Why Call the Midwife isn't on this weekend – and when it will be back
Heidi Thomas's beloved period drama has been bumped from the schedule.
Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas has written countless emotional storylines across the show's 15 seasons, but the confirmation that Sister Monica Joan is nearing the end could well be the most devastating.
It was confirmed in the most recent episode that she has chronic kidney disease, for which there is no cure.
"Unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she'll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly," warned Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), as a sombre Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) vowed to "love her as we always have, but a bit more carefully".
Actor Judy Parfitt – who is now 90 herself – has been part of the beloved period drama from the very beginning, bringing a singular wit and gravitas to the role, and becoming a firm favourite among much of the viewership – all of which makes imagining the show without her a near-total impossibility.
Thomas told Radio Times that while it was "hard" writing the season 15 finale, it was also "beautiful".
"Many of the things that I depict in that episode I have experienced in life, so it felt strangely personal," she explained. "But I think the driving thing was to do a really good job. We're only getting the chance to wrap up this iteration once, and it has to be done to the highest possible standard.
"So it's hard and it's very emotional — not because it's sad, but because it's beautiful."
But there will be no further developments this Sunday evening (22 February), which is when the series typically airs, after it was bumped from the schedule.
Read on to find out why.
Why isn't Call the Midwife on this weekend?
Awards season is well underway with the return of the BAFTA Film awards, which will air on Sunday 22 February on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7-9pm, which sadly means no Call the Midwife this week.
Read more:
- Call the Midwife boss teases "three options" for movie - to be revealed in the season 15 finale
- Call the Midwife and Bergerac favourites star in first look at "witty and painfully relatable" holiday drama
Alan Cumming is hosting, with films in the running for major awards including One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet and Marty Supreme.
Lord of the Flies will however air as normal after the ceremony has wrapped.
When will Call the Midwife season 15, episode 7 be released?
You'll have to wait until Sunday 1 March for the penultimate episode of Call the Midwife season 15.
It will air in its usual slot of 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Alongside the desperately sad news about Sister Monica Joan, other key developments include the closure of Nonnatus House's maternity home, and Rosalind and Cyril preparing to have a baby after she unexpectedly fell pregnant.
Call the Midwife season 15 will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 1 March.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
