Full Breakdown
BBC Begins Filming Prequel ‘Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms’
6/19/2026, 12:24:37 PM
Filming Begins on WWII Prequel
The BBC confirmed that principal photography has started on *Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms*, a three-part (3 × 60 min) Christmas special. Filming is underway at the Longcross, Surrey studio. The series is commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, produced by All3Media’s Neal Street for the BBC, with BBC Studios handling global sales. Episodes one and two are directed by Ann Tricklebank; episode three by John Maidens.
Premise and Setting
Set in September 1939, the prequel returns to Nonnatus House in Poplar as Britain enters World II. It follows young Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina, and three secular midwives—Sybil, Olive and Marianne—who deliver babies during the blackout and the Blitz. The synopsis highlights births underground, shattered families and a community coping without gas, air, penicillin or a welfare state.
Cast and Creative Team
Showrunner Heidi Thomas OBE writes and executive-produces the series with Pippa Harris DBE, Ann Tricklebank and Jo McClellan. Jenny Agutter narrates as older Sister Julienne. The main cast includes Helen Schlesinger (young Sister Monica Joan), Helena Wilson (young Sister Julienne), Amy Booth-Steel (young Sister Evangelina), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Sister Alice), Bally Gill (Dr Kit Malhotra) and Ciaran Bowling (Fred Buckle). Additional roles feature Martin McCann, Rachel O’Connell, Liv Andrusier, Lizzie Back and Ellie McKay.
Official Statements & Responses
Heidi Thomas said the series “explores what happens when women go to war,” stressing love, birth, separation and courage amid a “devastating landscape.” Pippa Harris noted the drama will “delight our loyal *Call the Midwife* audience while drawing in new viewers,” adding that the World War II setting adds fresh tension. Lindsay Salt expressed pride in extending the partnership with the *Call the Midwife* team and highlighted the cast’s fit with Thomas’s scripts.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism has been reported in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Having loved and lived with the sisters of Nonnatus House for so many years, I found myself longing to turn the clock back and tell the story of their finest hour – the Blitz.” — Heidi Thomas, Showrunner
- “Above all else, Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms is about what happens when women go to war. It is about love and birth, separation and courage, lipstick and nylons (or the lack thereof). But it is also a medical drama, set in a devastating landscape where even the nurses cannot know if they will live till morning.” — Heidi Thomas
- “It’s thrilling to watch Heidi Thomas create a series which I know will delight our loyal Call The Midwife audience, as well as drawing in new viewers.” — Pippa Harris, Executive Producer
- “ Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We feel immensely proud to continue our partnership with the Call the Midwife team to take this very special, much-loved series in such an exciting direction.” — Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama
What’s Next
*Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms* will premiere as a three-part Christmas special on the BBC. The broadcaster indicated that details about a future full-length series will be announced later.
