Latest news with #Series15

South Wales Argus
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Call The Midwife shares huge filming update for new series
In a post on the Instagram page for the show, it confirmed that filming was officially underway in Hong Kong. Sharing a picture of the cast, it showed Dr. Turner, Sister Julienne, Fred and Violet Buckle and Shelagh Turner smiling with extra cast members. Call the Midwife shares major filming update Captioning the post, it read: "Earlier this year it was revealed that the 2025 Call the Midwife Christmas Special would be set in both Poplar and Hong Kong – and so last week, members of our team quietly jetted off to film the far eastern elements of the festive story! "What better way to mark the beginning of an exotic filming adventure than with a traditional clapperboard shot! "Our team report that the weather is rather hot and humid, but morale is very high, and the work rather exciting…. "Over the next days we'll be bringing you news and updates on the progress of our cast in Hong Kong, so do keep a look out!" @officialcallthemidwife Being husband of Mayor Buckle allows our Fred the chance to show off his ceremonial bling - but we do worry it may be giving him ideas... Straight Outta Poplar? ♬ original sound - officialcallthemidwife The post ended by confirming that Call the Midwife will return with a new Christmas special and Series 15 in 2026. It's expected that the new series will focus on the women's liberation movement. Recommended Reading Previously, it was confirmed that the BBC series would be getting a film and a prequel series. As creator of Call The Midwife, Heidi Thomas OBE shared that the spin-off prequel series will be set in Poplar during World War Two and will debut in 2026. Information on the film has been limited, but it is said to take place in 1972 and will feature fan favourite characters in an adventure overseas.


Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC confirms Call The Midwife's return amid cancellation rumours
BBC confirms Call The Midwife's return amid cancellation rumours The BBC has responded to reports that Call The Midwife will be ending after its 15th series, with the broadcaster saying that the claims are "categorically untrue" Filming for the 15th series of the beloved show started in May. (Image: INSTAGRAM via Mirror ) The BBC have quashed rumours that Call the Midwife is coming to an end, confirming that they will indeed be returning. Series 15 is set to grace our screens from January next year, and fans can also look forward to a cinematic release of a movie version, as well as a prequel series set during WWII, which will showcase younger incarnations of the beloved characters. Reaffirming their commitment to the popular drama about the lives of Nonnatus House's nuns and nurses, BBC bosses have assured viewers that the original cast will return to television screens soon after these releases. There is speculation among insiders that the show might not continue as a full series but could instead produce specials, similar to the approach taken by ITV's Downton Abbey with its post-television films. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The Mirror reported that a source had revealed: "The intention is certainly for Call the Midwife to come back to the TV in one way or another. It could be that it returns as specials, rather than a full series, but we just don't know yet. But it will be back! Fans haven't seen the last of their favourite characters yet." This morning, the BBC issued a statement to calm any concerns: "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." Article continues below The BBC denies that Call The Midwife is being axed (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Andrea southam via Mirror ) The official Call The Midwife Instagram also reassured fans. They said: "There have been a lot of stories flying around the UK press this morning about Call the Midwife supposedly coming to an end, which - unsurprisingly - has shocked and worried some of you. "Fear not! There is SO MUCH more baby business for us to do!!" They added: "We hope this puts your minds at ease! Meanwhile our team continue their work on Series 15... with some thrilling overseas filming coming very soon.... ! "Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026 xx" Fans were relieved to hear the good news. One said: "Thank goodness for that! I was literally gutted this morning. It's such a beautiful programme and I adore it. Best show on TV." Another added: "The best news. Love this show, it's like having a hot water bottle. Thank you to all the cast and crew for making it so special." Content cannot be displayed without consent Originating from Jennifer Worth's memoirs, the acclaimed series premiered on BBC1 in 2012 and quickly secured its place as a cherished fixture, consistently featuring in the BBC's Christmas Day line-up. Speculation about the programme's finale arose as cast members expressed their sentimental feelings at the start of filming for next year's instalment, uncertain if it would be followed by another season. However, in May, it was disclosed that the main series would merely "take a break" from BBC1 while attention shifted to a prequel series set during the war, showcasing a completely new cast. The film, supported by BBC Film and starring the familiar faces, is expected to commence shooting next year prior to its cinematic debut. The spin-off, set during the Blitz years of World War II, is anticipated to showcase younger iterations of many well-regarded current characters, which are expected to include Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt), Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), and Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi). There might also be an appearance from Sister Evangelina, a role enacted by Pam Ferris until her character's demise in the fifth season. Conversely, the feature film will feature the current ensemble and is likely to see some fan favourites return to screens, potentially with Miranda Hart as Chummy and Miriam Margolyes as Mother Mildred, as well as possibly introducing prominent guest stars. An insider commented at the time: "Joanna Lumley as a nun? Now that's something I'd like to see." The forthcoming film is slated to be set overseas, in 1972, a time when the increased hospital births afforded the beloved nuns and nurses an opportunity to apply their expertise internationally. Potential settings being considered are Hong Kong, the locale for this year's two-part Christmas special, or perhaps a return to South Africa, last featured in 2016. Scriptwriter Heidi Thomas shared her enthusiasm: "I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past. Article continues below "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." Dame Pippa Harris, the executive producer, also voiced her perspective: "It now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel."


Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Hot Tickets: Here are all 17 Taskmaster contestants with shows this year - from Ivo Graham to Rosie Jones
1 . Kiell Smith-Bynoe Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe must have enjoyed his last couple of visits to Edinburgh last year because he's back with his impov show 'Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro'. for the third year in a row. It's on at the Pleasance Courtyard for one week only, from August 15-22. He's also started a new double act with his show 'Kiell Smith-Bynoe V Ed MacArthur: String V SPITTA', which is billed as a "children's party for adults" and is at the Assembly George Square from August 15-17. In 2023, Smith-Bynoe appeared as a contestant on Series 15, finishing second with 158 points. He returned in 2024 for Champion of Champions III, filling in the position of Mae Martin, finishing joint fourth with 15 points. | Getty Images


Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Hot Tickets: Here are all 15 Taskmaster contestants with shows this year - from Ivo Graham to Rosie Jones
1 . Kiell Smith-Bynoe Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe must have enjoyed his last couple of visits to Edinburgh last year because he's back with his impov show 'Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro'. for the third year in a row. It's on at the Pleasance Courtyard for one week only, from August 15-22. He's also started a new double act with his show 'Kiell Smith-Bynoe V Ed MacArthur: String V SPITTA', which is billed as a "children's party for adults" and is at the Assembly George Square from August 15-17. In 2023, Smith-Bynoe appeared as a contestant on Series 15, finishing second with 158 points. He returned in 2024 for Champion of Champions III, filling in the position of Mae Martin, finishing joint fourth with 15 points. | Getty Images


Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Call the Midwife fans fear iconic character has been axed after spotting cast update
Call the Midwife fans have been left fearing that one iconic character has been axed from the show after she failed to appear in a group photo of the cast Call the Midwife has delivered a vital update regarding its upcoming series, yet fans are concerned after they noticed the absence of a key figure from a recent ensemble photo of the cast. The beloved BBC drama has confirmed it's all set to grace TV screens once again with a festive special slated for this year, followed by the much-anticipated 15th series in 2026. A fresh snapshot of the cast was posted on the show's official Instagram feed, showcasing returning favourites including Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann and Linda Bassett, all sporting wide grins in cosy winter attire amid artificial snowfall, reports Devon Live. The behind-the-scenes capture from the Christmas episode revealed the group evidently joyous. The Instagram caption proudly announced: "NEWS! ! ! Call the Midwife Cast Begins Filming For Series 15! It's official - our team are back in Poplar!!" It continued, commemorating the start of production: "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." Acknowledging the peculiarities of shooting seasonal content out of season, the post detailed how the crew tackled making a festive special amid May's heatwave in Britain. The message concluded with good humour: "Oh, and of course, filming Christmas heatwave in the UK." Crew members found themselves laying fake snow while shades were essential, and the actors managed a 'sweaty-chic' look underneath their heavy winter wardrobe. But spirits soared high at the set, as teased by the caption: "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. Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026." Devoted fans of the period drama flocked to the comments section to express their enthusiasm for the show's return. One fan wrote: "Super excited. The Christmas specials just make Christmas so much better." Another fan chimed in with: "The best news, the best series". A third fan agreed: "Best news I've heard all week!". However, some eagle-eyed Call the Midwife fans noticed Judy Parfitt's absence from the photo, sparking concerns that her character might have been written out of the show. Judy, 89, has portrayed Sister Monica Joan since the show's inception in 2012. One fan inquired: "Where is Sister Monica Joan?". This prompted another to respond: "That's what I'm worried about." A third fan shared the same concern: "I was thinking that myself..."