area after a spate of break-ins."
The synopsis does not address the ongoing rumours surrounding Olly Rix's future as Matthew on the show and only makes reference to Trixie (Helen George) making "a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House… to see her brother Geoffrey (Christopher Harper)."
Director of BBC, Drama Lindsay Salt commented on this year's bumper-pack special stating: "Call the Midwife has become one of UK television's most popular festive traditions, and this year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife's biggest Christmas ever!
"Heidi and the team have lined up an absolute treat, with two irresistible episodes packed full of everything fans will love about this very special series at Christmas time."
Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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