BBC hits back and insists Call The Midwife ‘isn't going anywhere' revealing sixteenth series is ‘in the pipeline'
Having debuted in 2012, the long-running show follows a group of midwives living in
London
's East End during the 50s and 60s.
4
The BBC have hit back at reports of Call The Midwife ending
Credit: BBC
4
The beloved period drama launched back in 2012
Credit: Alamy
4
It has been a firm favourite for many years
Credit: BBC
Throughout its run, the programme has been a huge hit with audiences across the UK.
The BBC said: "The
BBC
would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come.
"As previously announced, there are two
Christmas
specials, a new series, a
film
and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course.
"
Call the Midwife
isn't going anywhere.'
Read more on Call the Midwife
Originally,
A source told the publication: 'After years of drama and countless births,
Call The Midwife
is coming to an end.
"The team have decided it's time to draw the show to a close and bow out.
"This is the last we'll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends."
Most read in News TV
They added: 'It's a bittersweet time for the cast and crew. They're all sad it's coming to an end, but they want to make sure the show gets the ending it deserves.'
Up to 11 million people watched the highly-anticipated episodes at any time since it first launched in 2012.
Call the Midwife viewers devastated as fan-favourite character quits drama amid fears for its future
The show has won National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and has received several BAFTA nominations.
Earlier this year, The Sun revealed fans
As it is to be
set in
World War II
it could feature younger versions of older characters from
Call the Midwife.
Creator and writer Heidi Thomas said: 'The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right.
"I have never run out of stories for
"But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.
Call The Midwife: A breakdown
Call The Midwife first came onto the airwaves in 2012 and has been seen by millions. But what is it about?
Series one: Set in early 1957 and it explored the 'Baby Boom generation, which included themes of poverty and post-war immigration.
Series two: Set in 1958 and it showed gas and air being introduced for pain relief for the first time. It ended with the Nonnatus House building being condemned.
Series three: Set in 1959 and it depicted gruesome conditions such as cystic fibrosis, polio and it showed the midwives in the context on prisons.
Series four: Set in 1960 under the threat of nuclear warfare and the emergency response guidelines issued by the local Civil Defence Corp. Other themes included LGBT rights, and syphilis.
Series five: Set in 1961 and it shows the care of patients with conditions such as Typhoid and strokes. We also saw the effects of thalidomide, the introduction of the contraceptive pill.
Series six: Set in 1962 and domestic violence was at the centre of the season. Other themes included FGM (female genital mutilation), mental health issues and interracial marriage. It was also notable for the introduction of Reggie, a recurring character with Down Syndrome.
Series seven: Set in 1963 and we see Nurse Lucille Anderson for the first time. We also see the show address conditions such as dementia, huntington's disease, leprosy and meningitis
Series eight: Set in 1964 and it bravely covered the issue of abortion, which was not legal for another three years in 1967. Sickle cell disease, cleft lip, cleft palate and intersex people also featured.
Series nine: Diptheria was at the centre of the ninth instalment in 1965, and it was notable for featuring a blind expectant mother. But the role of Nonnatus House within the community also came into question.
Series ten: Set in 1966, Nonnatus House has a rival in the form of the private Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair. PKU, diabetes and the controversy surrounding abortion were central themes.
Series eleven: Set in 1967 amid the housing crisis and a scabies epidemic. The show was rocked by a train crash right next to Nonnatus House.
"The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy.
"The bombs fell, the
babies
kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.
"There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces."
Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
4
Fans will have more to look forward to - in the form of a prequel
Credit: BBC
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