Call the Midwife's Sister Monica Joan confronts painful fear – but a heartwarming moment follows

When a mystery visitor asked to rent out Cyril’s flat in the Call the Midwife Christmas special, little did he know that his pockets wouldn't be the only thing feeling full over the coming days.

Mr Fisher's arrival filled his heart, too – as it did everyone who came into contact with the distinguished gentleman.

At first, very little was known about him, other than his burning desire to stay in Cyril's home. But across the two-parter, we learned that Mr Fischer – a Jewish man – was in fact a renowned actor, who goes by the stage name Maurice Templemore.

Terminally ill, he longed to spend the end of his life in his childhood home: the very flat Cyril's currently living in. And he also wanted to do so as a Fischer, using his original name.

"I came here because I wanted to come home," he told Rosalind after settling into his temporary digs. But since returning, he'd been struck by a painful realisation.

"I failed to remember the fact that home is where your family are… or were," he added.

With his own loved ones now gone, Rosalind took it upon herself to make sure Mr Fischer was surrounded by warmth and love in his final days, starting by sending Sister Monica Joan his way – the perfect choice, for an unexpectedly heartwarming reason.

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After they met, they quickly realised she was the midwife on call when his brother was born in 1903, which brought him great comfort.

And after spending an evening together, discussing their respective religions, an idea sparked that would give Mr Fischer everything he needed before he shuffled off this mortal coil.

With Hanukkah – also known as the Festival of Lights – just around the corner, Rosalind fetched a rabbi for Mr Fischer, whose health was quickly deteriorating. A small group then gathered at his bedside, including Cyril and Sister Monica Joan, while the rabbi lit the menorah and sang a prayer.

Death was near but in that moment, Mr Fischer felt at peace as he reached for Sister Monica Joan's hand and thanked them all for their companionship.

A short while later, he died, with a contended expression on his face. While he wasn't surrounded by his own family, Nonnatus House's makeshift one was just what he needed in that moment.

"I have seen death before," remarked Miss Higgins's grandson Harry, who was also there when Mr Fischer passed. "It is terrible, and it can be beautiful. I think today it was that."

But in the quiet that followed, Sister Monica Joan appeared visibly despondent, before reflecting on her own life – and considering what might await at her at the end, if anything... or anyone, for that matter.

"I have seen lovers come to fetch the dying, I have seen mothers come, but I have known no lover, I have borne no child, and my parents have spurned me," she said, melancholically. "I have asked myself more often of late than in years gone by: who will come for me when my time on earth concludes?"

Thankfully, her friends were there to comfort her, assuring her that she will not be alone.

"Your sisters will comfort you — those you knew in life, those who coached you through the novitiate, those who knelt beside you in prayer and by the beds of everyone you served," said Sister Catherine. "So many sisters will come."

"God can't have you yet – we can't spare you," added Rosalind.

Amen to that. Sister Monica Joan may not be as visible in the community as she once was, but her presence remains invaluable. And, when her final moments come, there will be no shortage of people waiting to hold her hand.

Call the Midwife season 15 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026.

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