Call the Midwife: Christmas Special Updates and Prequel First Look

The BBC has concluded filming for the three-part Christmas special of the Call the Midwife prequel, titled Sisters in Arms. The production features Julie Hesmondhalgh in the lead role as a wartime nun and includes five new characters introduced for the 2026 special series, according to reports from the BBC and Clacton Gazette.

Production wrapped with the cast celebrating the end of filming in a series of newly released images shared by the BBC. Wales Online reported that the conclusion of filming left some members of the cast in tears.

Julie Hesmondhalgh leads Sisters in Arms cast

The Daily Mirror provided a first look at the prequel, confirming Julie Hesmondhalgh as the lead. She portrays a battling nun operating during wartime, shifting the series’ focus to the challenges faced by religious sisters providing medical care in a conflict setting.

The BBC further expanded the ensemble for the 2026 Christmas special by confirming the addition of five new characters. While the specific roles of these new additions were not detailed in the Clacton Gazette report, they join a cast that includes established television talent.

The Manchester Evening News reported that a veteran of Coronation Street has also joined the special series, though the specific identity of the actor was not listed in the initial update.

Production details for the 2026 Christmas special

Sisters in Arms is structured as a three-part event designed for the BBC’s holiday schedule.

The production’s wrap coincides with the release of promotional imagery intended to build anticipation for the 2026 broadcast.