CALL the Midwife fans have been left scratching their heads after a familiar face was noticeably missing from the first look pictures at the new series.
Fans of the drama fear the beloved character has quietly quit the show just as a brand new series is confirmed.
will be back to warm our hearts this – with a festive special confirmed before the beloved returns for its 15th series in 2026.
The show’s official page dropped a behind-the-scenes snap from the yuletide episode, showing fan favourites , Laura Main, Stephen McGann and Linda Bassett all smiles in snowy Nonnatus House scenes.
The caption read:“NEWS! ! ! Call the Midwife Cast Begins Filming For Series 15! It’s official – our team are back in Poplar! !”;
“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! 🎅🎄
“Oh, and of course, filming Christmas means... another heatwave in the UK!! Once more, our long-suffering team are laying down snow whilst wearing sunglasses â„ï¸ ðŸ˜Ž
“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... xx Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026 xx”;
Fans of the period drama were quick to share their excitement over the show’s return.
But eagle-eyed viewers couldn’t help noticing one familiar face missing.
, who plays the iconic Sister Monica Joan, was nowhere to be seen in the festive snap, sparking fears she may have quietly bowed out of the show.
Taking to the comment section, one user wrote: “Where is Sister Monica Joan?”;
Another added: “That’s what I’m worried about.”;
A third penned: “WHERE IS SISTER MONICA JOAN? ? ? ? ? ? DONT SCARE ME LIKE THIS”;
The 89-year-old actress has been on the show since it launched in 2012.
She made her film debut in the 1950s, followed by a supporting role in the BBC television serial David Copperfield.
Judy also appeared as Queen Gertrude in Tony Richardson’s 1969 film adaptation of Hamlet.
Judy found love with her husband, the late actor , after the pair worked together on a stage play at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre back in 1960.
Bonded by their shared passion for the craft, Judy and Tony built impressive careers on both sides of the Atlantic – from the West End to blockbusters.
Tony he landed roles inWar & Peace(1972-1973),The Thirty Nine Steps(1978) andScrooged(1988).
Among his best known roles, Tony starred alongside as Socrates inBill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure(1988), and he also portrayed Jasper DeKimmel inGolden Girls.
Tony sadly passed away after being diagnosed with vascular .
Having lovingly cared for him throughout his illness, Judy became a vocal advocate for dementia awareness – even using her beloved Call The Midwife character to highlight the struggles faced by those living with the condition.
Sister Monica was suffering from dementia in the series, and she previously said: “Having watched my husband, the actor Tony Steedman, succumb to this terrible disease over ten years, depicting Sister Monica Joan’s condition is still an extremely important aspect of the role to me.”;
Call The Midwife is available to watch onBBCiPlayer.
