Call the Midwife fans fear iconic character has been 'axed' after BBC show announcement

A key update regarding Call the Midwife has been revealed, but enthusiasts are filled with worry for one of the show's most beloved characters, as they noticeably missed from a recent group photo featuring the rest of the cast.

The cherished series will return to our screens, kicking off with a special installment later in the year before segueing into series 15 come 2026.

On the official account for the show, a behind-the-scenes glimpse was shared with fans, capturing the smiling faces of popular cast members, including Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, and Linda Bassett.

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Set against a winter backdrop with fake , the photo generated excitement for the upcoming festive special.

The post stated: "NEWS! ! ! Call the Midwife Cast Begins Filming For Series 15! It's official - our team are back in Poplar!", reports .

"We are delighted to announce the commencement of filming for our fifteenth series of Call the Midwife – and this year our traditional first-scene clapperboard shot is something a bit special, with a fine group of cast members present for the start of Christmas Special recording."

The team shed light on the unique challenges faced when shooting a Christmas episode in the midst of a UK heatwave.

The caption went on: "Oh, and of course, filming Christmas means....another in the UK.

"Once more, our long-suffering team are laying down snow whilst wearing sunglasses. And our cast can look sweaty-chic in those five layers of winter clothing.

"The mood is FANTASTIC on set, however, as our team are about to film an INCREDIBLE new Christmas story!

"There is just so much to tell about this year's festive drama... but all we can say right now is that there are distant troubles, wild celebrations, new beginnings, sad reunions... and a few sore heads!".

"We just can't WAIT to show you this one. Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026."

The announcement of the period drama's return has sparked a flurry of excitement among fans, who have been expressing their joy in the comments section.

One fan gushed: "Super excited. The Christmas specials just make Christmas so much better."

Another chimed in with: "The best news, the best series", while a third shared: "Best news I've heard all week!".

However, some eagle-eyed Call the Midwife enthusiasts noticed Judy Parfitt's absence from the cast photo, sparking concerns over whether her character, Sister Monica Joan, has been written out.

Judy, aged 89, has been a staple on the show since its inception in 2012.

Fans took to social media to voice their worries, with one asking: "Where is Sister Monica Joan?", and another responding: "That's what I'm worried about."

A third commented: "I was thinking that myself...", while yet another fan pleaded for reassurance: "WHERE IS SISTER MONICA JOAN?????? DONT SCARE ME LIKE THIS".

Call the Midwife returns Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer