Call the Midwife Expansion: New Film and Prequel Projects Announced
In a significant development, the BBC has confirmed that a new film and prequel series of the hit drama Call the Midwife are currently in the works. The projects will be written, created, and produced by Heidi Thomas, with executive producers Dame Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank overseeing the production of series 16 of the programme, in addition to the new projects.
According to the BBC, the prequel series will feature "some familiar (if much younger) faces", as Thomas explained. While she has "never run out of stories for our midwives", she had found herself "yearning to delve into the deeper past" than the years 1957 to 1971, which have been covered by the show. "The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary – filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy," Thomas said, as reported by the BBC.
The new film project will see the "much-loved" regular characters "take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape", Thomas revealed. The location of the film remains "top secret", she added, but promised that it would look "absolutely fantastic" on the big screen. The BBC confirmed that the first series of the show was originally inspired by the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who worked as a midwife and nurse in the community in Poplar.
Dame Pippa Harris, executive producer, stated that the prequel series and film project were being made partly for a "new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face." The BBC reported that the 15th series will begin with a two-part Christmas special, which will see characters travelling to Hong Kong on a mercy mission.
The expansion of the Call the Midwife franchise is a significant move, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the programme. The BBC confirmed that Thomas, Harris, and Tricklebank will work together to bring the new projects to life, ensuring that the show continues to captivate audiences.
As the BBC continues to develop the new film and prequel series, fans of the programme can look forward to more of the compelling storylines and memorable characters that have made Call the Midwife a beloved favourite. With the programme’s continued success, it is clear that the world of Call the Midwife will continue to thrive, offering a unique blend of drama, history, and heart.
