Call the Midwife Expands with Film and Prequel Series

London, United Kingdom — The BBC has announced plans to create a film based on the popular series “Call the Midwife,” along with a prequel TV series set during World War II. These exciting developments come as production begins for the show’s 15th series, which continues to follow nurse midwives in London’s East End.

The upcoming film, slated for release in 1972, will feature beloved characters from the original series. Meanwhile, the prequel series will explore life in Poplar during the Blitz, a time filled with both hardship and resolve, according to showrunner Heidi Thomas.

“The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary — filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy,” Thomas said. She expressed her eagerness to delve into this deeper past and share those remarkable stories with a new audience. The film’s location remains undisclosed, but Thomas mentioned that it will look “absolutely fantastic” on the big screen.

The prequel will include some characters from the original series, though they will be portrayed by younger actors to reflect their earlier years. Thomas emphasized, “I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will.”

Dame Pippa Harris, one of the executive producers, noted that these projects aim to captivate new generations who have also become fond of the series. The 15th season will start with a two-part Christmas special in which characters embark on a mercy mission to Hong Kong, while the younger midwives manage their responsibilities back home.

As the show evolves into the 1970s, it promises to tackle contemporary issues, including Women’s Liberation, alongside traditional themes of motherhood and community. The 15th series is expected to premiere in January 2026, while the prequel series is scheduled for the following year.

The creators are enthusiastic about the future of “Call the Midwife.” Thomas called the expansion into film and history an emotional venture: “It feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right.”