Here’s Call the Midwife Christmas special

However, there are plenty of examples of series that have thrived without the person who helped make it a success – Taggart being perhaps the best demonstration of that. The character of DCI Jim Taggart was played by Mark McManus for 11 years until his death in 1994 when many believed the crime drama would end.

Instead, it continued until 2010 when it was finally axed – with many distraught fans claiming it was ending prematurely.

Despite this precedence being set, fans of Call the Midwife were nevertheless concerned for the drama’s future when Jessica Raine announced she was leaving the role of Jenny Lee. The character was at the centre of every story, and it was the real Jenny’s memoirs on which the series was based.

But they needn’t have worried. Next year, the 10th series will air, albeit an episode shorter than originally expected – only seven rather than eight have been made after filming started later than usual due to coronavirus. Additional controls were implemented to allow shooting to go ahead, with the company behind it, Neal Street Productions, announcing it was all part of their commitment to helping the nation get back to work.

“Alongside the rest of the country, we have all been devastated to see how Covid-19 has affected people around the world,” explains executive producer Pippa Harris. “Our midwives and nurses may not be the front-line heroes of today’s NHS, but by getting back to work, they, and we, hope to bring some joy and respite into people’s lives.

“In such difficult times, the values of Call The Midwife seem more resonant than ever. In series ten we will continue to celebrate the skill and bravery of the UK’s NHS whilst bringing laughter and love into our homes.”

Before the 10th series airs there is, of course, the small matter of a 90-minute Christmas special for fans to enjoy.

“Everyone was overjoyed to be whisking the dust sheets off Nonnatus House and getting back to filming after lockdown,” says another of the show’s executive producers, Mona Qureshi. “It is a particular thrill to be able to deliver the Christmas special on time, just as we promised at the start of the pandemic. We are very much a family at Call The Midwife, and like families everywhere, we missed each other. We have put more love and energy into our work than ever and can’t wait to share everything with our fantastic, loyal audience.”

The special takes place in December 1965, and everyone is looking forward to Christmas, but as usual, nothing goes to plan. Sister Monica Joan is rushed to hospital and Trixie is offended by one of her gifts. On a happier note, Shelagh is involved in a moving birth, while the circus comes to town providing Nurse Crane with an adventure.